Vishwanathar Temple, Mukhasaparur, Cuddalore
Vishwanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva located at Mukhasaparur Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore
District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Vishwanathar and Mother is
called as Annapoorani. This Temple houses the Jeeva Samadhi of Gorakka Siddhar.
Legends
It is believed that Gorakka Siddhar worshipped Lord
Shiva of this Temple. It is also believed that Gorakka Siddhar attained Jeeva
Samadhi in this Temple. He had sung about Lord Shiva and Annapoorani of this
Parur Temple in his songs. According to some sources, this temple was completed
by Korakkar.
History
The Temple was believed to be built around 12th
Century A.D. This temple structure does not match to any of the known
architectural styles. This temple structure is matched only by the Perumal
Temple of the same village. Around 200 years ago, Parur Palayam was ruled by a
Polygar with Parur as its capital. Mukhasa, a Muslim general invaded the area
and destroyed the temples in Parur Palayam. Vishwanathar Temple is one among
them. After his invasion, the village came to be called as Mukhasa Parur. It is
strange to find that the village was named after its destroyer.
The Temple
This is an east facing Temple with an entrance arch. There
is ancient Nandi Mandapam and Balipeedam outside the Temple. Presiding Deity is
called as Vishwanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the
form of Lingam. Nandi housed in a Mandapam, Dhwaja Sthambam and Balipeedam can
be found facing the sanctum. Sun rays will fall on Shiva Lingam during
Shivaratri.
Vinayagar, Dakshinamoorthy, Annamalaiyar and Durga are
the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be
found in his usual location. There is a sculpture of Gorakka Siddhar
worshipping Lord Shiva can be found near to Chandikeswarar shrine in the nearby
wall.
Mother is called as Annapoorani. She is housed in a
separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the
sanctum. There is a Nandi in front of Mother shrine. There are separate shrines
and Idols of Kannimoola Vinayagar, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli &
Deivanai, Korakkar, Bhairavar, Suryan, Aishwarya Lakshmi, Chandran and
Navagrahas in the Temple premises.
Gorakkar Siddhar Jeeva Samadhi can be found in a
separate Mandapam in the Temple premises. A Lingam has been installed at his
Jeeva Samadhi. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the Lingam. There is a
Neem Tree in the Temple premises. A unique aspect of this Tree is one of the
roots can be seen above the ground level. It appears like a giant snake
circling around the tree.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Mukhasa Parur
Railway Station, 8 Kms from Vijayamanagaram, 9 Kms from Puvanur Railway
Station, 12 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Virudhachalam, 12 Kms
from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 14 Kms from Ulundurpet, 73 Kms from Cuddalore,
133 Kms from Trichy Airport, 202 Kms from Chennai Airport and 223 Kms from
Chennai. Travel in Virudhachalam to Ulundurpet Road, take a left at Vijayamanagaram
and travel for another 8 Kms to reach this Temple.
