Durgapureeswarar Temple,
Kidathalaimedu – The Temple
The temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco image of Rishabaroodar on its top. Idols of Bhairavar, Nagar and Suryan housed in a sub shrine can be seen on the right side immediately after the entrance arch. Kodimara Vinayagar, Nandi and Balipeedam can be seen immediately after the entrance arch. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and open Mukha Mandapam.
Presiding deity is called as Durgapureeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava and Brahma are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Kamukambal. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of sanctum in Maha Mandapam. She is in standing posture showing Abhaya Varada Hastha.
There is a south facing shrine for Lord Nataraja with his consort Shivagami in Maha Mandapam. Though it is a Shiva Temple, prominence is given to Mother Durga in this temple. There is a separate shrine for Durga in the south west corner of the temple. She is facing towards north. She is standing over Mahishasura. She is eight armed. She holds weapons like Chakra, arrow, bow, shield and sword in her hands. She shows Abhaya and Varada hasta. She keeps one of her left hand in her thighs.
There is a small hole on her left nostril for wearing nose stud. Chakra Poorna Maha Meru is installed in her shrine and poojas are performed to his Chakra. Sweats can be observed on her face during special poojas. Fridays are special in her shrine. There are two trisulas of about 20 feet and 10 feet tall can be seen in the prakaram opposite to Durga Shrine. These trisulas are considered as form of Chamundeshwari. The villagers firmly believe that prayers offered to these trisulas are answered without fail.
There is a shrine for Punugeeswarar in the temple premises. This shrine houses a big Lingam in its sanctum. Lord might have been worshipped with civet (punugu). Hence, he came to be called as Punugeeswarar. Mariyamman can be seen under the Neem tree in prakaram. There are shrines for Vinayagar, Subrahmanya with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Nalvar (Appar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar & Sambandar), Sundareswarar and Gajalakshmi in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam tree. Theertham associated with this temple is Cauvery River.
