Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Vijayanatheswarar Temple, Vijayamangai – The Temple

Vijayanatheswarar Temple, Vijayamangai – The Temple
The temple is facing east with an entrance arch with Shiva & Parvathy stucco image. Vinayagar, Nandhi and Balipeedam are after the entrance arch. The temple was constructed by the Medieval Cholas in accordance with contemporary Chola designs. However, there are major differences in construction, the height of the entrance is shorter than the height of the Vimanam above the main shrine.  



There is no Rajagopuram nor a flag staff in this temple. Presiding Deity is called as Vijayanatheswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord Shiva in the temple is a Swayambumurthi.  The scar caused by Arjuna is still visible on the Shiva Linga. Only Dakshinamoorthy is seen in the Koshta. Lord Murugan and Vinayaga can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum.



Mother is called as Mangalanayagi / Mangalambikai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine with a sanctum and Artha Mandapam. Mother Mangala Nayaki graces devotees with her two hands with Abhaya Mudra (assuring protection to devotees), one with Akshamala and Neelotpala flower in the fourth. 



There is a shrine for Lord Murugan in the Temple premises. Saint Arunagirinathar had sung the glory of Lord Muruga in the temple in his Thirupugazh hymns. There are shrines for Nardana Vinayakar, Anugraha Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswarar, Kalabhairava, Sun and Moon in the Temple premises. Theertham associated with this Temple are Arjuna Theertham, Kollidam River and Manniyaru River.