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This
is one of the ancient Tirukkovils with a difference. It acted as an
exalted Supreme court that decided many civil cases by subjecting
the defaulters to a test of unique type that crowns the truth with
total and invincible success and honour never existed anywhere in
the world.
The
linga is quite unique in possessing the Trimurtis. It is installed
in the brightly illumined Garbha Griha. The Moolavar is called
Sthanamalayaperumal and is about a foot and a half in height and
covered with gold Kavacha. The serenity of the spot, divinity of the
linga and austerity of the archakas in performing prayer services
draw out devotion to the fullest measure from every devotee and they
offer soulful prayer with palms joined and eyes closed. Next to this
lies another shrine known as Thakkedam dedicated to Sri Maha Vishnu.
The states is 7 feet high and covered with dazzling silver kavacham.
His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi are placed in front. The entire
sight recalls to the memory of the Balaji vigraha of Tirupathi.
Behind this shrine are installed Amarabhujanga perumal and
Suchindraperumal in separate niches. Indeed there are as many as
thirty minishrines inside the prakara and it takes hours to visit
them all for worshipping. It becomes quite a rewarding experience to
see the paintings on the inner walls of the gopuram. Many episodes
that occurred in this place are painted with minute details, and as
such they recreate the glory of this divya kshetra. Among the images
of the most worshipful gods, the eighteen
- foot -high icon of Anjaneya in standing posture beckons attention
and wrings veneration. The sculptural wealth of this place is
infinitely great and its craftsmanship is exceedingly superb.
Legends are many and it is said that Indra was redeemed of his sin
of deceiving Ahalya after penance and prayers to this Lord. Several
highest celestials worshipped this Lord on occasions numerous.
It
lies 10 km off Nagercoil on thery to Kanyakumari and is accessible
by bus and train.
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