Yama Dhandeeswarar Temple,
Alagramam – The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Yama Dhandeeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Linga is housed in a square Avudaiyar.
Mother is called as Thirupurasundari. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in Maha Mandapam. She is about 6 feet high. She is in standing posture and having four hands. Two hands hold Neelotpala and Lotus flowers and other two hands show Varada and Abhaya Hastha. She seems to appear differently on different days.
There is a small underground room in Mother shrine. The room has not yet been opened till date. There is a unique Lakulisa image holding the club can be seen before Mother Shrine. There is another Lakulisa image holding the weapon can be seen in southern prakaram. There is a Jeeva Samadhi of an unknown Siddhar in the temple premises.
The Vinayaga idol in this Temple is said to be the oldest Vinayaga Idol in Tamil Nadu. The idol was hidden beneath the ground near sanctum and it was found during renovation works. The idol measures 75 cms in height and 40 cms in width. His right hand holds a stick and the left hand with a broken tusk. He worn anklets on the legs.
The Vattezhuthu inscription found at the base of the idol preceded the inscription found at Pillaiyarpatti Cave Temple in Sivaganga District. There is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu carved on a stone tablet situated on western side of the temple premises. This stone tablet is about 4.5 feet height and 2.5 feet long. This stone tablet belongs to Pallava Period.
There are shrines for Lord Vishnu with his consorts Sridevi & Bhoodevi, Chitragupta, Vinayaga, Murugan and Nataraja in the temple premises. There is no Navagraha Shrine in the temple premises. Theertham associated with this temple is Yama Theertham.
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