Thirukolanatha
Swamy Temple, Thirukolakudi
– The Temple
This Temple is situated in the western limits of
Thirukolakudi Village. This Temple complex consists of three major Shiva
Shrines in three levels and a Murugan Shrine. Three Shiva Shrines at different
levels resembles the concept of Bhumi (Shrine at Foot Hills), Antharam (Shrine
at the mid of the Hills) and Swargam (Shrine at the Hill top).
Bhumi (Shrine at Foot Hills):
This Shrine is situated at the
foothills and represents Bhumi (Earth). Presiding Deity of this Shrine is
Poyyamozheesar / Sathyavaageswarar. He is housed in the shrine in the form of
Lingam. He is facing west. Mother is called as Maragatha Valli. She is housed
in a separate shrine and is in standing posture. There is a shrine for
Vinayagar in this level. Mother Shrine is situated to western side of the
Vinayagar Shrine.
There is a rock surface called
Thiruparai in this level before the steps leading to the shrines in the upper
level. This rock is about 10 sq. ft in area and is about 1.7 cms height. It is
believed that if devotees appeal to this rock for any judgement, if their
intention is good, will get their judgement in their favour.
Antharam (Shrine at the mid of the Hills):
This Shrine is situated at the
mid-level of the hills after crossing 60 steps. This Shrine represents Antharam
(Neither World). Presiding Deity of this shrine is called as
Shivadharmapureeswarar. He is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the
form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy. Mother is called as Shivagama
Valli. She is housed in a separate shrine. Her Shrine is situated to the north
east of Shivadharmapureeswarar Shrine.
There is a Theertham called
Thavalai Padaathasunai, behind Shiva Dharmapureeswarar Shrine. Also, a massive
honeycomb can be found in a rock surface near this Theertham. It is believed
that this massive Honeycomb represents Saptha Mathas. Saptha Mathas are
residing here in the form of Honeycomb. There is an east facing shrine for
Malai Moorthy Vinayagar in this level. He is also called as Veerakathi
Vinayagar. It is believed that the people worshipping him will be bestowed with
patience and bravery.
Swargam (Shrine at the Hill top):
This Shrine is situated at the
hill top and represents Swargam (Heaven). There are steps to the north side of
Thavalai Padaathasunai, leading to this Shrine. This Shrine is a rock cut cave
shrine. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Mukha Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding
Deity of this shrine is called as Thirukolapureeswarar / Kakolapureeswarar /
Thirukolanatha Swamy. He is housed in the shrine in the form of Lingam and is
facing east. Lingam was carved from the parent rock itself. Nandi can be found
facing the shrine. It is carved on the rock in front of the shrine. Mother is
called as Athma Nayagi / Avudai Nayagi. She is housed in a separate shrine and
she is in standing posture.
Murugan Shrine:
There is a shrine for
Subrahmanya Swamy at the hill top. There are steps leading to this shrine,
above Thirukolapureeswarar shrine. He is gracing the devotees along with his consorts
Valli & Deivanai and is facing east. He is having six faces and twelve
hands.
Anna Lingam:
There is a peak next to the
Murugan Shrine. This peak contains Mandapam at the top. Anna Lingam can be
found inside this Mandapam and is facing east.
Thirukolakudi Peak:
There is another peak next to
Anna Lingam. Thiru Karthigai Deepa Mandapam can be found on top of this peak.
This Peak is the highest point in Thirukolakudi Hills.
Ulakkai Kundru and Pichuzhippaarai:
There is a hillock called Ulakkai Kundru to
the northern side and a hillock called Pichuzhippaarai on south eastern side of
the Thirukolakudi Hills. Rocks on these hillocks are located in such a way that
they can fall at any time. These rocks defies the law of gravity.
