I chanced upon Stambeswarar Temple while reading an article in a magazine. I was intrigued by its history and during my visit to India in December 2013, I made sure to visit this historical/sacred site. The temple is located in a village called Siyamangalam, Vandavasi Taluk, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.
This temple was built during the reign of Mahendra Varmman I (600 - 630 CE), a Pallava King who was known for his interest in the letters and architecture. In fact he was instrumental in the rock cut architecture which later became the stamp of identity of the Pallavas. This particular type of architecture does not use brick, wood, mortar or metal. Amongst the famous architecture would be Mahabalipuram, which incidentally was also built by Mahendra Varmman I. Thevaram written by Appar and Gnanasambanthar (Tamil Saints) also flourished under his reign.
Interestingly Mahendra Varmman was a patron of Jain faith and later he embraced Saivism under the influence of Saint Appar. In remembrance of his father Shimhavishnu whom he preceeded, Mahendra Varmman I built this temple at a holy site revered by locals for time immemorial. The protruding stone seen below has a 'Puranic' story attached to it. It is believed that this was the site where Lord Shiva's staff got embedded and the protruding stone below is said to be the staff, and legend says that the stone formation grows by a few millimetres every year.
Today this temple comes under the purview of ASI (Archaeological Survey India). I managed to speak to the temple priest who enlightened me with many unique features of this temple. Firstly the Shiva Lingga was constructed with a square 'peedam' (base) a typical early Pallava structure, which is unlike Chola architecture (and practiced todate) which has an oval shaped 'peedam'. Further to that the Dwarapalakar (inner sanctum guards) are Lord Yama (Lord of Death) on the right and Chitragupta (Record Keeper of Karma) on the left.
Lord Shiva's consort in this temple is known as Maragathavalli. Her statue is carved in such a way that when one looks from the right you see a smiling face and from the left, a fierce look can be seen. Interestingly from a direct frontal view her face looks pretty normal.
There is also a carving of Lord Shiva in Dancing Nadaraja form outside the main sanctum. This is believed to be the first carving of Nadaraja in Tamil Nadu. The uniqueness of this carving is unlike the usual pose where the snake will be on Lord Nadaraja' head and a demon on his feet, here you find the snake is dancing with the Lord Nadaraja and the demon is playing a musical instrument. Nandi (Lord Shiva's Vimana is located outside the temple and the reflection from oil lamp placed in front of Nandi illuminates the inner sanctum. Lord Murugan is carved out on a another rock mound within the temple compound. So are Lord Ganesha and the Lords of the Nine Planets carved out within the compound at ground level.
The temple is closed during full moon. It is believed that during this period Siddhars (Perfected Ones) visit this temple and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The priest mentioned that in the morning after, holy water placed in the inner sanctum if taken on an empty stomach by women who have difficulty in conceiving, would result in their able to conceive within 48 days.
Beyond the miracle that this temple is believed to possess, I was totally awe struck by the history, architecture and the divinity this temple embraces.
Next time if you are in the neighborhood, this place is worthy of a visit..
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