Andanallur Vada Teerthanathar Temple

Andanallur, a quaint village, is situated approximately 20 kilometers away from the city of Trichy in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Nestled along the Trichy-Karur route, this village's closest prominent area is Tiruchenthurai. At the heart of Andanallur lies the Vada Teerthanathar temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva from the Chola period, specifically known as the Vada Teertheswarar temple. This article will delve into the intriguing details of this temple.

Highlights:

• God - Vada Teerthanathar a.k.a. Vada Teertheswarar a.k.a. Alanthurai Mahadevar
• Goddess - Bala Soundara Nayaki a.k.a. Bala Sundari
• Sthala Vruksha (holy tree) - Banyan
• It is a Devara Vaippu Sthalam

History:

Originally named Andavanallur, historical records indicate that the primary deity was called Alanthurai Mahadevar. This points to the village's former name as Alanthurai.

The temple's construction can be attributed to Parantaka Chola I. Subsequent renovations and contributions were made by Raja Raja Chola I, Veera Pandya, Hoysala kings, and Nayaka Kings.

Temple Layout:

This temple, while relatively small, exudes significance. Unlike many other temples, it lacks a towering structure at its entrance.

The sanctum faces east and houses the revered Shiva Linga known as Vada Teerthanathar. As visitors enter the Ardha Mandapa, they are greeted by two imposing Dwarapalas. Further within the Maha Mandap stands an icon of Lord Ganesha. Nandi, the bull, gazes towards the sanctum from the Maha Mandap.a

In the southern shrine, a substantial icon of Goddess Soundara Nayaki is enshrined, with her own Nandi as her divine vehicle.

Within the temple complex, subsidiary shrines are dedicated to Maha Ganapati, Subramanya, Gaja Lakshmi, Navagraha, and Chandikeshwara. Subramanya is represented with six heads and twelve arms, seated atop a peacock with consorts flanking him. An original Chola-period icon is evident in the form of Chandikeshwara.

Niche images of Dakshinamurti, Maha Lingam, Brahma, and Durga, while from a later era, hold their place in the temple. The Maha Lingam, intriguingly, appears as an unadorned rock.

The temple also houses ancient icons of Bhairava, Surya, and Chandra.

The intricately designed Vimanas of the sanctum and other shrines enhance the temple's aesthetic appeal.

Flowing in proximity to the temple is the sacred river Cauvery, adding to the serene ambiance of the surroundings.

Happy travelling.