The Shiva temple, referred to as Koovam, is located in the Tiruvallur District, approximately 50 kilometers from Chennai. The Koovam River begins at this site, but as it flows toward Chennai, it becomes increasingly polluted, losing its original purity. The temple's principal deity is a self-manifested Linga, which remains untouched even by the priests, earning it the title 'Theenda Tirumeni Nathar,' meaning 'the one who is never touched.' It is believed that the Linga's color shifts with the seasons, appearing white during heavy rainfall and red in times of conflict. Visitors to the temple are expected to first venerate Thripurasundari before honoring Thripuranthakar. The temple is regarded as a source of comfort and spiritual importance, particularly for couples seeking resolution to marital difficulties through the deity's blessings.
The southern gateway functions as the main entrance to the temple, dominated by a striking five-tiered rajagopuram. From the outer prakaram, an inner gateway provides access to two sanctums, beginning with the sannidhi of the female deity Tripuranthanayaki, followed by the presiding deity's sannidhi, both oriented to the east. The vimana above the swamy sannidhi is elaborately crafted to mimic the back of an elephant, referred to as gajaprushtam. Each sannidhi features its own dwajasthambam and balipeetam, with a circumambulatory path surrounding them to facilitate the ritual of pradakshina. In the southwest corner of the prakaram lies the sannidhi for Acchirutha Vinayaka, while two of Taraka's sons serve as dwarapalakas at the presiding deity's entrance. Adjacent to this entrance is the south-facing Natarja sabha. The exquisitely crafted idols of Dakshinamurthy and Muruga with his consorts, Valli and Deivanai are a sight to behold. The wall behind the sanctum showcases a remarkable depiction of LingothBhava, illustrating Mahavishnu as Varaha and Brahma as a swan, symbolizing the quest for the origins and conclusion of the pillar of light. Additionally, shrines for Balamurugan and Meenakshi Sundareshwarar are present, along with a sandalwood dias opposite Durga for preparing sandalwood paste for the presiding deity's Linga. The shrine for Navagrhas is located in the northeastern corner of the outer corridor, completing the sacred experience of the temple's complex and spiritually rich architecture.
The historical significance of this temple is intertwined with 'Tripura Samhara'. During the samhara, the chariot's axle broke due to the negligence of the devas, who had failed to pay homage to Vinayaka before embarking on their journey. Upon realizing their oversight, the devas sought the blessings of Vinayaka and then proceeded towards the battlefield. The scriptures narrate that Lord Shiva, armed with a bow and arrow, manifested at this very spot, hence earning the name Tiruvirkolam. The Vinayaka here is revered as 'Achirutha' Vinayaka, which translates to 'the one who removed the axle'.
See also - Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalam associated with Tripura Samhara - 1) Tiruvathigai, 2) Elambayamkottur, 3) Achirupakkam
Agni Theertham and Kopagni Theertham are the two associated water bodies. The priests begin their daily rituals by taking a dip in Agni Theertham, which is believed to never dry even during severe famines. Water from river koovam is fetched to annoint the deity, highlighting the significance of natural resources in temple rituals. In instances where Koovam water is not accessible, tender coconut water serves as an alternative for the anointing process. Furthermore, milk sourced from the nearby village of Pinjavakkam is employed during midday rituals, with the villagers viewing the provision of milk as both an honor and a responsibility, reflecting their deep devotion to the temple.
Gyanasambandhar mentions in his pathikam that the Linga would alter its color to white during heavy rainfall or flooding, and to red during warfare. In contemporary times, however, this color-changing phenomenon is no longer witnessed. The sediments on the Linga of Tripura Samhara Murthy naturally detach during the performance of Abhishekas, resulting in a clean and purified idol.
Just outside this temple, is another temple - 'Kariya Manikka Perumal' temple for Mahavishnu who swiftly intervened and held the chariot to prevent it from falling down during Tripura Samhara.
The pathikam composed by Tirugyanasambandhar is in 3rd Tirumurai.
Temple entrance
Dwajasthambam, balipeetam in front of Ambal sannidhi
Thripurasundari sannidhi
Thripuranthakeswarar sannidhi
Dwarapalaka
Natarajar
Achchirutha Vinayakar
Dakshinamurthy
Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai
Dwajasthambam, balipeetam and Nandi in front of presiding deity