Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Temple Significance & History

Temple Structure

Peruvelur Abhimuktheeswarar Temple is one of the Maadakovils built by Kochengat Chola. Facing east, the temple has a three-tiered Rajagopuram. On entering through the gateway, the flagstaff, Bali Peetha and Nandi Mandapam can be seen in the eastern outer prakaram. Proceeding around the outer prakaram, one finds the main Ganesha sannidhi, followed by the sannidhi of Vaikuntha Narayana Perumal and then that of Yoga Chandikeswarar. On the left side of the eastern outer prakaram, a flight of steps leads to the elevated Maadakkoil. Inside, the temple follows a Somaskanda-style arrangement, with the sannidhi of the presiding deity on the left, Muruga in the centre and Ambal on the right. The presiding deity is a Swayambhu Linga, and a window has been provided directly opposite the sanctum. The Koshta deities include Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, Sage Mrikandu and Durga, with Durga having a separate sannidhi. The image of Chandikeswarar is beautifully carved in stone.

Special Shrines

The Ambal sannidhi is a separate east-facing shrine located next to the sannidhi of Subramaniyar, who is accompanied by Valli and Deivanai. Ambal is depicted in a seated posture with four arms, displaying the Abhaya and Varada mudras. The outer prakaram also houses six Shiva Lingas, one of which is worshipped as Saraswateeswarar. According to the temple history, a couple once brought their mute child to this sannidhi and prayed to Saraswateeswarar. Pleased with their devotion, Shiva is believed to have blessed the child with the ability to speak. The temple also has a Ganesha sannidhi where the deity is worshipped as Ganapathi, along with three forms of Bhairava – Kala Bhairava, Sri Bhairava and Vaduka Bhairava. Ganga, Murugan, Sage Bhringi and Sage Gautama are also believed to have worshipped the presiding deity here.

Temple History

According to the temple legend, when the Devas and Asuras churned the Ocean of Milk and obtained the nectar of immortality, Maha Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini to prevent the nectar from falling into the hands of the Asuras. After fulfilling the purpose of this incarnation, Mohini is said to have worshipped the presiding deity here and regained the original male form. Maha Vishnu continues to be worshipped here in a separate sannidhi as Vaikuntha Narayana Perumal. Peruvelur is also among the Tevaram Paadal Petra temples where Muruga is believed to have worshipped Shiva. According to the temple tradition, Muruga stayed here, performed penance and created a sacred water body in his own name before worshipping Shiva and receiving the weapon Vel. As Muruga worshipped Shiva at this place, it came to be known as Peruvelur.