Thirukalappur Thirukodi Vanatheeswarar Temple, Ariyalur

Address

Thirukalappur Village, Udayarpalayam Taluk,

Ariyalur District,

Tamil Nadu

Moolavar

Vanatheeswarar

Amman

Kamakshi / Shivagami.

Introduction

The Thirukodi Vanatheeswarar Temple, located in Thirukalappur Village near Andimadam Town in Ariyalur District, Tamil Nadu, is a place of great historical and religious significance.

Puranic Significance

Deities:

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, known as Thirukodi Vanatheeswarar or Thirukodi Vanantheeswarar.
The goddess is known as Kamakshi or Shivagami.

Historical and Religious Significance:

The temple is believed to be about 1500 years old and was constructed during the Chola dynasty. It underwent extensive renovations during the Nayakkar rule.
The temple represents the sky element and is often referred to as “Mela Chidambaram.”

Legend:

According to local beliefs, Purusha Mriga, a mythical being, worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple.

Temple Architecture:

The temple faces east and doesn’t have a Rajagopuram (main tower). There is a foundation entrance arch to support a potential Rajagopuram in the future.
Upon entering, you will find Nandi, the sacred bull, housed in a Nandi Mandapam, as well as a Balipeedam, which is a stone platform used for offerings to deities.
Two Vinayaga (Ganesha) idols can be seen at the entrance of the Mukha Mandapam, which is the front hall of the temple.
The presiding deity, Thirukodi Vanatheeswarar, is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum in the form of a Lingam. There is also a Dakshinamoorthy idol on the Koshta (nook) of the sanctum.
Goddess Kamakshi or Shivagami has her separate shrine within the temple complex.
A unique idol of Saraswathi, known as Gnana Saraswathi, can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. She is depicted without her traditional Veena (musical instrument) and is portrayed facing east in a seated Padma Asana posture. Saraswathi is depicted as having four arms, holding a book in her lower left hand, showing the Chin Mudra (knowledge gesture) in her lower right hand, holding an Amrita Kalasa (vessel of nectar) in her upper left hand, and holding an Akshara Mala (rosary) in her upper right hand.
The temple premises also contain a separate south-facing shrine for Lord Nataraja.

Sculpture and Inscription:

An interesting sculpture on the compound wall depicts Purusha Mriga worshipping a Shiva Lingam.
There is also an inscription etched on the temple’s compound wall.

The Thirukodi Vanatheeswarar Temple is a place of historical and religious significance, with unique features such as the Saraswathi idol and the legend of Purusha Mriga. Devotees visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and other deities.