Temple Layout - This Shiva Temple is controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It is surrounded by impressive walls with an east facing entrace. This temple does not have any gopuram. We can see a Nandi in-front of the entrance, outside the temple. On the Inside there are the Dwajasthambam, Balipeetam and another Nandi. An 18-pillared mandap inside houses the south facing sannidhi of the female deity Vaduvakirkanni. Beyond this Mandap is an another one called 'Artha Mandap'. The entrance of this mandap has Dwarapalakas on either side. The dwarapalakas are intricately crafted, serving as a testament to the artistry involved.
The Sannidhi of the presiding deity Panchanatheeswarar (a Swayambhoo Lingam) is next to the artha mandapam. A sannidhi with 'vimanam' for the four nayanmars in in the southern side of the prakaram surrounding the sanctum. Bikshadanar (south-facing), Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhavar (west-facing), Durga (north-facing) and Arthanareeshwarar are the other deities in this prakaram. In the South-west corner of the prakaram is Vinayaka followed by Arumukha with his consorts Valli and Deivanai.
Tirupugazh collection has one song in praise of Lord Muruga at this temple. Muruga is depicted with six divine faces, twelve hands, and is seated upon a majestic peacock, accompanied by his consorts Valli and Deivanai.
The structure of the 'vimanam' situated above the primary sanctum bears a striking resemblance to the vimanam found in the Tanjore Big Temple. Noteworthy are the exterior walls encircling the 'Artha mandapam' and Sanctum, adorned with a plethora of inscriptions. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the temple's origins, tracing back to the era of Paranthaka Chozha I. Furthermore, one can also observe inscriptions from the reigns of RajaRaja Chozha I, Rajendra Chozha I, and Kulothunga Chozha I, adding to the historical significance of the temple.
As we take a leisurely walk in the outer prakaram, in the western side, we can see a sculpture of a turtle and a fish on the wall. The details of what they symbolise are not known.
Sculpture of a Turtle and Fish
Temple Legend - Mundasuran, empowered by divine boons, attained invincibility which allowed him to torment Brahma and the Devas without fear. This distressed Brahma and Devas plead to Lord Shiva for assitance. Lord Shiva intervened and commanded Vaduka Bairavar, one of the eight Bairavars, to eliminate the demon from causing further harm. Following the demise of Mundasuran, Vaduka Bairavar sought absolution for the sin of Brahmahathi Dosham, the sin of killing, by worshipping the deity of this temple. This act of penance led to the temple being dedicated to Sri Vadukeeswarar, and the location being known as Vadukur or Andar Koil, eventually giving rise to the name Tiruvandarkoil for the town itself.
See also Kodunkundranathar temple, Tirukodunkundram about Vaduga Bhairavar
The temple's operating hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the morning and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the evening. Daily 'pujas' are performed twice, with special ceremonies dedicated to Bhairava on Karthigai Ashtami. Moreover, devotees offer 'abishekam' to Lord Bhairava every Sunday. The Chithirai festival is commemorated as a one-day event.
The pathikam composed by Sambandar on this deity is in the first Thirumurai.
Temple View
Entrance
Balipetam and Nandi
Inside View
Bikshandavar
Sanctum Vimanam
Navagraha
Four Nayanmars