Iravasthanam - Kanchipuram

By Krishnakumar T K - June 12, 2010

Pilgrims, heritage enthusiasts, those who love Indian culture, those who are interested in South Indian history, and even those who enjoy visiting the architectural and sculptural marvels - all of them visit this holy city called Kanchipuram in large numbers. But, most of them visit only a few selected and famous temples in this city of thousand temples. However, many more ancient temples in and around the city remain unknown or lesser known. Iravasthanam is one such unexplored temple; it is an architectural marvel and a treat for our eyes.

Pachai Vannar and Pal Vannar temples can be considered the twin Vishnu temples. Similarly, this temple called Iravasthanam and the nearby Piravasthanam can be regarded as the twin Shiva temples of Kanchi.

The temple is located in Kammala Street near Pachai Vanna Perumal temple. It is one of the eight Pallava temples of the city that still exists. There is no stone inscription found. However, based on the architectural style, scholars have categorized this temple as the one built during the later years of Rajasimha Pallava (8th century CE).

Legend

As per the legend, the sages did severe penance toward Lord Shiva, aiming to gain immortality. Shiva appeared to them and advised them to visit Kanchi. They came to this site and continued their penance to ultimately achieve their goal. Hence, this site is called Iravasthanam and the deity is named Iravadeeswarar or Mrityunjeswarar. The word "Irava" in Tamil refers to immortality.

It is also believed that the sage Markandeya originally installed this Shiv Linga. Shweta, a Brahmin, attained immortality after worshiping Shiva at this site; the tank is named after him. The grandson of the sage Salankaya achieved the post of Shiv Gana after praying to Shiva in this temple.

Towers

The east-facing temple has two towers at the eastern and western entrances. These towers belong to the later period, not the original times.

Main Shrine

The east-facing sanctum enshrines Shiv Linga, who is named Iravadeeswarar or Mrityunjeshwar. The panel of Somaskanda is found on the wall inside the shrine. The vimana above the sanctum is a two-tier Nagara vimana. Nandi, with his head, turned towards his right direction under a small beautiful mandapa, and Bali peetha are found facing towards the sanctum. The Mukha mandapa and the mandapa on the southern side are all later additions. Only the sanctum and the Ardha mandapa are the works of Pallavas.

The wall around the sanctum and the vimana have stunning sculptures.

Sculptures on the southern wall

The southern side wall has the sculptures of Ganesha and Dakshinamurti. To the left of Ganesha, tiny figures of a few Bhuta Ganas are seen. Also, a Dwarapala is found. However, there is no Dwarapala or Bhuta Ganas on the other side. The torana above Ganesha has Sukhasana Murti. The figures of Bhuta Ganas are not very clear.

To the true right side of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti is located. His right arm is broken, and his face is also damaged. Otherwise, this is a stunning sculpture. He is surrounded by four lions as well as six sages. As per Sri Sivaramamurti, the famous epigraphist, one of the sages, who holds Eka danda, could be Adi Shankaracharya. Within the niche of Dakshinamurti, a few other figures and antelopes are also found, but they are not very clearly visible. The extreme right and left sides of Dakshinamurti have two Dwarapalas. Two sculptures of Ganesha are found above these two Dwarapalas, and above Dakshinamurti, there is a torana with Sukhasana Murti.

Sculptures on the western wall

In the middle of the western wall, Shiva in Vrschika Karnam is found. To his true right side, there is Bhikshatana Murti, and to his true left side, there is Gaja Samhara Murti. Both these figures have Uma as well. The extreme left and right sides have Dwarapalas. The torana above Vrschika Karana Murti has Sukhasana Murti. Above the Dwarapalas, the sculptures of Ganesha are found.

Sculptures on the northern wall

In the middle of the northern wall, Jalandhara Samhar Murti is found. To his true right side, there is Gangadhara, and to his true left side, there is Kala Samhara Murti. A small figure of a boy hugging Shiva Linga, representing Markandeya or Shweta, is also found in the niche of Kala Samhara Murti. The extreme left and right sides have Dwarapalas. The torana above Jalandhara Samhara Murti has Sukhasana Murti. Above the Dwarapalas, the sculptures of Ganesha are found.

There is a beautiful representation of Durga on the right side of all the sculptures mentioned above. She holds discus and conch in her upper arms and has a lion as her vaahana. To her true right side, there is a Dwarapalika holding bow. Few Bhuta Ganas are found on her left side. A Dwarapala is located on the right side of Dwarapalika. There is Sukhasana Murti in the torana above her.

Other Sculptures

The four corners of the sanctum walls have standing horned lions (Vyala).

The Griva portion of the vimana has the sculptures of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu and Brahma.

The miniature figures of Bhuta Ganas are found on top of the walls. Also, the karnakuta (miniature square shrine) has sculptures. It is said that this is one of the earliest temples to have karnakuta images.

Happy travelling.