Airavateshwarar Temple,
Melamaruthuvakudi – The Temple
The
Temple is facing east with five tiered Rajagopuram. Nandi
and Balipeedam can be found in the outer prakaram facing the sanctum. Nandi is
located slightly away from its original position. The Nandi is called as Bana
Nandi. One can see small holes / pores on the body of Nandi. It is
believed the Nandi was injured with Maruthuvasura's arrows and protected his
master Shiva.
Presiding
Deity is called as Airavateshwarar and is facing east. He is housed in
the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Lingam is believed to made of white clay
and considered as Swayambhu (self-manifested). Hence, the abishekam is
performed to the Kavacham which covers the Linga. Mother
is called as Abhirami Amman. She is housed in a separate south facing
shrine.
There is a shrine for Vinayagar in
the south west corner of the
temple premises. Lord Vinayaga is called as Viruchika Vinayagar as
his trunk resembles Viruchika (Scorpion). The idol is carved with images of
scorpion (Viruchika) all over the body. He is believed to be able to heal
poisonous insect bites of those who worship him.
There are two more Vinayaga
idols in the temple. One idol is situated at the entrance near Nandi and the
other idol is situated below Vanni tree along with Naga Idols in the prakaram. Also,
Two Lingas can be found below this tree. Shrine of Naalvar and few ancient
idols can be found in the temple
premises.
There is a Navagraha Shrine on
the North East corner of the temple premises. All the planets are present with
their respective vehicles (Vahanas). There is a separate shrine for Lord
Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai. Sthala Vriksham is Vilva
Tree. Theerthams associated with this
Temple are Chandra, Yama, Agni, Agastya, Brahma, Kashyapa, Gowthama
and Sesha Theertham.
