Moolavar: Sri Villeeswarar
Amman: Sri Vedhanayagi Amman
Idikarai is around 16 Kms from Coimbatore city on the Mettupalayam Road.The place is situated between two streams coming down from the nearby hills. As it is between two Karais ( banks ) of the streams, it was called Iru Karai which later became Idikarai. The temple is that of Sri Vedanayaki sametha Sri Villeeswarar ( Villeswarara Paramudayar ). There are number of epigraphic evidences in the form of inscriptions confirming the antiquity of this ancient temple.
There are three temples in close proximity. They are in a straight line- this temple, Shri Kalakaleswarar of Kovilpalayam and Shri Virundeeswarar of Vadamadurai.Hence worshipping in all these three temples in a single day, is considered very auspicious. The same king- Karikalan- constructed all these three temples and there is an underground passage linking all the three. This was used by the King during the war times.
Sri Rama is believed to have worshipped this Lord and was blessed with the Holy Bow ( Vil in Tamil ). Hence He is called Villeeswarar. The presence of Shri Kodandaramar temple in the nearby Govindanaickenpalayam further confirms this legend. There is another legend that this Lord was worshipped by the hunter community whose main weapon was Vil. This gives rise to the name of the Lord as Villeeswarar.
The construction of these temples by Karikalan commenced after the soothsaying by a Gypsy Lady so that the kingdom would flourish and the illness of the King’s sons cured. This is believed to be the 29th out of the 36 temples constructed by him. The temple was constructed after clearing the land full of Vilwa trees. Durga who was occupying this place demanded her sacrifices. The King agreed to this demand and gave a cock, goat and swine, after constructing the Shiva temple.
The Lord is a Swayambumurthy on whose forehead there are three straight lines ( like the Vibhuthi pattais ). There is a small Nandi in front of the Lord. The rays of the Sun fall on the Lingam between 14th and 16th of Tamil month Panguni ( Mar-Apl ). The Navagrahams are installed just a foot above the ground level which is rather unusual. Devotees write their requests on pieces of paper and submit to the planets. They believe that their problems are taken care of within 30 days.
Mother Vedanayaki is housed in a separate shrine. Instead of simham she got Nandhi infront of her which is unique here.
Contact: Mr.Ravi can be reached at 8883344099 for any poojas.
No comments:
Post a Comment