Dharmapureeswarar Temple,
Muzhaiyur – The Temple
This temple is facing towards west with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar flanked by Vinaya, Muruga, Parvathy and Nayanmars. The temple covers an area of about more than one acre. 12 Rasi Lingams can be seen at the left side immediately after the entrance. This temple follows Mada Koil architecture (temples built at an elevation). The Sanctum is located the first floor. The steps leading to the sanctum is facing north.
Sculpture of Amaraneedi Nayanar with his wife can be seen on the side wall of the steps. There is a circumbulatory path around the sanctum. The entrance to the sanctum can be found in the southern side. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Dharmapureeswarar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lingam is having 16 stripes on its Bana (Shodasa Lingam).
Arthanareeswarar, Durga, Brahma, Lingodbhava, Dakshinamoorthy and Vinayagar are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar can be found in his usual location. Mother is called as Vimala Nayagi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the right side of the sanctum.
There is another shrine for Lord Murugan along with his consorts Valli & Deivanai near to Mother shrine. Shrine of Amaraneedi Nayanar along with consort in Anjali posture can be seen near Murugan Shrine. There is a shrine for Appar in the circumbulatory path around the sanctum. Vinayaga can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Idols of Bhairavar and Suryan can be seen nearby.
Sculptures depicting fights between a lion and a warrior, the slaying of Hiranyakasipu and the lifting of the Kailasa Parvata by Ravana can be seen in the temple premises. There are several carvings of great beauty in this temple dating back to the period of the later Cholas. Sthala Vriksham is Nelli tree. Theertham associated with this Temple is Soma Theertham.
