Somanatha Swamy Temple, Keezh
Pazhayarai – The Temple
The temple is facing towards east and has three prakarams. The Somanathar temple resembles the Airavateshwarar Temple at Darasuram, and Kampaheswarar Temple at Thirubhuvanam. It has the remains of a 7-tiered Rajagopuram similar to Chidambaram and Thiruvarur Temples. It has Bharatanatyam Karanas depicted on the panels. The architectural style and iconic features are similar to Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, Airavateshwarar Temple at Darasuram, and Kampaheswarar Temple at Thirubhuvanam.
Balipeedam and Nandi can be found after this dilapidated Rajagopuram. A newly built three tiered Rajagopuram can be found after crossing Nandi in the outer prakaram. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Mukha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. The Sanctum is located in elevated position immediately after this newly built Rajagopuram. The Sanctum is constructed in the form of Mada Kovil as it is situated about 6 feet higher than the ground level.
It is also constructed in the form of chariot pulled by elephants and horses. Presiding Deity is called as Somanatha Swamy / Somesar / Somanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy. Dakshinamoorthy, Arthanareeswarar, Brahma are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. The Vimana over the sanctum is of 3 tiers. It contains images of Uma Mahesvara and Gaja Samhara Moorthy.
There is a shrine for Veera Durga in Artha Mandapam. Her idol is made from a single stone. Rahukala Pooja on Fridays and Tuesdays are very famous here. There is a shrine for Kadan Theerkum Kailasanathar close to Veera Durga Shrine. Devotees worship this Kailasanathar for 11 months or 11 weeks or 11 Mondays or 11 saturdays by lighting deepams will relieve them from debts and stress. There is an idol of Mangaiyarkarasi in the Mukha Mandapam.
Mother is called as Somakamalambigai. She is housed in a south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the right side of sanctum. There is a beautiful sculpture of Narasimha Murthy carved near the footsteps of Mother Shrine. Shrines of Vinayagar, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Chandikeswarar and Navagrahas can be found in the inner prakaram.
There are beautifully carved sculptures like scene of Ravana lifting Mount Kailash, fight between the eight-handed Narasimha and Hiranyakasipu, Prahlada praying & Narasimha emerges from a pillar and Narsimha tearing the insides of the demon thrown in his legs. Sthala Vriksham is Gooseberry (Nelli). Theertham associated with this Temple is Soma Theertham. It is situated outside the temple premises.
