Needamangalam Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple Sozhapuram, Cholapuram, Thanjavur Tamil Nadu 612503

Diety

Viswanathar Amman: SivapooraniAmbal

Introduction

The KasiViswanathar Temple in Cholapuram, near Kumbakonam, is an ancient Chola temple with a rich historical and architectural significance.

1. Historical Significance: The KasiViswanathar Temple is an ancient Chola temple dating back to the medieval Chola period. It holds historical and architectural importance.
2. Architectural Features: The temple is constructed primarily using granite, with the exception of the brick Vimana (tower). While the temple itself is in ruins, it still retains some of its original grandeur.
3. Presiding Deity: The main deity of the temple is Lord KasiViswanathar, who is enshrined in the sanctum in the form of a Lingam. Lord KasiViswanathar is a form of Lord Shiva.
4. Temple Structure: The temple consists of the Mukha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam, and Sanctum. However, only the sanctum and Artha Mandapam have survived over the years.
5. Idol of Lord Murugan: An interesting feature of the temple is the idol of Lord Murugan seated on an elephant, known as GajaVahanar or Gajaruthar. In this unique depiction, Lord Murugan is depicted with four hands. He holds a Vajrayudha (thunderbolt) and a cock in two of his hands, while the other two hands display the Varada Mudra (boon-granting gesture) and Hasta Mudra (gesture of the hand). This type of depiction of Lord Murugan is characteristic of older temples and showcases the rich artistic heritage of the region.
6. BhoodaGana Idols: At the entrance of the sanctum, you can find two idols of large BhoodaGanas blowing conch shells, adding a unique aspect to the temple’s iconography.
7. Other Sculptures: The temple premises also house various sculptures, including those of a lion, Bhoodaganas, a king, and a Bhoodagana blowing a conch, which are depicted on the sanctum’s walls.
8. Ancient Chandikeswarar Idol: An ancient and substantial Chandikeswarar idol can also be found within the temple premises. Chandikeswarar is considered the chief attendant of Lord Shiva in Hindu tradition.

The KasiViswanathar Temple is not only a place of historical and architectural interest but also a reflection of the region’s cultural and artistic heritage. Despite being in a state of ruin, the temple still holds significant artistic and religious value.

Century/Period/Age

1000 years old

Managed By

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Nearest Bus Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvidaimaruthur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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