Sri Veeramasti Amman Temple, Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Sri Ayyanar Temple, Sri Vinayagar Temple, Anjaneyar temple, Sri Chokkanathar Temple at Amarakunthi and Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Tharamangalam,

I had a chance to visit Amarakundhi / Amarakunthi to attend my co-brother's daughter’s marriage.  The Amarakundhi was once the capital of a small kingdom in Kongu Nadu,  ruled by the Gatti Mudali brothers, under the control of Madurai Nayaks during the eighteenth century (1700 to 1799).  Some of the Gatti Mudali kings, Mummudi Getti Mudali, Siyazhi Getti, Immudi Getti, and Vangamudi Gatti are responsible for the construction of the Tharamangalam Kailasanathar Temple (for details of my previous visit, CLICK HERE …. ), which is an architectural marvel temple. Many such small temples were also constructed during their period in their dynasty. Their ruling came to an end with the Chikka Devarayan of one of the Mysore kingdoms. Tharamangalam Vanangamudi Gatti Mudali and Senthamangalam Ramachandra Nayakar were defeated by Chikka Devarayan, who ruled for 31 years.

Other than the Tharamangalam Kailasanathar Temple, some of the temples are scattered in and around Tharamangalam. There are two such temples, a Vinayagar, and a Shiva temple still exist in Amarakaundhi. Visited the recent period temples like Veeramasti Amman (Veerammasti Amman – in Kannada). One thing I noticed was that some or others are kula Deivam for particular castes.  One of the common features of this temple is the Garuda thoon.

VEERAMASTI AMMAN TEMPLE.

This is called Veeramasti Amman in Kannada (might have the influence of the Mysore King's rule of this part of Kongu Nadu).  This Amman is the Kula Deivam for Chettiyar’s group. These Chettiars are Vaishnavites, who worship Lord Sri Vishnu.  In the sanctum, Amman is at the base of Lord Vishnu with Bhudevi and Sridevi.

Garudalwar, balipeedam, and Garudathoon are at the front of the temple, which is facing east.  This is a recent period temple.

VEERABHADRA SWAMY TEMPLE (VEERESWARAR).

This also belongs to the Sri Veerathanthi Maharishi Kothrampaleladu Vangusa Chettiar caste. The main Deity is Veerapathirar, in a standing posture, who is another form of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva took this avatar to kill Dakshan. The temple faces east with a Garudathoon, and Rishabam is in front.  Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, and Siva Durgai are in Koshtam. This is the first time I have seen this Siva Durgai. The temple has all the features of Shiva temples.

SRI AYYANAR TEMPLE

This Iyannar also belongs to some caste, which is not known. This temple is very similar to any other Ayyanar temple, with a lot of stucco statues. This temple also belongs to a recent period.

VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

This temple belongs to the Getti Mudali period of the single mandapa type. The temple is in bad shape and may crumble at any time. The stones used are very similar to Tharamangalam Sri Kailasanathar temple. There are inscriptions on the steps.

ANJANEYAR  TEMPLE

This temple is also an old temple, but completely whitewashed with several coats.

SRI MEENAKSHI SAMETHA SRI CHOKKANATHAR TEMPLE

This temple is an old Shiva temple with all the features. The temple faces east with a Garudathoon at the front. There is no Rajagopuram, but with an entrance arch, balipeedam, and Rishabam are immediately after the entrance arch. Sannadhi for Rajaganapathy, Arumuga with Valli Devasena, Chandikeswarar, Sri Meenakshi Amman, and Navagrahas. Amman is facing east. Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai are in koshtam. 

THARAMANGALAM SRI KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE TANKS

Since I had visited the Sri Kailasanathar temple earlier, I skipped the temple and visited only the temple tanks. The tanks are with water and we could not see the steps' beauty. But the reliefs on all four sides of the steps are very beautiful. Some of them are...

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