Yazhmoorinathar Temple, Dharumapuram, Karaikal – The Temple

Yazhmoorinathar Temple, Dharumapuram, Karaikal – The Temple

This east facing temple has a 5-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has two corridors. Presiding Deity is called as Yazhmurinathar / Dharmapureeswarar. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthy (self-manifested). Siva Lingam is seen with Silver Kavacham in this temple. Mother is called as Madhuraminnammai / Thenamirthavalli / Abhayambikai. The procession idol of Lord Yazhmurinathar depicts him with a Yazh in his hands and flanked by Thirugnanasambanthar and Yazhpanar. This along with Lord Yama’s procession idol are very beautiful.

Narthana Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar and Durgai are the Koshta Idols on the sanctum walls. When Lord Shiva played the Yazh, it is believed that Lord Dakshinamurthy learned back to enjoy the performance. For this reason, Lord Dakshinamurthy is seen in a leaning position here.  Against the yellow cloth, He is dressed in saffron. It is a rare form Dakshinamurthy. As he is in Guru form and being a bachelor, it is said that he is dressed in saffron. Lord Shiva appears playing the Veena-Yazh. Saint Thirugnana Sambandar and Yazhpanar Nayanar are on the right and left of the Lord respectively. Mahishasura is behind Mother Durga in the ghoshta wall.

This place has a shrine for the revered Guru Gnanasambandhar, the founder of the Dharumapura Adheenam. Stucco Image of Thiruneelakanta Yaazhpaanar with his wife can be found near Tirugnanasambandar. Vinayakar is known as Karpaga Vinayakar. Theerthams associated with this Temple are Vishnu Theertham/ Dharma Theertham / Brahma Theertham and Yama Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Plantain / Banana tree (Vaazhai).

Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Somaskandar, Lingothbavar, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy, Nalvars, Santhana Kuravars, 63-Nayanmars, Chandrasekharar, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, Mahalakshmi, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Navagraham, Suryan, Chandran and Bairavar can be seen in the corridors.