Lakshmipureeswarar Temple, Thirunindriyur – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east with three tiered rajagopuram. The temple is completely enclosed within the compound walls and has two prakarams. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found immediately after the rajagopuram, facing towards sanctum. It is believed that King Kochengat Chola built around 70 Maadakovils. This Temple is considered one among them. The unique feature about these temples are that it is not easily approachable by an elephant. He built these temples at an elevation and there are few steps need to be climbed before seeing Lord in the sanctum.
Also, the entrance to the sanctum would be so narrow that elephants cannot enter it. It is said that the Mada Kovil was completely lost and the Nattukottai Chettiyars reconstructed the temple in current form. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapam with an entrance porch on southern side and mukha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Lakshmipureeswarar / Mahalakshmeeswarar / Parikeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy (self-manifested).
The scar caused by the crow bar can still be seen on top of the Lingam. Nardana Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhavar, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Muyalagan, the symbol of ignorance, under the feet of Lord Dakshinamurthy is on the left side with a serpent in his hand. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Ulaga Nayaki / Loka Nayaki. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in maha mandapam on the right side.
Shrines & Idols of Selva Ganapathy, Murugan with consorts Valli & Devasena seated on his mount peacock, Surya, Chandran, Parikeswarar Lingam, Vishnu, Mahalakshmi, Navagrahas, Bhairava, Nalvar and Lingams worshipped by Sage Parasurama & Sage Jamadagni can be seen in the temple premises. The idols of Suryan and Chandran are facing each other. The temple is surrounded by the temple tank, Neela Malar Poigai, on all the three sides. The Temple tank is also called as Parikeswara Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam tree.
