Thirupulivanam

Thirupulivanam is a large east facing temple with a 3 tiered Rajagopuram at the east facing entrance. A deep temple tank is outside in the front alongside a large Mantapam, said to be the Vasantha Mantapam. A large Nandi is also outside in a small Mantapam facing the Lord inside. An spacious outer Prakaram follows once you enter through the Rajagopuram. The Sanctum Sanctorum is reached passing through six doorways which get narrower and a level higher as you go inside. The Dwarapalakas at the entrance of the Sanctum Sanctorum are very large and majestic. The main deity is thus about 15 feet above ground. Vyagrapureeswarar is a slender, tall Lingam with the pug marks of the Tiger, hair tied on top (Jadamudi) and is said to be a Swayambumoorthy (Self-occurring). The Aavudayar is square in shape on top of a Lotus design. The Inner Prakaram is a raised corridor around the Sanctum Sanctorum which is in a depression. The Dakshinamurthy here at Thirupulivanam is large and is a rare form called Simha Dakshinamurthy holding down a lion under his feet. On his left side are Vyagrapadhar with his consort, Kulothunga with his queen and Surya riding a lion. On his right side are Sage Pathanjali with his consort, 2 Kingiriyars and Chandran riding a Tiger. The Dakshinamurthy here is also considered as Arthanari (embodiment of man & woman) as below his feet are Muyalagan on one side and the lion representing Goddess Kali is on the other side. All the idols around the Sanctum Niches are large and majestic. The large Vinayaka seated on Eka Padha posture (sitting one legged) is truly majestic and is on a beautiful pedestal. A carving of Narasimha is in a pillar behind the Sanctum Sanctorum and also on the Vimaanam. The Sanctum Sanctorum is in the form of a Gajaparstham (reclining elephant). It is said that there are two tunnels running between the temple and Kancheepuram on one side and Uthiramerur on the other side. Twice in a year as the Sun traverses from south to north and north to south (January – February and June-July) the rays fall on the back wall of the deity without casting a shadow. The Amman shrine is separate with a Mantapam in front which has some good carvings of deities in the pillars. In the outer Prakaram is the Samadhi (burial spot) of Vyagrapadha Sidhdhar (not to be confused with Sage Vyagrapadhar) with a Lingam installed on top. The sixteen pillared Mantapam here, denoting the 16 types of wealth, has carvings of Tiger worshipping Lingam, Cow shedding milk on lingam, Kannappa Nayanar, Mahishasuramardhini, Anjaneya, Indra and more. Outside is an old Mantapam called the Indra Mantapam.