Iravaatheeswarar Temple,
Kanchipuram – The Temple
This temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch but there is another entrance on the west side with a two tiered Rajagopuram. The temple is situated at about 3 feet below ground level. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. Nandi head is facing towards north side and housed under a Mandapam. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and 16 pillared Mahamandapam and a frontal porch on the southern side.
The Sanctum and Ardha Mandapam belonged to Pallava period. The Maha Mandapam and frontal porch are of later additions. The Mahamandapam can be accessed from south through steps on east and west side. Presiding Deity is called as Mrithyunjeswarar / Irava Sthanathu Iraivan / Iravaatheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.
Somaskanda panel can be found on the wall behind Lingam. The Vimana over the sanctum is of two tiers and follows Nagara style architecture. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. Kamakshi Amman of Kanchi Kamakshi temple is considered as the consort of Lord Shiva. There are shrines for Vinayaga and Nagas in the temple premises.
The wall around the sanctum are adorned with sculptures of Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Bikshadana, Lord Shiva in Viruchika Karna, Gaja Samhara Murthy, Jalandhara Samhara Moorthy, Gangadhara, Kala Samhara Moorthy, Durga, Sukhasana Moorthy and several other miniature sculptures of Hindu pantheon.
The four corners of the sanctum walls have the standing horned lions (Vyala) and Dvarapalas. The griva portion of the vimana has the sculptures of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu and Brahma. Friezes of Bhootha Gana can be found on top of the walls. Theertham associated with this temple is Swetha Kulam.
