Kundala Karaneshwarar
Temple, Thirukkurankaval – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch and has single prakaram. The entrance arch has stucco images of Shiva Linga being worshipped by Anjaneya and Appar. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found immediately after the entrance arch, facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam.
There are no idols of Dvarapalas made of stucco or granite at the entrance of the sanctum. Paintings of Dvarapalas can be seen its place. Presiding Deity is called as Kundala Karaneswarar / Kundaleswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). Dakshinamoorthy and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.
Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. It is said that even now, during the Tamil month of Chithirai (Apr-May), two monkeys come to this temple, take a dip in the river, take some Vilva leaves from the Vilva tree in the temple and enter the sanctum to make offerings to the main deity. Mother is called as Bala Tripura Sundari / Kunthalambigai / Elasoundari. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine.
There is a shrine for Anjaneya, situated opposite to the Sanctum. He is called Shiva Anjaneya / Shiva Bhakta Anjaneya. This Shrine enjoys more importance in the temple. A Homa is performed in the shrine on every New Moon day. It is one of the two places in the world (the other being Rameshwaram) where Lord Anjaneya, typically known as devotee of Lord Rama, is shown worshipping Lord Shiva.
There is a beautiful procession idol of Anjaneyar in this temple. There are shrines and idols of Vinayaga, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Gajalakshmi, Bairavar, Surya, Chandran, Hanuman and Chelliamman in the temple premises.
There is no Navagrahas Shrine in this temple. Paintings of Hanuman worshiping Lord Shiva of this temple can be seen on the walls of the temple. Theertham associated with this temple is Ganapathy Theertham (Pazhavaru, a tributary of River Cauvery). It runs alongside this temple. Sthala Vriksham is Vilva tree.
