Valeeswarar, Valeeswaram

Valeeswarar Valeeswaram is an ancient east facing temple with 2 Prakarams enclosed by a compound wall. The entrance is through a small gateway in the east. The outer prakaram encloses the Sanctum Sanctorum of the main deity inside a separate inner Prakaram. To the left is a separate sanctum for the goddess. The outer Prakaram is large and a pathway is present all around with shrines behind the sanctums. The architectural splendor of the sanctum sanctorum of the main deity is to be seen to be believed. The walls are filled with inscriptions all around. The carvings and sculptures are all splendid. The Nandi of the main deity is in the outer Prakaram facing the lord. The inner Prakaram has Mantapas on the south and west sides and an Ardha Mantapa and Antrala that leads to the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Lord. The Sanctum Sanctorum is completely constructed with stone from the foundation to the stupi. The outer walls of the Sanctum Sanctorum are without niches as is common in these parts. The Ardha Mantapa is supported by 8 Pillars and 8 Pilasters. The important aspects are the sculptures in the niches in the Vimaana which include Gangadhara, Vrishabantaka, Dakshinamurthi, Nataraja, Ardhanariswara, Tripurantaka, Kalarimurti, Lingotbava, Kamantaka, Gajasamharamurthi, and others. An ancient Nandi is kept on the ground between the god and goddess sanctums. A river called Gadana runs in front in the east of Valeeswarar Valeeswaram. The temple is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India.