Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Ambal – The Temple

Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Ambal – 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. Dwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam, Stone Nandi and Stucco 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. The Mada Kovil can be accessed through flight of twelve steps on the southern side.

The Mada Kovil consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. A small Nandi and Balipeedam can be found in the ardha mandapam facing towards the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Brahmapureeswarar / Ambareesar / Maarapureeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy (self-manifested).

Image of Somaskanda can be seen behind the presiding deity. Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the walls on the ground level below the sanctum. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location at ground level. Dakshinamoorthy is the only koshta idol located around the sanctum wall in the Mada Kovil.

There is an east facing shrine for Somaskanda situated to the right side of the sanctum. Sculpture of Bhairava can be seen on the wall opposite to this shrine. Navagrahas shrine can be seen on the left side of the sanctum. Nataraja Sabha can be seen on the right side of the maha mandapam. Shrines and Idols of Vinayaga, Bala Subramanya, Kochengata Chola, Sambandar, Appar, Brahma and Saraswathi in standing posture can be seen in the Mada Kovil.

Mother is called as Sugantha Kunthalambigai / Poonguzhal Ammai / Vandamar Poonguzhali / Vambavana Poonguzhali. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in the ground floor to the left side of the sanctum. Shrine of Aadi Poora Amman and Palliyarai (bed chamber) flanks her shrine. There is a shrine for Vinayaga, Padikasu Pillaiyar in the ground level of the temple premises.

The sanctum of this shrine enshrines three idols of Vinayaga. There is a shrine for Jambukeswarar in the ground level in the temple premises. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing towards the shrine. There are three images of Ambalavana in this temple. Shrines of Vinayaga, Subramanya, Maha Lakshmi, Pathaleswarar, Punnagavaneswarar, Suseela, Bhairava, Surya, Somasi Marar and Ayyappan can be found in the temple premises.

Sthala Vriksham is Punnai (Mast Wood Tree). Theerthams associated with this temple are Brahma Theertham, Indra Theertham, Annamam Poigai and Soola Theertham. Annamam Poigai (well) can be seen on the left side immediately after the rajagopuram. There is a Shiva Linga situated next to this well.