Jurahareswarar Temple,
Kanchipuram – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east with three tiered Rajagopuram. Nandi housed in a four pillared Mandapa and Balipeedam can be seen immediately after the Rajagopuram, facing the sanctum. There is another Nandi housed in a Mandapam in front of Mukha Mandapam. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. The Sanctum Sanctorum is situated at about 3 feet below the ground level.
The Mukha Mandapam can be accessed through flight of steps from northern and southern side. The pillars in the Mukha Mandapa are engraved with floral designs. Sculptures of Sankha Nidhi and Padma Nidhi can be seen at the entrance of Maha Mandapam. Miniature sculptures of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha can be found at the entrance of Maha Mandapam.
Presiding Deity is called as Jurahareswarar / Iravatanesvara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Jurahareswarar is considered as one of the 64 formless form of Lord Shiva. The sanctum is in circular shape which is unique. This style is often mistaken with Gajabrusta (the shape of an elephant in its sitting posture) style. The Vimana over the sanctum is of 2 tiers and is circular conical shape which is a unique style. It is a brick structure and follows vesara style.
The vimana has few stucco images like Sadasiva Moorthy and Sarabeswarar. The Sanctum has niches but the koshta idols are missing. The niche on the southern side has carvings of sages, lion and deer indicating the niche is meant for Dakshinamoorthy and the niche on the northern side has Dwarapalakis on either side indicating the niche is meant for Durga. The niches are replaced by beautifully carved windows.
Kamakshi Amman of Kanchi Kamakshi temple is considered as the consort of Lord Shiva. Bhooda Ganas friezes, dancers and musicians playing musical instruments can be seen on the top portion of the wall. Miniature carvings of yazhis, lions, elephants, celestial beings, social life of humans can be seen on the bottom portion of the walls. Naga Idols can be found below Peepal tree immediately after the Rajagopuram on the left side.
Lord Krishna on snake Kalinga and a Shiva Linga on top
of Naga can be seen among the Naga Idols. Idols of Lord Kubera (God of
treasure), Ganesha and Murugan can be seen in this
temple. Theertham associated with this
temple is Vepperi Kulam / Upperi Kulam. It is located outside the
temple complex.
