SRI KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE- TARAMANGALAM – SALEM DISTRICT – TAMILNADU.- PART 1
Mahavishnu gave his sister Parvathi in marriage to Shiva. This process of handing over the bride, is known as “Thaaram vaththu koduppadhu” in Tamil, hence the name of the town THARAI MANGALAM now known as Tharamangalam.
In the centre of this Town is an exotic Temple of Lord Shiva as Shri Kailasanathar with his consort Sivakami Devi. One of the rarest of temples with a treasure of exotic Sculpture and the many stories attached with them.ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL UNKNOWN TEMPLES IN TAMILNADU.
The temple had an existence before the 10th Century CE. However the same was rebuilt by the Getti Muthaliar Clan who ruled the Kongu Part of Tamilnadu from the 13th to the 17th century. The temple seems to have been built by three chieftains namely Mummudi Gatti Muthali, Siyazhi Gatti Muthali & finally by Vanagamudi Gatti Muthali. The Gatti Muthali clan which ruled parts of today’s Salem, Erode and Karur district were Vassals of the Kingdom of the Madurai Nayakars. The Term “Getti” means firm or determined & the term Mudali is derived from the Tamil word “Muthal” meaning First or Primary. The influence of the Nayaka Sculpture is visible in the Temple. The temple construction was carried out till the death of Vanagamudi Gatti Muthali in the year 1667 and was incomplete, as the plan to finish the 1000 pillared hall was not completed.
The seven tiered Gopuram (90 ft) is in the shape of a chariot pulled by 2 horses and 2 elephants one on both sides.Under the Tower are two slabs of steps laid in the CORAL STONE “Pavazham”, which on touch energises the human body and creates resistance to illness. There are huge doors on the tower made out of “Vengai”(pterocarpus marsupium) wood, with intricate carvings of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, with Iron spikes( Rust proof) of different patterns.
The steps leading down in to the temple (Which is below the human settlement) signifies that people coming to see the lord should bow down and when they leave the Lord’s temple be blessed with happiness and prosperity as signified by the climbing of stairs.
Through the Tower one enters into a huge compound of 306′ by 164′ feet built in the 13th century. On the entrance into the compound is the Dhwajasthambam Nandi Mandapam and the Balipeetham.
In the outer prakaram are the sanctum of Sahasra Lingam, with Murugan, Brahmatheertha Vinayagar & Sri Avinasiappar with his consort Karunambikai.
TEMPLES OF INDIA 