Thirupanankadu

The original name of Thirupanankadu is Vanparthaan Panangattur. This is a large temple with two main deities and goddesses. Both the Sanctums of the main deities are in the form of Gajaprastham (back of a reclining elephant). The main entrance is through a gateway and straight ahead is the sanctum of Kripanadeswarar with a 3 tiered gopuram at the entrance. To your left is the Sanctum of Thalapureeswarar. There are 2 flagstaffs and 2 large Nandis outside each of the Sanctums. At the entrance of the Thalapureeswarar Sanctum are carved Sage Agastya and Palmyra Palm Tree on either side. At the entrance of the Kripanadeswarar Sanctum are carved Sage Pulasthya and Palmyra Palm Tree on either side. Both the Goddess shrines are next to each other facing south with the Palliyarai in between. There are two Palmyra Trees (male and female) on either side. The two original Holy Trees are outside the temple adjacent to the Kottai Muneeswara Temple. The Mantapa in front of the Sanctums have many pillars with beautiful carvings including Nagalingam, Rama, Vali, Sugreeva, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Anjaneya, Sundarar, Manickavasagar, Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Garuda, Venugopala to name some. When seen from the Pillar of Rama you can see the images of Vaali and Sugreeva in another Pillar, but not vice versa. The Temple Tank is nort-east of the temple and has an idol of Goddess Ganga on its banks.