Bhoomeeshwarar Temple, Marakkanam – The Temple

Bhoomeeshwarar Temple, Marakkanam – The Temple

The temple is facing east with an entrance arch. There is a mandapam with reliefs of various deities on the base before the entrance. The Mandapa belongs to Vijayanagara period. Deepastambam, Balipeedam, Dhwaja Sthambam, Nandi Mandapam and a Navakanda Nadukal can be found in front of the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, Antarala, Arthamandapam, a Muka mandapam and two mandapas on North and south side.

The sanctum is of Pathabandha Adhishtanam. Presiding Deity is called as Bhoomeeshwarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Bikshadana (in place of Vinayaga), Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum wall. Durga (with 6 hands) is seen with an umbrella, garland and 2 Dwarapalakis beside her. There are many inscriptions around the main shrine.

There is a shrine housing Chandran and Suryan situated on the right side immediately after the entrance arch. Karnapooshana Vinayagar, Nandi, Lakshmi Vinayagar can be found in the front mandapam. Chola era Dwara Balagas can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Utsava Idols (Somaskanthar, Chandrasekarar, Nataraja, Amman Girijambiga and Kaali) are located in the antarala. Naalvar, 3 Vinayaga Idols, Sapthamathas, Ayyanar can be found on the left Mandapam.

Navagrahas and Bhairavar can be found in the Arthamandapam. There are twisted serpents on the body of Bhairavar with serve hairs, earings, bracelets and anklets and other ornaments of the body. The Bhairavar is dressed in Tiger skin with human bones on his body with his dog Vahana. Mother is called as Girijambal / Girijambikai. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. She is gracing the devotees in Abhaya Hastha.

This temple unusually has Nandhi in front of the Amman and a Pavai Vilakku in front of Shiva. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena and Shiva Lingas in the prakaram. Sculptures of Vishnu worshipping Shiva and sculpture depicting history of Siruthonda Nayanar are examples of Chola masterpiece.

There is a sculpture showing dance posture of 3 women in the temple. Only 4 legs have been carved for 3 women but when you notice individually, you will find each woman with 2 legs. This is a wonderful sculpture of the Cholas. Theertham associated with this Temple is Brahma Theertham. It is situated to the west of the temple.