Nestled in the architectural legacy of the Cholas, the temple stands as a testament to their timeless artistry and deep devotion. Its eastward orientation is deliberate, presenting devotees with entrance archways on both the eastern and southern facades. Directly in line with the eastern entrance lies the temple tank, providing a serene foreground to the spiritual edifice.
Upon entering the temple, one is greeted by the main deity, the Moolavar, which intriguingly is assembled from three distinct pieces. These pieces are meticulously enclosed by a gleaming brass or pithalai plate. This unusual design isn’t just artistic but is deeply rooted in the temple’s history and myths. Indeed, whispers within the temple corridors speak of the legendary Kaduveli Siddhar’s jeeva Samadhi being enshrined within the sanctum sanctorum.
Further enriching the inner sanctum are the koshtam engravings, displaying revered figures such as Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai. Significantly, the bas-relief of Kaduveli Siddhar serves as a focal point, rendered on brass sheets and strategically affixed to the mandapa’s wall, adjacent to the sanctum sanctorum.
Directing one’s gaze southward reveals the shrine of the goddess Ambal, who exudes divine grace in her upright stance. Adjacent to her shrine, the temple houses the Nataraja sabha. Here, Lord Shiva, in his eternal dance, is depicted in a posture of relaxed elegance, with Ma Sivakami by his side. The unique architectural design ensures that from a singular vantage point, devotees are graced with the darshan of Lord Shiva, Ambal, and Nataraja, offering a trinity of blessings.
Venturing into the outer prakaram unfolds a world of further devotion and art. Dedicated shrines to Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Arumugar with his six-faced visage, Vayu Lingam, Hanuman, Chandikeswara, Kala Bhairavar, and Kala Chandra—uniquely depicted holding a palm leaf—are meticulously laid out. Furthermore, the Navagrahas, each with their distinctive mounts, complete the cosmic assemblage.
As devotees make their way towards the southern entrance, their path is illuminated by exquisite paintings. These masterpieces capture Lord Shiva in his iconic dance form, the radiant Ambal, the mighty Subramaniyar, and the benevolent Vinayagar. The artistry continues, embracing the walls of both the Vinayagar and Subramaniyar Sannadhis, wrapping the temple in a tapestry of tales and traditions from a bygone era.
