Thursday, June 17, 2021

Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple, Sevilimedu – The Temple

Erikarai Kailasanathar Temple, Sevilimedu – The Temple

This temple is facing towards west with an entrance arch on the southern side. The entrance arch has stucco images of Linga being worshipped by Rahu & Ketu flanked by Peedathipathis of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt. Nandi and Balipeedam can be seen facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala and Mukha Mandapam. Sub Shrines of Vinayaga and Murgan can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum.


Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar / Merku Kailasanathar / West Kailasanathar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam with sixteen stripes (Shodasa Lingam). Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location.


The shrines of Vadakku (North) Kailasanathar and Therku (South) Kailasanathar can be seen on the left and right side of the sanctum respectively. Both the shrines are facing towards east. Both the shrines house a Shiva Linga with 8 stripes. There are shrines for Saneeswarar, Swarna Akarshana Bhairavar and Nalvar in the temple premises.


Theertham associated with this temple is Raahu Ketu Theertham. It is situated to the north of the temple. Two wells can be seen inside this Theertham. Shrines of Kulakarai Vinayagar, Raahu and Ketu can be seen at the banks of the Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Arasa Maram (Peepul tree). Large number of Naga Idols can be seen below the Sthala Vriksham.