Ardhanareeswarar & Ashtabuja Durgai Temples, Nanganallur
– The Temple
The temple is facing east with a huge pond on the left
side and a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Palipeedam and Nandhi are
immediately after the Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Arthanareeswarar.
Sanctum houses the presiding deity in the form of Lingam. The Shivalinga is big
in size compared to normal Shiva temples in India, with a radius of 3.5 feet which
is mounted on a platform. As the deity's idol was under water for a long
period, he is known as Jalakandeswarar (Jal standing for water). Later on, the
name was changed to Arthanareeswara.
The sanctum sanctorum
consists of sanctum, Arthamandapam and Maha Mandapam. Idols of Bala Ganapathy
and Balasubramanya can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. There is a
sculpture of Arthanareeswarar can be found in the sanctum. Vinayagar,
Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durga are Koshta Idols located
around the sanctum walls. Shrine of Natarajar, Arthanareeswarar, Somaskandar
and Navagrahas can be found in the Mahamandapam. Mother is called as Arthanareeswari
/ Tripura Sundari. The mother goddess Tripura Sundari is found at a separate
shrine, next to the lord facing south.
A life-size idol of Ashtabuja
Shanthi Durga, said to be bigger than that of ancient Patteeswaram temple near
Kumbakonam is installed in a separate shrine just at the rear of the
Ardhanareeswarar temple. The Idol in this temple is about 8 feet height holding
various weapons as Vishnu Durga. Upper hands hold Conch and Discuss. The well
sculpted Durga is a treat to the eyes of the devotees and is well known
as Sarvabhishta Bala Nayaki.
There is a Lion Vahana in front of her shrine.
