Sri Arudra Kapaleeswara Temple - Erode
Sri Arudra Kapaleeswara Temple is just 2kms from Erode Bus stand is in the heart of Erode city and near Pannerselvam Park and market and about 3 Km from Railway station and by the side of Kasturi Ranganatha Swamy Temple and is magnificently Built may be around the time in 1100 AD and subsequently later Renovated by Vijayanagara kingdom Rulers.
The then Kongu Cholas who ruled this region had the name Karikala during the year 1004-1280 AD. It is believed that one such Karikala could have built this temple. One of the Karikala, with the help of one Samaya Mudali built 36 Shiva temples on the banks of Cauvery, according to one story.
The main tower (Rajagopuram) is an outstanding example of architectural beauty.
Historical Name of the Temple is : Thiru Thondeeswaramis the Main Presiding Deity - Moolavar Arudra Kapaleeswarar also known as Thondeeswarar and Amman is Varunambikai
108 Shivalingas are carved on a single Linga in the temple. This is a very pleasing darshan to the devotees. In the Kottai division of Erode, Lord Thondeswara graces the devotees.
Sun God graces in the front hall (Mandap) with His consorts. Lord Kanni Vinayaka graces in the Southwest corner while the holy tree Vanni is at the west.
The temple has Pollapillayar with 64 Nayanmars in a sitting position. Lord Dakshinamurthy is near the Nayanmars. After passing through the Saptha Kannikas (Seven maidens) on the west, devotees can have the darshan of the paintings of Five Shivalingas representing five philosophies.
On the way to the main temple one will pass through this Jala Vinayaka a small temple worth a visit.
Annadhana Thittam was also launched in this temple from 06.11.2005. Daily minimum 50 devotees are eating very tasty Prasadams at 12.15 Noon.
Other Names of the Deity are Sri Thondeeswarar, Sri Cheddeswarar, Sri Chozheeswarar and Sri Arudra Kapaleeswarar.
Name of the Godesses : Sri Varunambikai.
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwajasthambam, Nandhi and Palipedam are at the entrance of the maha mandapam.
In the outer prakaram sannadhi for Suryan with his consorts Sayadevi and Usha Devi, Moola Vinayagar, Gajasamkara murthy, sthala viruksham with Vinayagar and Amman, Kala Bairavar, Chandran, 63var, Saptha mathakkal and Chandran.
On the facia of the mahamandapam sudhai sirpams/ reliefs of Sthala puranam and sthala puranam of Avinashi Shiva temple. Kali and Oorthuva thandava murthy are worth to see on the mahamandapam pillars.
In the inner prakaram, Durgai, Naalvar, 63var, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Sandikeswarar and Navagrahas.
At the entrance of the sanctum it was learnt there was only one Dwarapalaka and latter the second dwarapalaka was added.
In koshtam Vinayakar, Dhakshinamurthy, Brahma and Vishnu Durgai.Moolavar is little small, Syambu and has 108 lingas carved on it. It was believed that moolavar was installed by Sage Durvasa in a lying position ( Palli konda Position ).
The sun rays falls on moolavar on Tamil Masi month 23rd to 27th.
It was believed ( hear say ) that the temple was built during the year 1004 -1280, Kongu Chozhas period and the King name was Karikalan. Also with the help of Samayr Mudali built 36 Shiva temples on the banks of Cauvery. From the inscriptions available at the base of the sanctum wall, the temple is called as Thondeeswaram and the Lord Shiva as Thondeeswarar, Thondeeswaram Udaya Mahadeva, Thondeeswaram Udaya Thambiranar, Thondeeswaram Udaya Pidarar, Nayanar, Thondargal Nayanar, etc.
The Five Kaala Pooja are conducted according to the Kaarana Nagama Pooja system.
Temple Opening Time
Morning - 5.30 A.M. To 12.30 P.M.
Evening - 4.30 P.M. To 8.30 P.M.
Pooja Timings
Ushakkala Pooja (Sun Rise Pooj
06:00 A.M
Kaalasandhi Pooja
07:00 A.M
Uchikkala Poojaa (Noon Pooja)
12:00 Noon
Saayaraksha Pooja (Sunset Pooja)
06:00 P.M
Ardhajama Pooja (Night Pooja)
08:00 P.M
A wonderful temple and worth visiting if you are in Erode a Must and get Lord Kapaliswarar and Devi sri Varunambikai Blessings and Ashirvadam and also Visit to Brahmin's Hotel near to the temple and enjoy Excellent mouth watering South Indian Tasty Dishes.
---------- Hari Om ---------
