SHIVA TEMPLES: 83. NATHAM - PARAMESWARAMANGALAM

SHENBAKESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 12kms from Kalpakkam.

Shiva: Shenbakeswarar

Amman: Soundaryanayaki

Theertham: Senbaka Theertham

Sthala Viruksham: Shenbaka tree

Speciality:

This temple is situated on the southern banks of Paalaru opposite to Vayiloor (Voyalur). Voyalur was the place of Pallava celebrity. The nearby place called Vasavasamuthiram contained Roman Relics which were discovered recently. Natham is a place within the area of Parameswaramangalam.

This is a Tri-tila temple facing east.

There is the Garpagrihi and the Arthamandapam only.

This temple was constructed by Nripatunga Varma Pallava about 1200years ago and later contributions were made by Kulothunga Chola the First and Maravarman Sundarapandiyan. The temple is built completely built of stones.

The Deva Kosht figures are Bhikshadana, Ganapathy and Dhakshinamurthy onthe southern side, Lingothbava with Brahma as Hamsa on top and Vishnu as Varaha below on the west and Brahma, Durga and Sankaranarayanar on the North. The additional sculptures of Sankaranarayanar and Bhikshadanar other than the Normal 5 deities point out that the temple was rebuilt in the days of Uthama Chola. Valampuri Vinayaka and 2 broken Dwarapalakas reveal that they have been installed during the Pallava period.

Kulothunga Chola the third had built a 16 pillared mandap outside the temple. Now it is sad to see that this has been bought down by natural elements and invasions.

There were 7 Shiva temples in this area in early days. Apart from the Kailasanadhar and Senbakeswarar temple the other temples were Arunachaleswarar, Jagadeeswarar, Ekambaranathar, Valmikinadhar and Vyakrapadeswarar temples. These 5 temples were also worshipped by Pancha Bhoothas namely Agni, Vaayu, Aaahasa, Bhumi and Jala. These 5 temples were situated around the Shenbakaeswarar and Kailasanadhar temples. Out of which Valmikinadhar was worshipped by Valmiki and Vyakrapadeswarar was worshipped by Vyakrapadha Pulikal Munavar. It is very sad to see only the 5 lingas around the Senbakeswarar temple and place where the temples were built earlier is unknown. Due to invasions these 5 temples have been destructed.

The peacock of the Subramanya is turned towards the opposite side (this form is called Asura Mayil). Lord Muruga holds weapons in all his arms. King Rajendra Chola the First has said to have installed this deity. The lord Holds Kendi and Akshara Mala and is in the form of Brahma Sastha.

The Shree Chakram is installed in the feet of the Ambaal.

The history of the temple is learned form the inscriptions found on the walls of the temple.

Queen Lokamahadevi (the wife of Raja Raja Chola first) had taken steps in converting barren lands into fertile agricultural lands by donating huge sum of money for its maintenance. Rajendra Chola the first Sathvanjara Committee to explore the planning of the town and the maintenance of the temple. But now the plight of the temple is very piteous. We learn these from the inscriptions found all around the temple.

Inscriptions:

In the walls of the temple there are inscriptions of Rajendhra Chola I, Kulothunga Chola I and Raja Raja Chola III. This temple was much earlier than the 7th Century as records say that the temple was rebuilt first during the period of Parantaka Chola I.

History:

Lakshmi (Maha Vishnu consort) meditated for several years in a Shenbaka forest seeking the blessings of lord Shiva. Shiva appeared and blessed her. He ordered Nandhi Deva to guard Lakshmi and therefore we can see the Nandhi deva turning his back to the lord even today. Lord Shiva said that this place would be a special place and people who come here to worship the lord would be guided by the Nandhi Deva himself.

Goddess Soundaryanayaki gave up the Paasam and the Angusam but instead she hold the lotus and Nilothpalam in her hands. 'The first honors would be offered to the Mother Soundaryanayaki', Lord Shiva said this and moved to a small hill on the Palar river nearby. He stayed there and he is known as Kailasanaadhar. Sowndaryanayaki went in search of her husband. He hid himself amidst wilderness with the Snake and a cow which showered milk on him. The Mother moved up on the hill on her knees (the marks are still found there) to convince the lord. The lord got convinced and he accepted Soundaryanayaki.

Another story says that the Nandhikeswarar is still facing his back to the Lord since he was asked to guard the Village.

SHENBAKESWARAR TEMPLE