This temple is associated with the legend of Skanda
having re-initiated his father Shiva, with the concept of the oneness of
creation of Omkaram.
This temple is built at an elevation, on an artificially constructed mound, reached
through a flight of steps. Although the shrine is of ancient origin, much of the structure
seen now is of the 20th century.
The outermost prakaram of this temple is at the ground level. The second one is half way
up the stairs, and the innermost prakaram is around the Swaminathan
shrine.
At the lower level are shrines to Meenakshi and Sundareswarar
(said to have been built by the Pandya ruler Varaguna Pandyan of Madurai who is also associated with the Mahalingaswamy
temple at Tiruvidaimarudur) and the prakaram
where the golden chariot is taken in procession on special occasions.
The Netra Vinayakar shrine is located adjacent to
the flagstaff. The southern entrance of the temple has a 5 tiered rajagopuram. A flight of
60 steps representing the cycle of 60 years in the tamil (indian) system of beliefs leads
to the Swaminathan shrine in the upper level. Facing the sanctum is an elephant and not a
peacock. (See Kumarakottam at Chromepet near Chennai enshrining Swaminathan).
Subramaniar is enshrined with Valli alone in the shrine in the inner prakaram and he is
known as Senapati. Also in the southern precincts of the inner prakaram
is Subramanyar enshrined as Sabapathi again with Devasena,
with his arms stretched as iseen in Natarajar images. Also enshrined is Shammukhar
with his consorts Valli and Devasena.
There are also shrines to Mahalakshmi, Saraswathi, Veerabaagu, Arunagirinathar, Surya,
Chandra, Idumban, and Dhandayutapani here.
The stala vriksham is the Nellimaram and this tree is
said to be a manifestation of Bhudevi. The theerthams here are Vajra
theertham, Saravana Theerhtam, Netra Pushkarini and Kumaratturai (Kaveri). Legend
has it that a blind devotee was blessed with eyesight after a dip in the Netra Theertham
as he arrived at the Netra Vinayakar shrine.
Festivals: Six worship services are carried out each day. The Kartikai
asterism each month attracts large crowds. Skanda Sashti lasting for 6
days is one of the most important festivals celebrated here.
