Keezhakasakudi Sri Adhipureeswarar Shiva Temple, Karaikal

Address

Keezhakasakudi,

Karaikal District 609609

Moolavar

Sri Adhipureeswarar

Amman

Sri Manonmani

Introduction

Keezhakasakudi Sri Adhipureeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Keezhakasakudi village, Karaikal district. Four kilometres on the NH32 highway going north from Karaikal is Keezhakasakudi, and directly west of it is Melakasakudi on the highway. It is said that many sages have had a glimpse of Shiva here after a long penance because it is a beach side temple.Here the presiding deity is called as Sri Adhipureeswarar and Mother is called as Sri Manonmani.

Puranic Significance

In particular, Keekasakudi sthalam is one of the places where Lord Shiva entered from Kasi. Hence it is called Kasiburgudi and can also be said to be Keekasakudi. At present there are two cities, Melakasakudi and Keezhakasakudi. This is a Shiva temple facing east side of the town.

Adhipuriswarar temple is the grand temple built by Raja Raja Chola II, the son of Rajendra Chola. This temple, which has been dilapidated for many years, has been restored by the king. The temple is about 1300 years old. King Rajarajan II built the temple in a wonderful way by using brick and black brick. There is also a huge tower. Lord – Sri Adhipureeswarar Lord – Sri Manonmani has a small wall around the five tiered Rajagopuram towards the east, the Lord is facing east in the centre and the goddess is facing south. The altar is built of stone and above it with brick. The sanctum sanctorum belongs to the modern period. There is a Bhairavardani temple in the north-east to the west. This temple also has a very beautiful statue; It is a square plinth supported by four lions, on which is an eight-lobed stone with a planet carved on each plinth, on which stands the Sun Lord facing west on a lotus plinth