Vanmeeganathar Temple, Cheyyur
– The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east but the rajagopuram is facing towards south. The rajagopuram is of three tiers. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. Balipeedam, Dhwaja Sthambam and Nandi can be found in the outer prakaram facing towards the sanctum through a window. The maha mandapam can be entered from the southern side. This entrance is connected to the rajagopuram through a mukha mandapam.
Mayura Subramaniyar can be seen on the right side at the entrance of the ardha mandapam. He is seen dancing on his mount peacock. Dvarapalas, Sumukan and Sudhegan, can be seen guarding the entrance of the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Vanmeeganathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy (self-manifested). The sanctum will be flooded with water till avudaiyar and only top portion (Linga) will be visible during rainy season.
Vinayagar, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Muthambigai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in maha mandapam to the left side of the sanctum. She is four armed and considered to be in Lakshmi aspect in this temple. Hence, she is depicted with lotus (Padma) and water lily (Neelotpala) in her hands.
The pillars of the mandapam in front of the Mother shrine has sculptures of women riding horses. Her shrine is guarded by Dvarapalas Jayan and Vijayan confirming the Lakshmi aspect. Shrines of Vinayaga, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Kasi Viswanathar, Vedagiriswarar, Venugopala Swamy, Bhairavar, Suryan, Gaja Lakshmi and Navagrahas can be seen in the inner prakaram.
Shrines of Vinayaga, Murugan and Sapta Matrikas can be seen in the outer prakaram. Shrines of Vinayaga and Murugan in Brahma Sastha form can be seen in front of the temple. Sculptures depicting the legend of Manu Needhi Chozhan can be seen on the four sides of a pillar in the temple. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwam tree. The temple tank is situated to south western side of the temple.
