Vishwanatha
Swamy Temple, Koovathur, Ariyalur
Vishwanatha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Koovathur Village near Andimadam in Udayarpalayam Taluk in Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Vishwanatha Swamy and Mother is called as Visalakshi. This Temple is considered as one among the Pancha Bhooda Sthalams located around Andimadam.
It is believed that Sage Agastya installed and
worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple. Sage Agastya constructed five Shiva
Temples around Andimadam representing Pancha Bhoodas. This Temple is considered
as one among them. The Shiva Temples linked to this Pancha Bootha Sthalams are;
·
Thirukodi
Vanatheeswarar Temple, Thirukalappur
·
Mela
Agastheeswarar Temple, Andimadam
·
Shiva
Lingeswarar Temple, Sivalingapuram
·
Vishwanatha
Swamy Temple, Koovathur
·
Azhakeswarar
Temple, Azhagapuram
The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east. The Temple is built with laterite stones. The Temple is in complete ruins. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. The roofs of the sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam were lost. Presiding Deity is called as Azhakeswarar and is east facing.
He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother is called as Visalakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There are shrines for Vinayagar and Murugan in the temple premises. The idols in these shrines were lost. Heads of Nandi, Visalakshi and Dakshinamoorthy were broken off by miscreants.
The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Andimadam
Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Andimadam, 13 Kms from Srimushnam, 27 Kms from Virudhachalam,
30 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 11 Kms from Jayamkondam, 20
Kms from Gangaikonda Cholapuram, 47 Kms from Ariyalur and 143 Kms from Trichy
Airport. The Temple is situated on Jayamkondan to Virudhachalam Route after
Andimadam. The Temple is situated inside Government ITI, Andimadam. It is
located to the south western corner of the ITI Campus.