Koovathur Vishwanatha Swamy Temple, Ariyalur

Address

Koovathur Vishwanatha Swamy Temple, Koovathur North, Ariyalur District, Tamil Nadu 621803

Diety

Vishwanatha Swamy Amman: Visalakshi

Introduction

The Vishwanatha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Koovathur Village near Andimadam in Udayarpalayam Taluk, Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu.

Pancha Bhooda Sthalam: This temple is considered one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams located around Andimadam. It is believed that Sage Agastya installed and worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. Sage Agastya is said to have constructed five Shiva temples around Andimadam, each representing one of the Pancha Bhootas (five prime elements of nature). This temple is one among those Pancha Bootha Sthalams.

Temple Orientation: The temple is facing east.

Temple Architecture: The Vishwanatha Swamy Temple is constructed with laterite stones, a common building material in the region.

Current Condition: Unfortunately, the temple is in complete ruins, and many of its structures, including the roofs of the sanctum, Artha Mandapam, and Maha Mandapam, have been lost.

Deities:

The presiding deity is Vishwanatha Swamy, a form of Lord Shiva. The main deity faces east and is represented in the form of a Lingam.
The goddess of the temple is known as Visalakshi and is housed in a separate south-facing shrine.

Shrines for Other Deities: The temple premises also had shrines for Lord Vinayagar and Lord Murugan. However, it appears that the idols in these shrines have been lost over time.

Vandalism: Unfortunately, the temple has suffered from acts of vandalism, with the heads of the Nandi (the bull associated with Lord Shiva), Visalakshi, and Dakshinamoorthy being broken off by miscreants.

The Vishwanatha Swamy Temple, despite its current state of disrepair, holds historical and religious significance, especially in the context of its association with Sage Agastya and its representation of the Pancha Bhootas.