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.
