Devanampalayam Sri Amaneeshwarar Temple – Coimbatore

Address

Devanampalayam Sri Amaneeshwarar Temple – Coimbatore

Emmegoundanpalayam road Devanampalayam,

Near Pollachi,

Coimbatore District,

Tamil Nadu 642120

Moolavar

Sri Amaneehswarar

Amman

Sri Akilandeswari

Introduction

• Location: Situated in Devanampalayam village, near Pollachi Circle in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding Deities:
  • Lord Shiva as Sri Amaneeshwarar.
  • Mother Goddess as Sri Akilandeswari.

Puranic Significance

• The temple dates back to the Vikrama Chozha period, making it over 1500 years old.
• Inscriptions: The ancient inscriptions detail donations and reconstruction efforts, showcasing its historical and religious significance.
• Originally a Shiva temple, it was later converted to a Jain temple during the height of Jainism. After Jainism’s influence waned, the temple reverted to its original dedication to Lord Shiva, while retaining its Jain-inspired name, Sri Amaneeshwarar. (The name “Amana” is associated with Jain monks who traditionally wore no garments).
• Sun Worship: It is believed that the Sun worships Lord Shiva here. On Amavasai (new moon day) in the Tamil month of Masi (March), sunlight directly falls on the Swayambhu Linga in the sanctum, symbolizing this divine connection.
• Sage Worship:
  • The temple is linked to Athiri Maharishi and Anusuya Devi, who are believed to have lived and worshipped here.
  • Patanjali, a revered sage, is believed to have been born here.
  • Ashtama Siddhars worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple, and their depictions can be seen on the pillars.

Special Features

• Temple Orientation:
  • The temple faces west, situated in the middle of the Karpaka river.
  • A prominent Garuda Thoon (pillar) stands at the entrance.
• Unique Lingas:
  • The sanctum houses five Shiva Lingas, of which:
    • Three are aligned in a row inside the sanctum.
    • The central Linga is Swayambhu (self-manifested).
    • Two more Lingas are located outside the sanctum.
• Other Deities:
  • Separate shrines for Chandikeswarar and Dakshinamurthy were added later.
  • Sri Akilandeswari faces east in the Maha Mandapam, flanked by reliefs of four Vinayagars (Sathuranga Vinayagars).
  • The temple’s protection deity, Varaaki, faces west.
• Architectural Highlights:
  • The sanctum is built on a pada bandha adhishtanam with intricate features like Jagathy and Muppattai Kumudam.
  • Pillars in the ardha mandapam depict Lord Shiva performing Oorthuva Thandavam (celestial dance) and Kali’s dance on opposite sides.
  • The sanctum is crowned by a two-tier stucco Nagara Vimanam.
• Rituals: On every Ashtami day, a special offering of milakai (chillies) is made to the deity.

Festivals

Special poojas and events are conducted throughout the year, with highlights including:

• Athiri Maharishi’s Guru Pooja on Thursdays.
• Karthigai Deepam.
• Pradosham.
• Aruthra Darshan.
• Masi Shivaratri.
• Chithirai Vishu.
• Maha Shivaratri.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

1500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

 Devanampalayam

Nearest Railway Station

Pollachi Station

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

Location on Map

lightuptemple