Paal Ukandha Nathar Temple,
Thiruvaippadi – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. This Temple has two prakarams. The entrance arch has stucco image of Rishabaroodar being worshipped by Chandikeswarar flanked by Vinayaga and Murugan. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the entrance arch, facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam.
The Maha Mandapam is designed to look like the forehead of a bat (Vovval Nethi Mandapam). Presiding Deity is called as Paal Ukandha Nathar / Ksheerapureeswarar / Paal Ukandheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). Nardana Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.
Lingodbhava idol is beautifully sculpted with Vishnu in bottom and Brahma in top. Both the Lord are found in worshipping nature. Thus, devotees can enjoy the darshan of Trimurthy in single place. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Apart from this shrine, there is another Chandikeswarar Shrine in Ardha Mandapam in front of the sanctum.
It is quite unique to find his shrine near sanctum. Perhaps this is one of the few temples where there is such a shrine. The sanctum sanctorum is of Agazhi type. It is surrounded by a moat like formation on all the 4 sides. Mother is called as Periyanayaki / Brihannayaki. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. She is in standing posture. Her shrine is situated in Maha Mandapam to the left side of the sanctum. Shrines of Bhairava, Surya, Chandran and Saneeswarar can be seen in the Maha Mandapam.
There are shrines and idols of Nataraja, Agastya, Vinayaka, Maha Lakshmi, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Gajalakshmi, Moovar, Kasi Viswanathar, Maha Ganapathy, Subramanya and few Shiva Lingams can be seen in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Athi Tree. A Shiva Lingam can be seen under the Sthala Vriksham in the outer prakaram. Theerthams associated with this temple are Ksheera Theertham and Manniyaru River.
