Sivanandeswarar Temple,
Tirupandurai – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east with three tiered Rajagopuram. Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be found immediately after the Rajagopuram, facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Sivanandeswarar / Pranaveswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested).
There is an ancient idol of Lord Muruga in Shiva shrine. The Vimana over the sanctum follows Vesara type architecture. Stucco images of Arthanareeswarar, Dakshinamurthy and Veena Dakshinamurti can be seen on the Vimana. Nardana Vinayagar, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhava, 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 Mangalambigai / Malaiarasi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Though a Shiva Temple, Lord Muruga occupies all dominance in this temple. He is before the sanctum sanctorum as Lord Dhandayudhapani showing a Chinmudra, eyes closed in meditation. His ears are long. There are two Vinayakas at the entrance of the temple namely Guha Vinayaka and Sakshi Vinayaka. It is said that they came as escorts to Lord Muruga when he came here for penance and chose to stay here itself then.
There is a shrine for Navagrahas in the temple premises. Lord Suryan in an elevated step with his wives in this shrine. There are shrines and idols of Vinayakar, Nalvar (celebrated four Saivite saints), Chola King and his queen, Lord Subramanya with this consorts Valli & Deivanai, Gajalakshmi, Saptha Matrikas and Kala Bhairava in the temple premises. Theertham associated with this Temple is Mangala Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Vanni Tree.
