Adhi Rathneswarar Temple, Thiruvadanai – The Temple

Adhi Rathneswarar Temple, Thiruvadanai – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with a nine tiered Rajagopuram. The Rajagopuram is about 130 feet high. The temple covers an area of about 10 acres. Balipeedam Dhwaja Sthambam and Nandhi can be seen immediately after the Rajagopuram facing the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam, and maha mandapam.

Presiding Deity is called as Adhi Rathneswarar / Aadanai Nathar / Aja Gajeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). The Lingam is of blue gem stone. When the Abhishekams are performed during mid-day, the Lord appears blue. It is said that sun rays will fall on Lingam in the Tamil month of Masi.

Vinayaga, 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 Snehavalli / Ambayiravalli. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her Shrine consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. She is four armed (Chathur Bhuja).

Mother Snehavalli is considered as the deity for planet Shukra (Venus). Hence, her shrine is famous for Shukra worship. It is said that sun rays will fall on Mother in the Tamil month of Masi. Dwarapalakis can be seen guarding her shrine. Balipeedam Dhwaja Sthambam and Nandhi can be seen facing her shrine. Sabha Mandapam can be found in the prakaram.

There is a shrine for Lord Murugan in the temple premises. He is gracing the devotees along with his consorts Valli & Deivanai. He is having single face and four armed (Chathur Bhuja). He is about 5 feet high. He is found seated on peacock vehicle. The face of the peacock is facing towards south. Saint Arunagirinathar had praised this Lord Murugan in his Thirupugazh Hymns.

There are shrines for Vinayagar, Murugan, Suryan, 63 Nayanmars, Varunalingam, Vishwanathar, Nataraja, Naalvar, Bhairavar, Chandra with his consorts Karthika & Rohini, Saneeswarar, Somaskandar and Lakshmi in the temple premises. The temple has amazing number of Bas Reliefs on stone pillars. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa. Theerthams associated with this temple are Surya Pushkarini, Varuna, Vaaruni, Markandeya, Agasthya and Kamadhenu Theerthams.