Uthira Vaidhya Lingeswarar
Temple, Kattur – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east with five tiered Rajagopuram. There is another entrance facing south with three tiered Rajagopuram opposite to Mother Shrine. Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be found immediately after Rajagopuram in Mukha Mandapam facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam.
Presiding Deity is called as Uthira Vaidhya Lingeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). Sun rays fall on Linga for three days before Panguni Uthiram from 06.00 am to 6.30 am. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.
Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Thaiyal Nayaki. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum in Maha Mandapam. Shrines of Vinayaga, Sekkizhar and Nalvar can be seen in Maha Mandapam. There are shrines for Bala Vinayaga, Bala Murugan, Gajalakshmi, Navagrahas and Kala Bhairava in the temple premises.
There is a shrine for Angaragan (Chevvai or Planet Mars) in the temple premises. Angaragan is gracing the devotees with his ram vehicle. This temple is considered as Parihara Sthalam for Chevvai Dosham. Sthala Vrikshams of this temple are Palmyra Palm tree (represents Lord Shiva) and Neem tree (represents Mother Parvathy). Neem tree is situated in Mukha Mandapam.
A Sub shrine of Vinayaga can be seen below this tree. Idols of Nagas can be seen below Palm tree. Theertham associated with this temple is Agastya Theertham. This Theertham is situated to the west of the temple. Chelliamman Temple can be seen on the banks of this Theertham. It is said that devotees should visit Vembedu Bhairava Temple situated on nearby hillock first before visiting this temple.
