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Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Palasavanathar Temple, Naalur – The Temple

Palasavanathar Temple, Naalur – The Temple
This is a Mada Type Temple. The Temple is facing east with an entrance without Gopuram. There is spacious outer prakaram and then devotees have to climb up nine steps to reach the Mada Temple. After climbing the stairs, Front Mandapam can be accessed from the southern prakaram. Balipeedam and Nandhi are found facing the sanctum in the front mandapam.




After crossing front mandapam, Mukhamandapam can be reached. Idols of Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the Mukhamandapam. After crossing Mukhamandapam, Arthamandapam can be reached. At the end of Arthamandapam, Sanctum housing Lord Shiva can be reached. Presiding Deity is called as Sambareesvarathu Mahadevar / Sambareesvarathu Perumanadigal as per the inscriptions available in the Temple.



Presently Lord is called as Palasavanathar / Swayambu Nathar / Gnanaprathar / Brahma Muktheeswarar / Amirthakalasa Nathar. Lord is Swayambu Moorthy. Finger Prints can be seen on the Lingam. Lingam is housed in square Avudaiyar. The vimana, the roof over the sanctum is Gajabrushta (Thoongayanai Madam) in design (like that of an elephant's seated posture).



Chandikeswarar is found in in his usual location. It is believed that the Lord Shiva was worshiped by Suryan. Even today, Sun rays falls on Lord Shiva on 3rd, 4th and 5th day of Chithirai Month. Mother is called as Periya Nayagi / Brihan Nayagi. She is facing south. Mother is housed in separate shrine located in northern prakaram. Shrine of Vinayaga can be found on the south-western side of the prakaram. Sthala Theertham is Chandra Theertham.




Inscriptions:
An inscription belonging to the 38th regnal year of Parantaka (945 AD) was found on a door at the entrance to the sanctum of the Palasavanathar temple. It records the gift of 92 sheep by Nakkan Adittan, a merchant from Mukkarai, to light a perpetual lamp at the temple of Sambarisvaram (the ancient name for the temple) every day with one ‘uzhakku' (measure) of ghee. The sheep were handed over to temple shepherds, who undertook the responsibility of measuring the ghee every day.