Bhoothagireeswarar Temple,
Sirudavur – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing towards sanctum. The head of the Nandi is turned 90 degrees towards south side. It is a common feature found in the Shiva temples in Thondai Nadu. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapam and open mukha mandapam.
There is a four pillared entrance porch on the southern side in maha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Bhoothagireeswarar / Palvannanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested) and is white in colour. The sanctum is in the form of Gajabrusta, the shape of an elephant in its sitting posture.
Nardana Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. The koshta images are of recent addition. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Vedavalli / Aaranavalli. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in maha mandapa to the left side of the sanctum.
There are shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Gaja Lakshmi, a Shiva Linga on raised platform, Navagrahas and Bhairava in the temple premises. An idol of Vinayaga with his Vahana can be seen below a Peepal Tree. The Temple tank is situated to the southern side of the temple. Inscriptions belonged to Cholas and Vijayanagara Kingdom can be found in the temple.
