Tiruchendurai Chandrashekhara Temple

Welcome to Tiruchendurai, formerly known as Jeeyapuram, a quaint village nestled approximately 19 kilometers away from Trichy in the vibrant state of Tamil Nadu, India. This picturesque hamlet lies along the scenic Trichy-Lalgudi route and boasts an enchanting ancient temple dedicated to the revered Lord Shiva, known as Chandrashekhara Swami. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating details of this remarkable temple.

Highlights:

• God - Chandrashekhara a.k.a. Mrityunjayeswara Murti
• Goddess - Maanendiya Valli a.k.a. Mrigadharambika
• Sthala Vruksha (Holy tree) - Jack fruit tree
• Nataraja in unique posture called Urdhvajanu
• Two Trishul signs of Linga
• Devi is found with deer in her arm
• Unique sculptures on the tower
• Goddess in Ardha nari form

Legend:

Although no specific Puranic legend is associated with this temple, a captivating tale connects it to a Chola King. Parantaka Chola, the valiant ruler, sought to vanquish the bandits who once inhabited the dense jackfruit forest in this region. Setting up camp with his army, the king found an abundance of deer but no bandits. While chasing a deer, it led him to a deep pit. Upon releasing an arrow into the pit, blood miraculously flowed out, accompanied by a celestial voice revealing the presence of a Shiv Linga within. Determined to build a temple for the divine Linga, the king's wish remained unfulfilled during his lifetime. However, his daughter-in-law, Kundavai, took up the task and eventually excavated the Linga, leading to the construction of the temple.

History:

The temple stands as a proud relic of the Chola dynasty, with around 50 stone inscriptions dating back to various rulers such as Parantaka Chola, Rajendra Chola, Kulotunga Chola I, Rajadhiraja Chola, Vikrama Chola, Rajaraja Chola II, Koneri Devaraya, and Sri Ranga Deva Maharaya of Vijayanagara. Initially built using mortar or brick possibly by Aditya Chola I in the 9th century CE, it was later reconstructed in stone by Kundavai in the early 10th century CE.

The esteemed Kodumbalur Velir Chiefs supported Parantaka Chola I in his battles against the Pandyas, and his son Arikulakesari (Arinjaya Chola) married Kundavai, also known as Pudi Adicha Pidariyar, the daughter of Tennavan Ilangovelar of Kodumbalur Velir lineage. Kundavai, the ambitious and determined daughter-in-law, played a crucial role in the temple's construction.

Throughout the ages, the temple received renovations and enhancements from various dynasties, including the Vijaya Nagaras and Nayakas.

Temple Layout:

Entrance:

The temple's imposing east-facing structure features a five-tiered tower adorned with stucco figures, including some unique and intriguing ones, which are listed below.  It is unfortunate that all of them are painted badly in the name of renovation.

• Devi with four heads; her right head is of elephant and her left head is of lion. She has ten arms and an Asura or Rakshasa is found below her feet. Female attendants are seen on her either sides. (As per the researcher Dr. Ira. Kalai Kovan, this deity is called as Shakti Chatuska, the combined form of Lakshmi, Kirti, Jaya and Maya).
• Narasimha with four heads and ten arms (I doubt if he has only four heads or five heads with one head behind). This is something which cannot be seen anywhere else.
• Urdhva Tandava - Shiva with ten arms with his leg raised towards the sky
• Kali in dancing posture
• Trivikrama with twenty arms

The vast area between the tower and the main structure embraces numerous trees, and notable features like Nandi Mandapa and bali peetha face the sanctum. Although no flagstaff remains in the temple today, it continues to exude an aura of divine grandeur.

Chandrashekhara:

The east-facing sanctumhouses a Shiv Linga named Chandrashekhara, believed to be a self-manifested Linga. This unpolished Linga boasts a rough texture resembling a jackfruit. Notably, it displays two small Trishul signs in the Ishana and Agni directions, adding to its symbolism and significance.

The vimana (superstructure) is two-tiered and is fully made of stone.

The entrance of the Ardha Mandapa proudly hosts two magnificent Chola period Dwarapalas, guardians of the shrine.

In the Maha Mandapa, a majestic Nandi faces the sanctum, displaying unyielding devotion to Lord Shiva.

Maanendiya Valli:

The temple's graceful and divine Goddess, known as Maanendiya Valli or Mrigadharambika in Sanskrit (with "Maan" signifying deer in Tamil), resides in a southern-facing shrine. This extraordinary deity is said to be the only Goddess worldwide portrayed holding a deer in her arms.  (There are Koshta deities who hold deer, which cannot be considered in this list).

The sculpture beautifully portrays her in the form of Ardhanari, embodying the harmonious union of the masculine and feminine energies. With ten arms, Mazhu in her right arm, with Surya Prabhai behind the right side of her head, she holds deer in her left arm and has Chandra Prabhai behind the left side of her head. Maanendiya Valli's right leg carries a masculine appearance, while her left leg exudes a delicate, feminine grace. She also wears Upanayana. The niche images surrounding her shrine depict five female deities, all seated and also holding a deer and Mazhu in their arms.

Nandi is found facing towards her shrine. 

Nataraja:

The temple houses a unique bronze image of Nataraja in a captivating pose known as Urdhvajanu, where the cosmic dancer raises one knee upwards. Unfortunately, this iconic shrine remained closed during my multiple attempts to visit the temple, adding an aura of mystery to this rare depiction. 

Niche Icons:

On the west-facing outer wall of the sanctum, a striking niche image of Vrushabhantika Murti leans over Nandi, with his right arm nestled between Nandi's horns and his head slightly tilted. The other two niches, though currently housing stucco idols of Ardhanareeswarar and Durga, lack the original Murtis. Nevertheless, Durga, too, is depicted with a deer and Mazhu in her arms.

Other Deities:

The temple showcases the original Chola period Chandikeshwara.

Within the prakara, sub-shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Vishwanatha and Subramanya-Valli-Devasena are found. However, the shrine of Gaja Lakshmi, though believed to have existed, is no longer present.

The Navagraha section includes the Sun God (Surya) with his consorts.

Images of Surya and Bhairava face the sanctum, retaining their ancient charm.

Near Vrushabhantika Murti, a sub-shrine devoted to Dakshinamurti has been added in recent times, albeit seemingly unnecessary.

Happy travelling.