Located in Thondai Naadu, this 26th Paadal Petra Shivasthalam is nestled amidst hillocks in the tranquil village of Thiruvadisoolam, within the Nanmangalam reserved forest zone. Prior to entering the temple, visitors can observe Varasidhdhi Vinayaka in a dedicated shrine situated to the left of the main temple. Upon entering through the southern gateway, one will encounter a spacious southern outer prakaram. Positioned across the entrance within this prakaram is Valampuri Vinayaka. Moving in a clockwise direction around the west and north prakaram, visitors will reach the eastern side where the flagstaff and nandi are located. Additionally, the eastern prakaram houses a shrine for Brahmaandeshwarar. Adjacent to this area, three trees - Neem, Peepal, and Wood Apple (vilvam) - have intertwined and grown together. Furthermore, the southern prakaram is home to a shrine for Subramanya, accompanied by his consorts Valli and Deivanai, facing south. Upon re-entering the southern prakaram from the east and completing a full circle, visitors will encounter another wood apple tree (vilva), the 'Sthala Vruksha'. Interestingly, a snake pit beneath this tree bears a resemblance to Vinayaka.
An entrance from the southern prakaram lead to an enclosure (mandap) supported by pillars. Proceeding further, we see the shrine of the female deity, Govarthanambikai, facing south. Upon entering this sannidhi, we can observe the shrine of the main deity, Gayanapureeswarar, facing east on the left side. The positioning of both deities allows for a clear line of sight from a single point. Vinyaka and Muruga are situated on either side of the main deity.
The presiding deity's sanctum is encircled by a moat-like structure, while the inner prakaram houses shrines dedicated to the primary four nayanmars, Vinayaka followed by Subramnya with Valli and Deivanai. Additionally, there is a shrine for Bhairava and 'goshta images' include Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Goddess Durga. The 'Swayambu Linga' of the presiding deity is in emerald. During 'deepa-aradhana', the light reflects on the emerald surface brightening the 'linga Bhana'.
The deity Govarthanambigai is referred to as such because Devi manifested as a cow and offered milk as a form of worship to the Lord.
Temple Legend - During his spiritual journey to Shiva Temples, Tirugyanasambandar arrived at this place. Sambandhar was exhausted and famished from walking a long distance under the scorching sun. Seeking respite, he found solace under the comforting shade of a tree. It was at this moment that a cow-herd, approached Tirugyanasambandar and kindly offered him some curd. The curd had a revitalizing effect on Tirugyanasambandar, who felt rejuvenated after consuming it. The cow-herd inquired about Tirugyanasambandar's identity and purpose. In response, Tirugyanasambandar shared details of his pilgrimage to various Shiva Temples. The cow-herd, upon hearing this, mentioned the presence of a Shiva temple located nearby in the forest. Despite his weariness from the arduous journey, Tirugyanasambandar felt a sense of gratitude towards the cow-herd for his hospitality and did not wish to disregard his guidance. Consequently, he agreed to accompany the cow-herd to the temple. As they proceeded on their way, they encountered a serene pond. To Tirugyanasambandar's astonishment, the cow-herd smiled at him and mysteriously vanished from the bank of the pond. Sambandhar was filled with awe and wonder. Lord Shiva appeared before Tirugyanasambandar, revealing that He Himself had assumed the form of the cow-herd to guide him to the temple. Sambandhar sang a pathikam, calling the deity as 'Idaichura nathar', as He arrived partway and departed partway.
Temple entrance
Valampuri Vinayakar
Mahavishnu
Sthala Vruksham - vilvam
Sri Subrahmanya - In eastern prakaram
Subramaniar with Valli and Deivaanai in the inner prakaram around the sanctum.