Airavatheswarar Temple,
Perunthottam – The Temple
This temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The temple covers an area of about two acres. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found immediately after the entrance arch, facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The entrance to the sanctum is guarded by dvarapalas. Idols of Vinayaga and Murugan can be seen on either side of the sanctum.
Presiding Deity is called as Airavatheswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dakshinamoorthy, Vinayaga, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. It is unusual to see Vinayaga in the western koshta. Normally, this koshta houses either Lingothbhava or Vishnu. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location.
Sculpture of Chola King performing abhishekam to an elephant faced Lingam accompanied by his wives and Shiva Yogis can be seen on the external wall of the sanctum. Mother is called as Athithulya Gujambigai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in maha mandapam on the right side. She is in standing posture and is four armed.
Her upper hands holds Kumbham & plate and her lower hands show abhaya & varada hastha. Idols of Nalvar can be seen in the maha mandapam. Shrines of Vathadum Ganapathy, Sthala Vinayagar, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Gaja Lakshmi, Navagrahas, Suryan and Saneeswarar can be seen in the temple premises.
