Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Temple Layout

Entrance

The temple of Thiruppazhanam is adorned with a majestic Rajagopuram and a second inner gopuram. Entering through the main gateway, devotees first come across the bali peetam (altar) and Nandi. The outer prakaram contains separate sannidhis for Vinayaka and Subramanya, while the right side of the front mandapa serves as a shelter or storage space for the vahanas, used during festivals or important occasions. After offering worship to Vinayaka and proceeding through the entrance, devotees will find, along the left side of the courtyard, a number of important sannidhis dedicated to the Sapta Mathas, Vinayaka, Venugopala, several Shiva lingams known by different names, the Nataraja Sabha, Bhairava, and the Navagrahas, the nine celestial deities revered in Hindu tradition.

Main Deity and Sacred Trees

In the sanctum, the presiding deity Aabathsakayeswarar graces devotees as a Swayambumurthy (self-manifested Shiva Lingam). A remarkable phenomenon can be witnessed during the full moon days of the Tamil months of Panguni and Purattasi, as well as on the two days before and after these occasions, when the moon’s rays fall directly upon the presiding deity, creating a spiritually uplifting and captivating sight. The southern exterior wall of the sanctum is embellished with beautifully crafted sculptures, including a depiction of Shiva with curly locks and the divine third eye on His forehead. This central depiction is flanked by Dakshinamurthy on one side and Gajasamharamurthy on the other, showcasing the artistic excellence of the temple’s sculptors. The sannidhi of Goddess Periyanayaki, the divine consort of Aabathsakayeswarar, is located in the outer prakaram. The temple’s sacred trees (Sthala Vrikshams) are the jackfruit tree and the banana tree, both of which hold special religious significance. Thiruppazhanam Temple is renowned not only for its spiritual importance but also for its rich artistic heritage. The temple complex is adorned with an impressive array of sculptures, reliefs, and intricate stone carvings, making it a remarkable repository of traditional South Indian temple art and architecture.