Karukkinil Amarnthaval Temple,
Kanchipuram – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards north with three tiered Rajagopuram. Dwarapalakis can be seen at the Rajagopuram. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Karukkinil Amarnthaval / Durga / Kalarathri Durga and is facing towards north. She is housed in the sanctum in standing posture. She is about five feet tall and is having eight hands.
She is keeping her right leg on the head and left leg on the legs of Mahishasura. Her head is slightly slanted towards her left side. She holds trisula. Idampuri Vinayaga, Mahishasura Mardini, Vishnu Durga, Shiva Durga and Dakshinamoorthy are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls. Inscriptions can be seen on the Adishtana of the sanctum between Dakshinamoorthy and Shiva Durga.
There are two idols of Buddha, situated in front of the sanctum. Both are in Padmasana posture. Idol of Manimekalai, daughter of Kannagi can be seen in between these two idols. Sculpture of Jyestha Devi along with Manthan and Manthi can be seen along with the idols of Nagas here. There is an Illuppai tree before Rajagopuram. Nava Kannigai Shrine can be seen below the tree. Theppakulam can be found nearby.
There is a shrine for Vedapureeswarar on the western side of the temple premises. Nandi and Balipeedam can be seen facing this Shrine. This shrine has been mentioned as Karukkamarntha Pattariyar in the inscriptions. Idols of warrior holding sword and shield and Nagas can be found near Rajagopuram. Navagraha Shrine can be found near Rajagopuram. Lord Suryan was found riding a chariot drawn by seven horses.
There are two Pallava era pillars (lion pillar & elephant pillar) can be seen in the temple premises. There are shrines for Nagamman, Putru Nagamman, Annanmar, Vinayagar, Murugan, Nagas and Durga in the temple premises. There is a snake pit in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Magizha tree. The temple tank is situated in front of Rajagopuram on the right side.
