Devanampalayam Sri Amaneeshwarar Temple – Coimbatore

Address

Emmegoundanpalayam road Devanampalayam,

Near Pollachi,

Coimbatore District,

Tamil Nadu 642120

Moolavar

Sri Amaneehswarar

Amman

Sri Akilandeswari

Introduction

Devanampalayam Sri Amaneeshwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Located in the Devanampalyam village, near Pollachi circle, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. Here the Presiding deity is called as Sri Amaneehswarar and Mother is called as Sri Akilandeswari.

Puranic Significance

As per the inscriptions recorded, the temple exists before Vikrama Chozha period. The Temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old. The inscription records the donations made to this temple and the reconstruction of this temple.

As per Gurukkal, Originally the temple was constructed for Lord Shiva and latter converted as Jain temple. After the Jainism slowly loosed its power, the temple was again converted to Shiva temple and retains the Jainism name of Sri Amaneeshwarar. (People used call Jain Gods as Amana Swamy, since the Jain Monks do not wear any dress). During reconstruction of this temple the stones are misplaced on many places.

It is believed that Sun worships Lord Shiva of this temple. To prove the same, Sun rays falls of moolavar, on no moon days / Amavasai day in the Tamil Month Masi (March). It was told that Lord Shiva was worshiped by Athiri Maharishi and Anusuya Devi and they lived here. Pathanjali was born also here. Ashtama siddhars worshiped Lord Shiva and their reliefs can be seen on the pillars.

Special Features

The temple is facing west in the middle of Karpaka river. The Garuda thoon is in front. There are 5 Shiva Lingas, of which 3 (three) are in the sanctum Sanctorum installed in a row and two are outside the sanctum. The centre Shiva Linga is swayambhu. Sannadhis for Chandikeswarar and Dashinamurthy, are built separately at a later stage. There is no image in the koshtams / niches.

Ambal is in maha mandapam facing east. There are 4 Vinayagars, called sathuranga Vinayagars reliefs on the pedestal of Ambal and Athiri Maharishi is at the centre. The protection deity of this temple Varaaki is facing west. On every Ashtami day “milakai” is being offered.

The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. The Sanctum sanctorum is on a simple pada bandha adhistanam with Jagathy and muppattai kumudam. Brahmakantha pillasters are on the sanctum wall. The prastaram consists of Valapi, Kapotam and Viyyala vari. A two tier nagara stucco nagara Vimanam is over the the Bhumi desam. In addition to there is an open Mukha mandapam at front. Ardha mandapam pillars have the images of Lord Shiva’s Oorthuva Thandavam and the opposite pillar has the image of Kali’s Dance.

Festivals

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Athiri maharishi’s Guru poojas days on Thursdays, Karthigai deepam, Pradosham, Aruthra Darshan, Masi Shivaratri, Chithirai Vishu and Maha Shivaratri. It was believed that Siddhars worships Lord Shiva on Shivaratri days.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com