Sanjeevirayar Ayyangarkulam

Sanjeevirayar Ayyangarkulam is a large temple with 3 Prakarams. The temple is entered from the south, but mostly from the north passing a 24 pillared Mantapam on the banks of the temple pond. This mantapam has about 85 different forms of Hanuman carved on the pillars. Inside on a wall, you find inscriptions of the ‘Sri Hanumath Vimsathi’ which was composed by Tathacharya. In the Sanctum Sanctorum is Lord Hanuman as Sanjeevirayar. In the Prakaram behind the sanctum sanctorum stands a lone idol of Garuda. This beautiful idol is about 6 feet tall with folded hands in prayer. There is also a large ancient stone utensil (Uruli) and a stone table said to be used for mixing Tamarind Rice. The temple tank in the north is a large one with steps leading down. Beyond this is a large lake called Thatha Samudram. This lake actually includes the temple pond in it and when full should submerge the pond fully. The temple itself extends into this lake and steps are present on all the three sides. On the other side of this lake, further north is a stepwell built during the Vijayanagar Period. The well includes an underground Mantapa with some beautifully carved pillars and as a whole is an amazing architectural feature. Lord Varadaraja of Kancheepuram visits this stepwell during the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chithirai (mid April to mid May) when the water is drained out for the popular annual ritual called Vasantotsavam. In the lake is also found eating plates carved out of stone.