| Description:
This Shivastalam is located near Lalgudi, near Tiruchirappalli. It
is considered to be the 57th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the
Chola kingdom located north of the river Kaveri. Legend
has it that Bhrama (from Satyalokam) and Vaageesamuni worshipped here, hence the
name Satyavageeswarar or Bhramapureeswarar. It is believed that Sambandar sang the praises
of Anbil, from across the Kollidam river which was in spate, and that Ganapati
leaned forward to hear it (Sevi Saaitta Vinayakar). (The image above is that of the
Sundarar, Appar, Sambandar and Manikkavacakar).
The Temple: A five tiered Raja Gopuram, and two prakarams, the outer
one with a Nandavanam, and the inner one with the mandapams are the structural elements of
this temple. The sanctum faces east and so does the Ambal shrine. There is a niche image
of Vishnu flanked by Surya and Chandra in the space normally occupied by Lingodbhavar.
There are stone images portraying legends associated with the temple on the exterior
walls. Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola and Hoysala periods are seen in this temple.
This temple is believed to have been rebuilt during the time of Parantaka Chola prior to
which period it is believed to have been a two tiered temple. There are interesting pieces
of sculpture in the mandapam in front of the sanctum. |
