Kailasanathar Temple, Kovalam
– The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance from the southern side. Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.
The Avudaiyar which houses the Lingam bears an inscription Sri Satheruman Murthiper. Sat means a trade guild and Satheruman refers to Lord Shiva. The script is paleographically dated to 8th Century AD according to Archaeological Survey of India. Shiva Sakthi Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around sanctum walls.
There is an inscription found on the Dakshinamurthy idol. It records the name of the merchant who installed the idol. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. Bronze idols of Somaskanda, Nataraja, Vinayaga and Parvathy can be seen in Ardha Mandapam. Mother is called as Kanakavalli Thayar. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine.
Her shrine is situated in Maha Mandapam. There are three shrines for Vinayaga in and around Maha Mandapam. Kubera Vinayaga is housed in a north facing shrine in Maha Mandapam, Vijaya Vinayaga is housed in another shrine in Maha Mandapam. Devotees pray here for success in exams and profession. Shiva Sakthi Vinayaga can be seen in the Koshta.
The Adhishtanam (base) of the Maha Mandapam has a 3 line inscription. There are shrines for Valampuri Vinayaga, Sathya Narayana, Subramanya with his consorts Valli & Deivanai and Navagrahas in the temple premises. Idols of Lord Venkatesa Perumal flanked by Bhudevi, Surya, Maha Kali, Swarna Bhairavar, Nagathamman and Maha Lingam can be found in the Mandapam on the northern side.
This Mandapam is supported by 28 pillars. The pillars of this Mandapam have exquisite sculptures of Ramayana scenes and Lord Shiva kicking Yama with his leg to save Sage Markandeya. There is a large temple tank situated to the south east side of the temple premises. Sthala Vrikshams are Vilva Tree, Mango Tree and Jack Fruit Tree.
