Temple Legend - The ancient legend of Amrithakadeshwarar Temple weaves a captivating tale that intertwines the realms of gods and demons. According to the narrative, following an intense tug of war between the devas and asuras during the churning of the ocean of milk known as 'paarkadal,' the triumphant devas hastily tried to consume the coveted nectar of immortality, 'amritha,' without paying proper respects to Lord Vinayaka, the remover of obstacles. Displeased by their oversight, Vinayaka sought to impart a lesson to the devas and cleverly seized the pot containing the precious elixir. As he traversed a dense forest of 'kadamba' trees, a single drop of the divine nectar inadvertently spilled from the vessel, miraculously giving rise to a sacred Shiva linga at the very spot where it touched the earth. Realizing their grave error, Indira and the devas hurried to the site, humbly beseeching Vinayaka to return the pot of 'amritha.' In response, Vinayaka counseled them to offer prayers to Lord Shiva, and thus, Indira dutifully venerated the newly manifested deity, who came to be revered as Amrithakadeshwarar. The legend further recounts that Indira's aging mother would regularly journey to this hallowed place to pay homage to Amrithakadeshwarar. Driven by filial devotion, Indira resolved to transport the entire sanctum to his celestial abode for his mother's convenience, employing his mighty horses to pull the structure. However, in his haste, Indira neglected to seek Vinayaka's blessings before commencing this audacious endeavor. Once again, Vinayaka intervened, firmly pressing his foot upon the chariot's wheels, rendering Indira's efforts futile despite repeated attempts. Perplexed and humbled, Indira turned to Lord Shiva for guidance, who revealed his desire to remain at this sacred site and invited Indira to visit and offer prayers. Repentant for his actions, Indira sought forgiveness, and to this day, it is believed that he faithfully returns to this revered temple to worship Lord Shiva in the form of Amrithakadeshwarar.
Sculptures of Dancing Women
Temple Layout - The Amirthakadeshwarar temple greets visitors with a captivating blend of architectural splendor and spiritual significance. Upon entering through the east-facing gopuram with its three majestic tiers, one is immediately struck by the intricate design and craftsmanship that permeates every aspect of this sacred space. The front enclosure houses the balipeetam and nandi, and as one's gaze is drawn forward, the sannidhi of the presiding deity comes into view, its sanctum designed to resemble a magnificent chariot complete with wheels and horses. To the right is the south-facing sannidhi of the female consort deity. The exterior walls of the sanctum are adorned with a breathtaking array of sculptures, and a closer examination reveals the left wheel of the chariot submerged beneath the ground, a poignant reminder of the legend of Vinayaka pressing down upon it with his foot. The presence of Mahavishnu in a seated posture, holding a Shiva Linga and flanked by Andal, Garuda, and Hanuman, underscores the deep interconnectedness of the divine forces that shape the Hindu cosmos. Opposite Mahavishnu, one finds Muruga accompanied by his consorts Valli and Deivanai, a tableau that has inspired Arunagirinathar in his Tirupugazh. The walls surrounding the sanctum are further enriched by depictions of Gangadhar, Alinganamurthy. Atop the vimana, Dakshinamurthy plays the veena, while 'Goshta murtha' Brahma is captured in the act of worshipping a Shiva Linga. On either side of Brahma are Yama and Chitragupta. Next is a sculpture of Sage Pathanjali, and Nataraja above the sage. The right wing of the wall showcases Arthanaareeshwarar with Nandi, while below, Ranganatha reclines in serene repose. Perhaps most striking of all is the sculpture of Alingana murthy, the divine couple locked in a tender embrace, with Parvathy seated on Shiva's lap.
Rishabha Thandava Murthy - The dancing form of Lord Shiva, known as Nataraja or the Lord of Dance, is revered in this specific depiction, Rishabha Thandava, a powerful and dynamic dance, while mounted on his vahana (vehicle) Nandi, the sacred bull. The statue is unique in its portrayal of Lord Shiva with ten hands, each holding a symbolic object or mudra (gesture) that represents various aspects of his divine powers and attributes. This special 'urchava' murthy (processional deity) is honored with dedicated pujas (worship rituals) during the auspicious time of 'pradosha,' when devotees can have 'darshan' of the 'Rishabha Thandava Murthy.' On a pedestal below the 'urchava' murthy are Parvathy, Mahavishnu, Bhairavar and Veerabadhrar, Vinayaka, Sage Naradha, Nandideva, Brungi, Mruganda Maharishi, as well as Gandharvas and Bhoota-ganas.
Rishabha Thandava Murthy
Aravara Vinayaka - Vinayaka, because of whom Indra's pride took a dent, is in a dedicated sannidhi and is revered as Aravara Vinayaka. It seems he inherited this name because of the ruckus he created when he took away the pot of nectar and when he didnt allow the chariot to move by pressing its wheel. Aravara Vinayaka appears with his face turned to the side with an angry expression.
- A place for celebrating one's Shashti-Abdha-Poorthy or Sadabishekam.
- Residing deity Kadamba-vana nathar is revered as a remover of debts.
- It is the place of the 'swayambhu murthy' Amirthakadeshwarar, bestower of longevity.
- Sani the planetory god for saturn, facing west, seated on an eagle.
- Angaraka worshipped the deity Amirthakadeshwarar. So this place is considered ideal for those who are afflicted with 'Sevvai Dosha'.
- Extolled by Arunagirinathar in his Tirupugazh.
- It is considered to be a place of worship for those who are born under the star 'Sadaya' as this was once a dense forest of 'kadamba' trees.
- Sri Vidhyu Jyothi Nayaki bestowing her grace as Goddess Saraswathy in the morning, Mahalakshmi in the evening and ParaShakthi in the night.
- Goddess durga holding the Conch and Chakra bestowing her grace as Simha-Vahini and Mahishasura Mardhini.
- Kalabhairavar to be worshipped on the night of Ashtami.
- It was here Muruga engaged himself in a penance and he received the bow and arrow to conquer the demon Soora padhman.
- Falling of Sun's rays on the deity during the 3, 4 and 5 day of the tamil month 'panguni' and on the night of Annabisheka during the tamil month of 'Ippasi', Moon's rays fall on the deity.
- Glimpse of Dasa-Bhuja Rishaba Thandava Murthy only during Pradosha.
- Built by Kulothunga chola-1 (1100 CE), noted for its architectural splendor.
3 Tiered Gopuram
Inside view
Agasthya, Arthanareeswarar, vinayaka
Dakshinamurty
Mahavishnu
Horse pulling the chariot
Gangadhar, Pathanjali
Nataja on top of Pathanjali
Alinganamurthy
Kalabhairavar
Chandra, Rishabharudar, Indra, Sani, kali