The Legend
at Thiruvadhigai is associated with “Thripurasamhara”, where Lord Shiva had
destroyed the three forts of the demons, Tharakaksha, Kamalaksha and
Vidyunmali. He did not just conquer the three forts of the Asuras but the three
vices of ego, karma and illusion of Devas as well. The ever compassionate Lord
revived the three asuras and made Tharakaksha and Vidyunmali as Dwarapalas and
Kamalaksha was assigned the role of playing “Panchamukha Vadyam”. Shiva’s smile
alone was sufficient to burn the three forts to reduce them into ashes.
The Temple
at Thiruvadhigai, spread into seven acres isbelieved to be the place where the “Thripura
Samhara” took place. It is located near Panrutti, in Cuddalore district of
Tamilnadu. It has three concentric prakaras with a plethora of superb
sculptures that depict the various forms of Shiva. The Thripura Samhara
Thandavam and other karanas are seen sculptured brilliantly from the very
entrance itself. The presiding deity is Veeratteswarar, a large, 16 faced
Shivalinga. As the Temple belongs to the Pallava period, we find a stucco
figure of Parvathi and Parameshwara in Kalyana(Marriage) posture.
A separate
shrine known as Veeratteswarar Sabha, houses the Thripuranthaka murthi. He is
shown to be standing with a bow in His hand, accompanied by the
Goddess,Thripurasundari. The Lord also holds a deer, an arrow and a goad in the
other hands. Another sub-shrine houses the famous Panchamukha Linga with four
faces in the four cardinal directions and the fifth (athomukham), facing
upwards.
Since
Shiva had appeared here in a grand chariot, designed by the Devas, the entire
central shrine of this Temple is built like a Chariot. The Vimana and the outer
walls are filled with stucco figures, each depicting various scenes from
Puranas. It is believed that this structured had inspired King Rajaraja for
designing the famous Brahadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur. It is also stated that
the very first Chariot built was during the occasion when the Lord went for “Thripura
Samharam”.
Gedilam
river that runs nearby is hailed in Periapuranam as equal to Ganges. A well
inside the Temple known as Soola Theertham is said to cure diseases related to
the stomach.
As the
Goddess’ shrine is on the right of Veeratteswarar, many marriages are solemnized
here. The Ambal is also called Peria Nayaki. There is also a popular belief
among the devotees that the Lord removes the three vices of ego, karma and
illusion. While applying Vibhuthi on the forehead, one has to bow his/her head
which indicates that the ego is submitted in front of God.
Thevaram
Trio of Sambandar,Appar and Sundarar have sung Hymns in praise of the Lord. In
fact, the very first Thevaram Hymn originated here from Thirunavukkarasar(Appar)
when he returned Home from Jain monks to rejoin Saivism. His sister
Thilakavathi led him to the Sanctum and asked him to pray the Lord to cure him
from the acute stomach pain he suffered at that time. There are two separate
shrines inside the precincts of the Temple to honour both Appar and
Thilakavathi.
During the
annual Vaikasi Visakam festival, the Thripuranthaka murthi, seated in a chariot
is taken to Kollidam. The three forts,
constructed with dried coconut and palm leaves are set to fire to mark the
occasion. The deity returns to the Temple after the grand spectacle.
Before we
enter the Main entrance, a 16 pillar Mandapam catches our attention. Stucco
figures of Ganapathi,Subramanya are seen on both sides of Shiva and Parvathi in
marriage posture. Images of Ganapathi, Dwara Palas and Nandi are seen in the 7
tier Rajagopuram behind the 16 pillar Mandapam.
As and
when we enter the outer prakaram, we notice a Vasantha Mandapam on our right,
facing south. Figures of Panchamukhs Shiva along with Parvathi on a bull
flanked by Pathanjali and Vyagrapatha in worshipping posture are seen on top of
this Mandapam. Ganapathi, seated on a mouse and Skandha on a Peacock are also
seen on both sides of the Rishabarooda Murthi. A Theerthankara’s idol is also
present in this prakaram. The Holy Pond,
Soola Theertham is there opposite the
Vasantha Mandapam.Images of Appar with folded arms, Sambandar receiving the
Divine Milk from the Goddess and Sundarar arguing with the Lord with the
Manuscript in his hand are depicted inside the arch at the entrance of the
Tank.
After worshipping near the Nandi and the flagpost, we enter the next
prakaram through the 5 tier Rajagopuram that consists of images of Ganapathi,
Skandha, Gangadhara, Bhikshadana, Urdhuvathandavamurthi, Kali and Nataraja.
Figures at the top of Nataraja sannadhi are eye catching where we find the Lord
performing Ananda Thandava witnessed by the Goddess Sivakamasundari, Pathajali
and Vyagrapatha. The Nandi Mandapam in front of the Sanctum is a delight to
watch. With Ganapathi and Subramanya sannadhis on both sides of the place, we
enter the Mahamandapam through an entrance on the side. Veeratteswara, The 16
faced Lingamurthi gives Dharshan from here. We realize the fact that it is the
same Murthi worshipped by Appar some 1500 years ago. It is also the same place
where Thevaram had originated.
“Sarak
konrai” is the Holy Tree of this Temple which is seen in the prakaram. A big
Shivalinga is also seen near it. Uthsava Murthi Sannadhi of Thirunavukkarasar
faces west. Moolavar of Appar in sitting posture is seen in a separate
sannadhi. There is a separate sannadhi for Thilagavathi, sister of Appar is
also nearby. She prayed the Lord to give back her brother who got converted to
Jainism. Her prayer was answered and Saivism got an outstanding devotee too!
There is a
separate flagpost in front of the Goddess,Brahan Nayaki. We start admiring the
Chariot shaped Vimanam of Veeratteswara from here. It is filled with sculptures
and stucco figures almost everywhere! The Vimanam is majestic and reminds us
the one at the Big Temple in Thanjavur. The sthupi on top of the dome is simply
marvelous.
On the
sides of the walls of the Sanctum, one can see Ganapathi with disciples,
Rama,Sitha and Lakshmana, Chandrasekara and Bhikshadana.
The
minutely made Thripuranthaka will make the visitors cherish about the same for
a very long time. He holds many arms including the Chakra in His hands. Vishnu,
who came as a Bull to lift the Chariot is seen at the bottom. Brahma is seen at
the driver’s seat. While many Devas looking anxiously at the Lord, Shiva single
handedly destroyed the three forts by His smile. Warriors riding over the
Lions, a typical Pallava presentation is praiseworthy.
Next we look
at the image of Gajasamharamurthi dancing over the head of the elephant, Gajasura.
The elephant’s skin is adorned over the Lord who holds many arms but destroyed
the elephant with His nails by tearing its body.
Goshta
figures are there on the backside of the sanctum which includes Lions,
Dwarapalakas, Shiva resting His leg on the head of a Gana.
On the
other side, we notice Ravana lifting Kailash, Paravathi and Parameswara on a Bull,row
of Bhutha Ganas on top and sets of Lions.
The next
figure of Ganga Visarjana Murthi and Saraba murthi are absorbing. Sarabeswara
with jwala kesam setting foot over Narasimha is depicted beautifully.
A row of
Shiva Lingas is seen on “Thirumaaligai paththi” the noticeable being a
Panchamukha Lingam.
Being a
treasure house for art-lovers and one among the group of Veerattaanams, Thiruvadhigai
deserves more visitors than at present.
