Puthirakameteeswarar, Aarani

Saivite Temples, Thiruvannamalai District

God

Puthirakameteeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Periyanayaki Amman, facing east

Other Deities

Padithurai Vinayaka, Veera Anjaneya, Dasaratha, Valampuri Vinayaka, 63 Nayanmar, Panchalingams with consorts, Vinayaka, Shanmuga with consorts, Krishna with Radha Rukmini, 1008 Lingam, Parvathi, Veerabadhra with consort, Bhairava, Navagraha, Saneeswara, Surya. Sanctum niches – Nritya Ganapati, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Chandikeswara, Durga

Puthirakameteeswarar Aarani is a large temple situated beautifully on the banks of the Kamandala River just after it turns north and then south thrice like a snake. A large peepul tree with a stage hosts a multitude of Naga idols of all shapes and sizes. The shrines of Vinayaka and Anjaneya are just above the flight of steps that lead down to the river. Outside and facing the lord is a shrine for King Dasaratha, father of Lord Rama sitting in a yoga posture. A 3 tiered Rajagopuram is at the entrance which is followed by a spacious single Prakaram with a row of niches under the Mantapa at the back. The sanctum sanctorum is large and so is the main deity at about 4-5 feet. The goddess is about 4-5 feet tall too. There are two sets of Dwarapalakas, one at the south entrance and one inside in the east entrance to the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is built in Pallava style architecture.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Naga Kamandala River

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Pavazha Malli (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis)

History

Puthirakameteeswarar Aarani is an ancient temple built by the Pallavas. A large number of inscriptions are found on all sides of the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Legend

Puthirakameteeswarar Aarani is believed to have been installed by King Dasaratha, father of Lord Rama in his quest to beget children. He was advised by Sage Vasishta to find a river that runs west to east and build a temple where it turns north in its flow. The Kamandala river is believed to have been created by Sage Jamadagni who is considered as an aspect of Lord Shiva himself.

Directions

Puthirakameteeswarar Aarani is in the outer fringes of the town and can be reached by taking a right just before the river bridge while going from inside the town.

Stay and Food

Aarani has a few small restaurants. Stay would be in Kancheepuram or Vellore depending on your travel.

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