178. 12 PUTHUR

VIDHYAPADHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 15kms from Aarani near Mullindrum

Shiva: Vidhyapadheeswarar

Amman: Aksharavalli

Spciality:

This place was called Somanadhar Madam in ancient days. A Shiva devotee called Somanadha Jeeyar established a Mutt here. Therefore this place was called as Somanadhar Madam. The favourite deity of Somanadha Jeeyar was Thiruvannamalai Arunachalaeswarar. Somanadha Jeeyar was praised by Arunagirinadhar. In 1355AD a person called Harihara Udaiyar contributed in plenty for temple functioning and festivals to Somanadha Jeeyar. All the functions are celebrated in a grand manner. Somanadha Jeeyar was called as Ayyan by the people of the Village. Therefore this place was know as Ayyanputhur now known as 12 Puthur. 

The temple faces east. 

The Rajagopuram faces south.

There is a Palipeetam and Nandhi Mandpam.

We have to climb 5 steps to reach the Mukamandapam.

There is a carving of the bull in the Mugamandapam.

Since this is the Vijayanagara Emblem it denotes that contributions must have been done before the Vijayanagara period.

In the Mahamandapam we find the idols of Somanadha Jeeyar and Arunagirinadhar.

There are Sannidhis of Vinayaka, Muruga and Chandikeswarar.

The Amman Aksharavalli Sannidhi faces south.

Arunagirinadhar have sung about Muruga of this temple.

Worshipping Lord Muruga here removes enmity from inside and outside.

Honey Abhishekam is done to Shiva as he grants all skills and good education. 

Honey and Millet porridge (Thinai Maavu) are offered to Lord Muruga to get relieved from court affairs.

This temple was greatly damaged due to invasions but now it is newly constructed and looks majestic.