Tamilnadu > Namakkal > Kailasanathar Koil
This Siva temple is known as the Kizh Kovil (Lower temple) with reference to its location in the town as against the Mael Kovil (upper temple) of Arthanari Isvarar which is up on the hill. Its chief deity was referred to as Vikrama, Pandeesvarar after the Pandian King Vikrama who is said to have begun the construction of the temple. He has also given his name to a nearby hillock. Thiruvikrama Achalam, noe known as Korai Kuttai. His name is also associated with the Pandisvarar of the Uchi Pillaiyar Kovil on the summit of the Thiruchengode hill.
The construction of this temple was completed mostly by Aithappa Immudi Nallathambi Kangayan of Morur in the sixteenth century. He has also built a shirne for the Lord's consort, Parimalavalli, or in Sanskrit, Sukantha Koonthal Ambikai (Mother with perfumed Hair ) The western tower was built in 1663 and the stone base of the 76' high eastern entrance tower was built in 1663 and the stone base of the 76' high eastern entrance tower was built in 1664 by R. Kondappa Aiyan. In 1679, the massive pair of doors for this entrance was contributed by Veera Chetty. The pillars of the small but stately Nandhi hall are covered with beautiful carvings. The Brahma Theertham a well in the courtyard of the temple is accessible through an entrance in the breast of a nandhi Khubam(hallow bull) built of brick and mortar, a design similar to the one that existed in the Raja Thottam, Salem, and the one that exists in the Sukvana Isvarar temple , Salem.
The monolithic lamp-pole in the courtyard ( 60 ' high 32 ' factes) Is said to have been carved in 1551 by Arthanari Chetty of Amarakoni (Amarakundhi) According to the oral traditions , the erection of the post was found impossible even after hundreds of people laboured for days. A paria (untouchable) woman named Pavoy, daughter of Vellia Thotty, lifted it single -handedly when she went into a trance. An image of her is seen on the post. In appreciation of her miraculous help, she and her descendants were given a grant of lands. A well in the southeastern part of the town is skill known as the Parian Pazhi.
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