Thiruvandar Koil is a sleepy hamlet between Pondy and Villupuram. This a an ancient temple of about 800 AD under the control of the ASI which has many exquisite sculptures, I found some rare ones too.
HOW TO REACH:
The temple is on the state highway 332 about 17 kms from Pondy and 20 kms from Villupuram . there is a small board indicating this small but peaceful temple.
A few dilapidated structures at the entrance
LEGENDS OF THE TEMPLE:
There was an asura called Vandasuran who was vanquished by Shiva as Bhairava form and the place came to be called as Thiruvandar koil.
It is also the place that brahma’s fifth head was removed by Shiva Shiva became Bhikshandar here and brahma prayed here to absolve himself of the sins of lying.
The temple has been sung about by Sri Gnanasambandar and Arunagirinathar
There is no Dwajasthambam only bali peetamm
The main temple is a simple structure with a slightly inclined Shivalingam facing east.
The Ambal Tripurasundari is in her own sannidhi facing south
The outer praharam has unique Koshta vigrahas
Ganapathy
The Dakshinamurthy here is famous and helps clear marriage obstacles
Lingodhbhavar
A rare panel of Shiva Parvathi and murugan as hunters carrying Bow and arrows
Ardhanarishwara
Vishnu Durga
A rare Pradosha murthy Shiva and Parvathy as a couple
other sannidhis
Ganapathy sannidhi
Murugan Sannidhi
Bhairava on the left, Navagraha in the far left behind and Shanishwarar in front of murugan
This place is famous for the Bhairava and special prayers to him to help vanquish difficult times are performed here
A small neatly maintained ancient temple with rare sculptures
No comments:
Post a Comment