Sunday, June 14, 2020

Abhimukeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam – The Temple

Abhimukeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam – The Temple
This is a small west facing Temple with a two-tiered Rajagopuram. The Temple is situated on the eastern bank of the Mahamaham Tank. The Entrance is facing the west side. Presiding Deity is called as Abhimukeswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. He is facing west. It is noteworthy that the Dwara Palakas (security men) in Lord Abi Mukheswarar shrine are in dancing posture as Lord Nataraja.



On the outer wall on the northern side is Brahma and on the east is Lingothbhavar and on the south beautiful idol of Dakshinamurthy blesses the devotees.  Lord Yoga Dakshinamurthy appears in a sitting posture with one leg kneeled down. He looked different compared to other temples his head was slightly bent. Mother is called as Amirthavalli. She is housed in a separate shrine. Her shrine is situated on the right side of the sanctum.



The Navagrahas are on the small Peetam. Sani Bhagawan of this temple is taller than the other 8 planets in the Navagraha shrine. The idol of Lord Bhairava has special importance in the temple. He is taller than the Bhairavas in the 12 Maha Magam temples. There are also shrines for Ganesha and Hanuman in the temple premises. The sacred tree of this temple is Gooseberry.