Mahalingeswarar Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur – Prakarams
The temple has three famous Prakarams (precincts) namely Aswamedha Pradakshina, Kodumudi and Pranava. According to many legends associated with the temple, it is considered highly auspicious to do a Pradakshinam (a circumambulatory walk through the corridors) on these 3 corridors.
Aswamedha Pradakshinam Praharam:
Reaching the temple and circling the inner way of the first wall, to worship the Lord Marudapperumaan is known as Aswamedha Pradakshinam. Those who do this will receive all benefits. Going around this Praharam will give the effect of doing Aswamedha Yaga. The Circumbulation around this Praharam is around half a KM and is quite popular like Thiruvannamalai Girivalam. Those in ill health believed to have been caused by evil spirits, are said to find relief through prayers offered in this shrine and through circumambulation of this outermost prakaram.
Before beginning this sacred exercise, one should worship Lord Muruga. One has to limit his prayer duration as one, half and quarter Mandalams. The going around also must be stipulated as one hundred and eight, twenty-four, twelve and seven circles. It is believed that the devotees who circle around on the Thiru Karthigai Deepam day and during the Thai month festival will receive immense benefits.
Kodumudi Praharam:
This is the middle corridor and doing Pradakshinam in this prakaram will give the effect of visiting Mount Kailash - the Abode of Lord Shiva.
Pranava Prakaram:
This is the inner most corridor and doing Pradakshinam in this prakaram will give Moksha to the devotees. This Praharam contains lot of sculptures dating back to the Nayak period of the 16th century CE. One of the notable among them, is the sculpture of a chariot having twelve pillars, each denoting the twelve lagnas. There is an image of Chokkanathar in the northern portion of Kodumudi precinct.
There are two sets Nayanmars idols in this prakaram out of which one set is made of bronze. Shrine of Vembadi Murugan can be found in this Praharam. The Shrine is constructed in the form of Chariot with wheels and pulled by horse. Singa Muha Theertham (Krishna Koopam / Singa Mugha Kinaru) and south facing Bhairavar Shrine can be found in this Praharam. There is a beautiful image of Bala krishnan below the majestic Maruda Tree in this precinct