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FIRST PRAKARAM (SANCTUM SANCTORUM)
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| Passing through Vilakku (lamp) and the Ratha Vilakku Nandi, and climbing the steps in between we can reach the inner side of Sanctum Sanctorum. This chamber contains the statues of Chandran (Moon) and Suriyan (Sun) on the right with the Pradosha Nandhi in the
Centre. |
A narrow passage leads us to innermost shrine where Lord Arunachaleswarar in the form of Lingam is seated. The BANA of the Linga which had a thick gold band around its middle was resting in the AUDAYER of immense beauty. The Linga is large and full of composure.
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Sri
Arunachaleswarar |
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| Shrine of Goddess Unnamulaiamman |
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| The shrine of Goddess Unnamulaiamman is located at the north west part of Third
Prakaram. |
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There is an entrance on the northern side of the Lord Annamaliyar's sanctum which connects Second and Third Prakarams and leads us to the shrine of Goddess
Unnamulaiamman. In the sanctum sanctorum, Goddess Unnamulaiamman is seen standing dressed in pure gold and blessing the
devotees. |
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Unnamulaiamman
Sannathi |
Sri
Unnamulaiamman |
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| Vijaya Raghava Vinayagar is seated majestically within Her shrine to the left of the entrance. To the right the following statues are found : Vinayaga, Lingothbavar, Ganapathy, Bairavar, Linga, Valli, Shanmugan, Devasena and Dakshinamurthi. Two large Dwarapalas guard the entrance to inner shrine. A magnificant Nandi is faced inwards towards Mother's shrine. |
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A Navagraha Sannathi (shrine of Nine planets)
is located in front of the sanctum sanctorum of Goddess
Unnamulaiamman. Shrines of Yama, the God of death and His secretary-bookkeeper Chitragupthar are
also located in front of Mother's shrine. In front of the entrance to the Inner shrine of Goddess Unnamaulaiamman are Chitra Vinayaga and Karthikeya guarding the entrance. Glorious ornate pillars representing
Ashta(Eight) Lakshmis and other forms of the Mother of Universe extends from the entrance doors towards sanctum. These pillars carved by master craftsmen are works of art enchanting all visitors. |
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Navagraha Sannathi |
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| In Her second Prakaram a number of pictures of the Mother of Universe are displayed.Panels containing the verses of "Thiruvempaavai", sung by Saint-poet Manickavasagar are found on the walls of this
prakaram.It was in Thiruvannamalai that Goddess Parvathi did great penance and became one with Lord Siva, taking Her place in His left side,
Arthanareeswarar. |
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Arthanareeswarar |
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