Moolavar: Sri Shenbakeswarar
Amman: Sri Soundharyanayagi Ambal
A beautiful temple that was built during the Pallava King Nirupathungan ( 869- 880 AD ) and was extended during Chozhas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara period. The inscriptions belong to Kulothunga Chozha-I, Rajendra Chozha-I, Rajaraja-III, Pandyas Maravarman Sundara Pandyan, and Vijayanagara, which are on the adhisthana and sanctum walls. This place was called in the name of Rajaraja-I (Also called Nakaril Chozhan ) as “Nikarili Chozha Chathurvedi Mangalam”.
The nandhi in this temple faces opposite side than what you find in other temples where he faces the moolavar.
There are interesting legends behind the Nandhi facing the opposite direction. Sri Lakshmi came to this Shenbaka forest and done penance to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord Shiva asked Nandhi to Guard her. So Nandhi turned its back. At the end of penance Lord Shiva gave darshan to Lakshmi. Another interesting story is Lord Shiva went out of this place to nearby Palar River island and hid there. When Parvati searched Lord Shiva and climbed the island hill through her knees. Lord Shiva Blessed her as Kailasanathar and stayed on the island. So Nandhi is still expecting Lord Shiva’s arrival facing the Kailasanathar temple.
You have 7 Ghostam murthies instead of 5 that normally you see in all Shiva temples. Those are, Vinayagar, Pichadanar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma, Sankaranarayanan and Durgai.
In the Mukha mandapam, Ambal Soundharyanayagi is facing south she is holding Nilothpala and lotus flowers in both of her hand instead of Pasa & Angusam., Arumugar is seen seated on Peacock facing the opposite direction- called asura peacock, In the mahamandapam you can see Vinayagar and Brahma Sastha Murugan on either side of the entrance.
The temple has been recently renovated and Kumbhabhishekam has been performed
Contact: Kurukal Soudaresan can be reached on 9443620460
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