Kolanjiappar Temple, Manavalanallur – The Temple
This
Temple is facing towards east with five tiered
Rajagopuram. The
Temple is enclosed by compound walls on all sides. The
Temple covers an area of about 6 acres. There is another gopuram on
the northern side. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of pillared hall, Maha
Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Kolanji Appar and is facing
east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of a small altar 3 ft
(0.91 m) high. Lord Muruga in the
temple is Swayambhu Murthy.
It is unique as this form is against the traditional
depiction of sculpted idol or stucco images. Below the altar, is a chakra carved
in stone with the Satakshara Mantra (Mantra of six letters) of Lord Muruga. All
pujas and abisheks are dedicated to Lord Muruga in the form of Bali Peeta. The
Sanctum has windows on other three directions which can't be seen in any other
Temple.
Lord Siddhi Vinayaka in his huge form graces from a
shrine in the Mahamandapam facing east on the right of Lord Kolanji Appar. Both
shrines have separate vimanas. Two horses are before these shrines looking
majestically as if ready for a hunt. There is a shrine for Muniappa close to
Maha Mandapam. This Shrine is facing the sanctum. There are hundreds of
tridents made of steel and stones densely planted opposite Muniappa.
There is another deity, Veeranar can be seen nearby
Muniappa Shrine. There are separate shrines for Idumban and Kadamban behind the
sanctum. The
Temple also have a marriage hall, a shopping complex, Mani Mandapam,
Sidhar Mandapam and a guesthouse for the devotees. Sthala Vriksham is Kolanji
Tree. Theertham associated with this
Temple is Manimutharu River. There is a Deer and peacock Park in the
temple premises.
