Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Temple Layout & Shrines

Vaippu Sthalam

Tiru-Saathamangai, now popularly known as Seeyathamangai, is a Paadal Petra Sthalam glorified in the Thevaram hymns of Tiru-gnanasambandhar. The temple is also revered as a Vaippu Sthalam, having been mentioned by Appar in his hymns on Tiruvathigai Veerattanam (6-7-10) and the Kshethra Kovai Thiruthandagam (6-70-9), where he refers to this place by the names Ayoganthi and Ashoganthi.

Temple Layout

Today, this place is known as Seeyathamangai, though it was traditionally called Saathamangai, while the temple itself is known as Ayavanthi. Surrounded by lofty outer walls, this spacious temple is unique in having separate sannidhis for the presiding deity and the Goddess, each with its own entrance and gopuram, both facing west. Opposite the main entrance stands the temple tank, whose two sections are revered as Chandra Theertham and Surya Theertham. A sannidhi dedicated to Siddhi Vinayaka is situated on its bank. The majestic five-tiered rajagopuram opens into a vast courtyard, from where devotees can circumambulate the outer prakaram. Along the prakaram are sannidhis for Chandra, Saneeswarar depicted with one foot resting on a crow, the Saptha Mathas, Bhairavar, the Navagrahas, Mahalingam, Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Vinayaka and several other deities. The temple's sacred Konrai tree also shelters Shiva Lingams and a sannidhi for Vinayaka, adding to the spiritual significance of the prakaram.

Shrines in the Inner Prakaram

Passing through the inner entrance into the front mandapam and proceeding clockwise, devotees first come across the sannidhis of Muruga with Valli and Deivanai, Mahalakshmi, and the Primary four Nayanmars. Nearby are the idols of Tiru Neelanakka Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars, along with his wife. After worshipping Somaskandar and Mahaganapathi, one can ascend the steps to the inner prakaram, where the utsava idols of Neelanakka Nayanar, his wife, and Natanasundarar are enshrined. In the Nataraja Sabha, Lord Nataraja appears with Goddess Sivakami and Manickavasagar. Saneeswarar is depicted standing with one foot resting upon a crow.

Sanctum of the Presiding Deity

In the west-facing sanctum, the presiding deity Ayavantheeswarar graces devotees as a swayambhu (self-manifested) Lingam. The Lingam bears blister-like formations over its entire surface, a unique feature that is closely associated with the legend of Tiru Neelanakka Nayanar. Among the Goshta deities, the exquisitely sculpted idol of Dakshinamurthy stands out for its artistic beauty. Equally captivating is the remarkable sculpture of Gowri Leelai on the outer wall of the sanctum, positioned between Narthana Ganapathi and Sage Agasthiyar, which is a fine example of the temple's exceptional craftsmanship.

Pillar Sculptures

One of the pillars in the outer mandapam features an attractive sculpture of Hanuman with a bell tied to his tail. Nearby, another pillar bears a delightful image of the crawling child Krishna.

Goddess Shrine

The sannidhi of the Goddess stands as a separate temple complex and houses sannidhis for Surya, Vinayaka and Subramanya. The Nandi here is installed on a raised platform. After ascending the steps leading to the sanctum, devotees are welcomed by Vinayakar, seated on His Mooshika vahana, and Dandapani, who serve as the guardian deities at the entrance. Inside the sanctum, the Goddess stands in a graceful posture with four arms, showering Her divine blessings upon devotees.