This visit to this temple is a part of the Pudukkottai
Heritage Visit, arranged by Mr Trichy Parthy. The temple is under the
control of the Archaeological Survey of India. The Kumbhabhishekam
was performed a few days before. The second visit to
this Markapureeswarar Temple at Visalur was a part of the Heritage Visit to temples
around Keeranur in Pudukkottai District, organized by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே”
group on 2nd and 3rd October 2021.
Moolavar : Sri
Markapureeswarar /Sri Markabandeeswarar Sri Vakiswaramudaya Mahadevar
Some of the important features are...The temple faces east with a Shiva & Parvathi stucco image
on the entrance arch. A Nayaka statue (may be one of the contributors to this temple) and a mandapam
are immediately after the entrance arch. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Nandi
are in front of the 2 tier Rajagopuram.
In the Vimana koshtam, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu & Brahma, and 4
Nandis are on the 4 corners. In the niche/ Deva koshtam Dakshinamurthy, installed
at a later stage. In the outer prakaram sannidhi for Vishnu,
Durgai, Lingas, Jyeshta Devi / Thavvai, Ambal sannidhi, Chandikeswarar.
Navagrahas are in the Mukha mandapam.
ARCHITECTUREThe temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, and mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is built with 6 angas/
parts via Adhisthanam, Bitti, prastaram, greevam, Sigaram, and stupi. A single-tier Nagara-style stone vimana, including kalasam/stupi, is on the square
sanctum, called suddha vimanam.
Adhisthanam…. Upana is not visible. The adhisthana consists of
jagathi, Threepatta kumuda, kampu, kandam with kandapada, kampu, pattigai, and
kampu. It totals 25 parts and is called pada bandha adhistanam. Vedhigai. Vedhigai is not visible.
Bhitti… The bhitti is divided into three parts with 4 Brahmakantha
pilasters. In the pilasters, the square base is missing. The pilasters consist of
idaikattu, kalasam, thadi, kudam or Kumbha, paalika mandi, palagai,
veerakandam, and Pothyal. The Uthram is
above the pothyal. The koshtam, in salaipathi, is not extended.
Prastaram…. In prastaram, we can see Utharam, vajanam, valapi /
ezhuthagam/ vajanam, kapotam, aaliskam / Anthiri, prathi vajanam, and
viyyalavari. Bhutaganas are in the valabi. Palai karukku and Nasi koodus are
found in Kapotham. Makarathundam can be
seen in the Bhoomidesam, above all the pilasters.
Square vedikai, greevam, sigaram, and stupi are on the Bhoomi Desam
called Srigaram. 4 maha nasis with torana are in all 4 directions. The stupi is beautifully done. Since the
vimana from adhistanam to the stupi is constructed with stone, this vimana is
called "Suddha Vimanam".
The prakara or the thiruchutru maligai is with three anga Upa
peedam, Chithrakanda pillar with vettu
pothyal. This is connected with the 2-tier Rajagopuram on both sides.
Chandikeswarar sannidhi and Dakshinamurthy sannidhis are added at a later
date. Pallava period Maha Vishnu
Jyeshta devi / Thavvai, Bhairavar, Vinayagar, Suryan, and Chandikeswarar are as
Parivara Deities.
HISTORY
AND INSCRIPTIONThis is the 9th-century temple, constructed by
Vijayalaya Chozha (Tamil Virtual Academy claims that it was Parantaka Chozha-I). Inscriptions of Rajaraja-I and Kulothunga Chozha-I are found in this
temple. The inscription stones, which are not used during renovation, are kept on
the north side of the praharam. The moolavar’s name is recorded as Vasukiswaramudaya
Mahadevar and Varathukasuramudaya Nayanar, and this place is Visalur. Some of the inscription stones mention the name of a Village called Puliyur, which still exists in the same name.
One of the Kulothunga Chozha-I’s earlier period inscriptions
mentions his real name as Rajendra.
The Pandya King Veerapandya’s 14th reign year
incomplete inscription records as Misengurnattu puli…
TEMPLE TIMINGS:The temple will be kept open from 08.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs since the temple was maintained by ASI.
HOW TO REACH:The temple can be reached through Pudukkottai- Keeranur-Kunnandar
Kovil – Visalur. The temple is on the Keeranur – Puliyur – Killukottai Road. The temple is 13 km from Keeranur, 42 km from Pudukkottai, 35 km from Tiruchirappalli, and 353 km from
Chennai.The nearest Railway Junction is Tiruchirappalli.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
The Vijayanagara King / Nayak, who constructed this temple
Durga
Jyeshta Devi
---
OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
Sri Vakiswaramudaya Mahadevar
The Vijayanagara King / Nayak, who constructed this temple
Durga
Jyeshta Devi
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