Lesser Known Temples in Tamil Nadu: Kailasanathar Temple, Villupuram

Kailasanathar Temple, Villupuram – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with five tiered Rajagopuram. However, the Rajagopuram is facing towards west. There is another entrance on the eastern side leading to Nandavanam. Few broken idols and ancient ruins can be seen in Nandavanam. There is a four pillared Mandapam immediately after the eastern entrance. Balipeedam, Dhwaja Sthambam and Nandi housed in Mandapam can be seen facing the sanctum immediately after the four pillared Mandapam.

Sanctum Sanctorum

The Sanctum Sanctorum consists Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and 40 pillared Mukha Mandapam. Palli Arai, Pradosha Mandapam and Store Room are situated in Mukha Mandapam on the right side. All are located adjacent to each other and are facing towards south. Dvarapalas can be seen guarding the entrance of Maha Mandapam. There is another entrance to Maha Mandapam on the southern side with an Mukha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and is facing towards east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

Koshta Idols:

Ganesha, Guru Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls.

Chandikeswarar Shrine:

Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. His Shrine is facing towards south.

Arumugar Shrine:

There is a north facing shrine for Arumugar on the left side of Mukha Mandapam. His Shrine consists of Ardha Mandapam and Sanctum. He is housed in the sanctum along with his consorts Valli & Deivanai. It is unique to see Lord Arumugar facing the Palli Arai. This feature is nowhere to be seen. Carvings of peacock and other animals can be seen on the outer wall of the shrine.

Nataraja Sabha:

Nataraja Sabha is situated in Maha Mandapam. Nataraja Sabha is facing towards south and houses idols of Nataraja along with his consort Shivagami. This shrine is approached through the south side entrance of Maha Mandapam. This entrance is guarded by Dwarapalakas. Sculptures of Vinayaga and Murgan can be seen on the walls near the Dwarapalakas.

Saneeswarar Idol:

Saneeswarar Idol can be found in the Mukha Mandapam at the south side entrance of Maha Mandapam. This Idol is facing towards east and situated close to the entrance.

Bhairavar Shrine:

There is a west facing shrine for Bhairavar in the Mukha Mandapam at the south side entrance of Maha Mandapam.

Vinayagar Shrine:

Vinayagar Shrine can be found in the Mukha Mandapam at the south side entrance of Maha Mandapam. This shrine is facing towards east. Moonjuru, his vehicle and Balipeedam can be seen facing the sanctum.

Somaskanda Shrine:

Somaskanda Shrine can be found in the Mukha Mandapam at the south side entrance of Maha Mandapam. This shrine is facing towards east and situated next to Vinayagar Shrine.

Mother Shrine:

Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi / Periyanayaki / Brahandha Nayagi. She is housed in a separate west facing shrine. She is in standing posture. She is four armed holding lotus flowers in upper hands and lower hands showing Varada and Abhaya Mudra. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. Her Shrine consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Dwarapalakis can be seen guarding the Maha Mandapam. Nandi and Balipeedam, housed in a small Mandapam, can be seen facing her shrine. Idols of two elephants can be seen on either side of the entrance of her shrine.