Temple Layout - Rather than the typical towering gopuram, or entrance gateway, adorning the front of the temple, this Shiva temple has a more understated entrance that opens directly into a spacious prakaram, or outer circumambulatory passage. Proceeding through this gateway, one is immediately drawn to the two "moksha" lingams situated to the left, dedicated to the deities Bramesar and Muni-eesar, which are believed to grant spiritual liberation. Further inside the prakaram are the sannidhis of other important deities - Subramanya, Bhairavar, and Surya, the sun god. Interestingly, the outer wall surrounding the main sanctum features a striking sculptural relief depicting a king worshipping a Shiva lingam, providing a glimpse into the temple's history and patronage. After completing the customary clockwise circumambulation of the prakaram, one enters the main sanctum area, which is oriented towards the west. Here, the primary deity, Aranyeshwarar, is enshrined in the form of a "swayambhu" or self-manifested lingam placed upon a square "Avudayar" pedestal. The sannidhi of the female consort deity, Akilandeswari, is positioned to the left of the main deity, allowing the devotee to view both deities from a single vantage point. Adding to the temple's architectural fascination are the seven additional lingams situated along the pathway surrounding the sanctum, one of which uniquely features two "Bannam," or protrusions, on its surface.
Indira, the mighty king of the devas, once found himself in a precarious situation after slaying the powerful demon Vruthirasuran. Indira had been gifted a formidable weapon forged from the sacred vertebra of the revered sage Datheechi, and he wielded this divine instrument to vanquish the fearsome Vruthirasuran. However, this act of killing, incurred upon Indira the grave karmic burden known as the 'Brahma-hatti dosha'. The Sthala Purana, recounts how Indira was led here by the creator god Brahma himself, to undertake a profound penance and meditation upon the deity enshrined within. Through his unwavering focus and devotion, Indira was eventually able to cleanse himself of the 'dosha' that had been afflicting him. The scriptural texts further proclaim that those who come to this revered temple and offer their reverence to the Sri Brahmesharar lingam will be blessed with the spiritual merit equivalent to performing a hundred 'Aswamedha yaga'.
The sanctum walls of this temple feature a remarkable depiction of the revered Dakshinamurthy, the embodiment of divine wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. Rather than the conventional four disciples, this representation showcases an intriguing variation - six disciples are gathered around the sage-like Dakshinamurthy, seeking his profound guidance and instruction. The temple's inner prakaram, or covered walkway, houses several other significant sannidhis. One is dedicated to the fierce and powerful deity Bhiravar, whose imposing presence is believed to offer protection and ward off negative forces. Another is consecrated to Surya, the sun god, and there is a sannidhi for Saneeshwaran, the planet Saturn. However, the most distinctive and intriguing feature of this temple is undoubtedly its Vinayaka, or Ganesha, deity. This particular Vinayaka is said to have been worshipped by a Gandharva, a celestial being, who had been cursed to take the form of a crab. Hence, this Vinayaka is known as "Nandu Vinayaka," with the crab as his unique vahana, or mount, rather than the more common mouse.
This temple is revered for its connection to the esteemed sage Aranya, who is said to have paid homage to the presiding deity Aranyeshwarar. A striking sculpture adorning the wall surrounding the sanctum vividly depicts Aranya Maharishi engaged in reverential worship of the Shiva Linga, with the mighty MahaKaalar prominently featured blowing a resounding conch to accompany the sage's pious rituals. It is believed that during the auspicious 'Uchi Kala Pooja' ceremony, the soulful resonance of that very same conch can still be heard.
Entrance gateway
Balipeetam, Nandi
View of the temple
Another View
Dakshinamurthy
Brahmapureeswarar
Aranya Maharishi worshipping Shiva Linga
Maa-kaalar
Outer prakaram
Muruga with Valli and Deivanai 
Aranya Sundareshwarar