Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Temple Description

The Hill & Temple Layout

Known as Karkudi during the age of the Thevaram hymns, this ancient hill temple is today popularly called Uyyakondan Malai, a name derived from the nearby Uyyakondan Channel, an historic irrigation canal believed to have been created during the reign of the Cholas in the 9th century CE. At the foot of the approximately 50-foot-high hill stands a revered temple dedicated to Muruga, where many devotees offer their prayers before ascending to the main temple. The temple is distinguished by its majestic east-facing five-tiered Rajagopuram, which forms the principal entrance to the sacred complex. Passing through this impressive gateway, visitors are greeted by the tranquil Gyana Vaavi Theertham, the temple's sacred tank, situated to the left.

Directly opposite the tank, a flight of 65 stone steps has been carved into the rocky hillside, leading devotees to the main temple situated atop the hill. During the ascent, pilgrims offer their prayers to Vinayaka and continue upwards to the ancient temple complex. Upon reaching the summit, visitors are greeted by a fortified temple enclosed by high walls and adorned with an additional three-tiered gopuram. The spacious complex comprises five prakarams (concentric enclosures), reflecting the temple's architectural grandeur and antiquity. After passing through the inner gopuram, devotees encounter the traditional arrangement of Nandi, the Bali Peetam (altar), and the Dhvaja Stambha (flagstaff). In front of the flagstaff lies a sacred footprint impression believed to mark the very spot where Shiva emerged from the sanctum to save His ardent devotee Markandeya from the grasp of Yama, the god of death.

Goddess Anjanakshi & Balambikai

Deeper within the complex, the first sannidhi encountered is that of Goddess Anjanakshi, housing the original, time-worn idol of the deity grasping a flower in her hand, the petals of which have suffered damage over the centuries. Despite this deterioration, and acting upon divine guidance received in a dream, the venerable idol was preserved in its original state, while a new sannidhi dedicated to Goddess Balambikai was erected to face the rising sun in the east. Both goddesses continue to be worshipped with due reverence and daily ritual ablutions. An additional sannidhi to Shanmukha, the six-faced form of Muruga, adds to the beauty and sanctity of this ancient hill temple.

Inner Sannidhis

As one circumambulates the sanctum along the designated path, an array of sacred sannidhis and deities come into view. The primary four Nayanmars, ancient Tamil Shaivite saints, are reverently enshrined, while a captivating sannidhi dedicated to Vinayaka accompanied by his Goddess radiates divine grace. On the opposite side, the sannidhi of Subramanya, flanked by his consorts Valli and Deivayanai, exudes spiritual fervor. The temple also houses sannidhis of Gajalakshmi, Jyeshtadevi, Bhairava, Surya the sun god, and Shani Bhagavan, the embodiment of the planet Saturn. The Goshta murthys include Dakshinamurthy, Durga, Brahma, and Arthanariswar, the androgynous form of Shiva and Parvati.

The Presiding Deity

The main deity, Ujjivaneswarar, is a self-manifested or swayambu deity, resplendent in the sannidhi facing west. In close proximity lies the sannidhi of Goddess Anjanakshi, the consort of Ujjivaneswarar.

Historical Inscriptions

The temple walls bear inscriptions that chronicle the generous donations made by the illustrious Chola kings, Uttama Chola and Rajaraja Chola, testifying to the temple's historical significance. The Pallava king Nandivarma Pallavan also left an indelible mark on the temple through his munificent contributions and renovations, with the temple's vicinity being referred to as Nandivarma Mangalam in the inscriptions. Notably, the Jeshtadevi enshrined in this temple holds special significance as the ancestral deity of Nandivarma Pallavan, believed to bestow protection from accidents and promote vigilance upon those who seek her blessings. The temple's lore also mentions that Karan, one of Ravana's brothers, ardently worshipped the presiding deity and received divine blessings, adding to the temple's mythological allure.