Trichy Bhoolokanathar Temple

Trichy stands as a significant urban center in the Tamil Nadu state of South India. While the Rock Fort is the central focus when Trichy is mentioned, there exist a few other vital yet less renowned temples within the city. This article unveils one such temple known as the Bhoolokanathar Temple.

Positioned near the Market Bus Stop at Trichy's core, the Bhoolokanathar Temple might not be familiar to those outside the city, but it holds a respected place among its inhabitants.

Highlights:

• Adhikara Nandi is found with four arms and playing drum 
• Five holy trees are found within the temple
• God - Bhoolokanathar
• Goddess - Jagatambikai
• Sthala Vruksha (holy tree) - Magizham, Vanni, Atthi, Bilva and Kurunthai 
• This temple is specially revered for addressing land and real estate-related concerns.

Legend:

The temple's genesis is intertwined with a tale. The region's ruling monarch found himself unable to resolve prevailing issues. A sage guided him to address the problems by worshipping Lord Shiva. Acting on the advice, the king installed a Shiva Linga, christening it Bhoolokanathar. The deity's benevolence duly resolved the king's challenges.

Temple Layout:

Though the temple's exact origins remain unclear, it is estimated to be several centuries old, though not ancient by any means. Oriented towards the east, the temple boasts a grand entrance tower (Raja gopuram) and an arch preceding it.

Bhoolokanathar and Jagatambikai

The temple's central deity is Bhoolokanathar, a grand Shiva Linga positioned in the east-facing sanctum. In the outer mandap (hall), a separate south-facing shrine reveres the Goddess Jagatambikai. She stands in her customary posture with four arms, two of which hold blossoms.

Two distinct Nandi images are placed—one facing Shiva and the other facing Ambika.

Nataraja & Four armed Nandi

Within the Maha Mandap (great hall), a shrine houses Nataraja and Shivakami. The shrine showcases the familiar figure of Karaikal Ammaiyar and an extraordinary Nandi. This unique Nandi boasts four arms—its upper arms clasped in a worshipful pose, while its lower ones play a drum (Maddala).

Various Mandapas

The temple comprises the sanctum (moolasthana), Ardha Mandapa (half-hall), Maha Mandapa, and two additional outer mandapas. The Jagatambikai shrine occupies the outermost mandapa. Ganesha and Subramanya sculptures welcome visitors at the Maha Mandapa's entrance.

Koshta Deities

Nardana Ganapati, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma, and Durga are the niche (Koshta) deities. All these images, except Lingodbhava, exhibit sizable dimensions and an aged aesthetic. However, Lingodbhava appears to be a recent addition, raising questions about the fate of the original niche statue.

Chandikeshwara maintains a traditional placement, while the female form Chandikeshwari occupies a separate space near the Jagatambikai shrine.

Sthala Vruksha

Usually, temples have one designated Sthala Vruksha (sacred tree), but this temple boasts five holy trees: Magizham, Vanni, Atthi, Bilva, and Kurunthai.

Other Deities

At the temple entrance, Ganesh and Subramanya images are displayed. Sub-shrines for Nagabarana Ganesha and Subramanya-Valli-Devasena are positioned within the prakara (temple courtyard).

Among the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities), only Surya (the sun god) is accompanied by his consorts. This arrangement is exclusive to Trichy and Thanjavur temples. In other regions, each planet faces its distinct direction, rather than collectively facing Surya.

The temple houses images of Bhairava, Surya, Chandra, Sapta Matrikas, Vishwanatha (Linga), Vishalakshi, Nalvar, Sekkizhar, Anjaneya, Karuppanna Swamy, and Ganesha (positioned beneath the Vanni tree).

Happy travelling.