Abathsahayeswarar Temple,
Thukkachi – The Temple
The temple is famous for its
sculptural and architectural beauty. The temple once had seven Prakarams but
currently only two prakarams remains. Also, only three Gopurams are seen of
which two have damaged extensively. Deep rooted trees pose danger to the
remaining structures. The Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers but only 3 tiers are
remaining. The Sanctum Sanctorum is having Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and
Sanctum.
There are nine steps on northern
and southern side to reach the Mandapam. These steps are usually called as
Navaranga Padi. This Structure is designed in Chariot style driven by horses
and elephants. There is a shrine for Somaskandar in south side of the
Mahamandapam. No Idol is there presently. Presiding Deity is called as
Abathsahayeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form
of Lingam.
Vimana over the
sanctum is similar to the one at Darasuram Airavatesvara temple. Vinayaga,
Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma are the Koshta Idols located around the
sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar is housed in a separate south facing shrine.
Mother is called as Soundaranayaki. She is housed in a separate south facing
shrine.
There is a separate shrine for
Durga on the right side in the first prakaram in the temple premises. Her
shrine is having a front Mandapam. It is a dilapidated structure over which
plenty of plants have grown. The damaged idol of Durga has been shifted and
kept separately. She is in standing posture with 8 hands. She faces south,
unlike in other Shiva temples where she faces north.
There is a shrine for
Sarabeswarar in the Temple premises. This shrine is older than Thirubhuvanam
Sarabeswarar Temple. Hence, he is called as Aadhi Sarabeswarar. This Shrine is
situated in the Maha Mandapam in the north side and he is facing south.
Narasimhamurhi with folded hands can be seen at the feet of Sarabeswarar. The
Sarabeswarar shrine of the temple is considered to be the first of the three
Sarabeswarar temples built in the temple town of Kumbakonam. Poojas are
conducted to him on Sundays during Rahukalam to get rid of diseases, enmity
etc.
There is a shrine
for Chamundeshwari in the prakaram facing south and worshipped on all
important dates. She has a Jwala Kesam. She answers the prayers in the absence
of Durga Devi. Special poojas are conducted during Rahu Kalas and on Fridays to
cross all obstacles in this birth. There are two Bhairavars (Maha Bhairavar
& Kaala Bhairavar) in this temple. People conduct Parihara pujas here to
free themselves from the bad effects of Sani. As there is no Navagraha peeta
for the people of this village only few Grahas are installed, that too facing
the same direction.
Karpaga Vinayaga Shrine can be
found in the south west side of the first prakaram. Murugan Shrine can be found
in the west side of the first prakaram. He is gracing the devotees along with
his consorts Valli & Deivanai. Idols of Saptha Mathas and Vinayaga can be
found in the Thiru Maligai Thiruchutru of the first prakaram (enclosed mandapam
running around the first courtyard).
There is an entrance to the
second prakaram in the south side of the first prakaram. The front Mandapam in
this prakaram contains Chola paintings in ruined state. There is a big Vasantha
Mandapam on the right side in the second prakaram. This mandapam is in complete
ruins. There are also shrines of Varahi, Kubera and Jyeshta Devi can be found
in the Temple premises. There is the famous Pathiri tree in the temple complex.
A Shivalinga and an idol of Parvathi are installed below the tree.
