Pallikonda Sivaperuman Aalayam Temple, Surutupalli, Chittoor
This shrine contains a rare icon of Lord Siva that in a reclining posture, including 18 other deities.
Location: Surutupalli, Chittoor
Deity: Lord Shiva
About The Temple :
This shrine contains a rare icon of Lord Siva that in a reclining posture. Nowhere does one come such an image of Shiva in ancient or modern times. It is a jewel in the crown of Saivism and so is the architecture. This black image is huge and is made with exquisite craftsmanship. The garbha griha has 18 other deities. Lack of funds and few devotees has resulted in the temple in dire straits. Next to lies Parvati`s sannidhi that has a four-foot-high granite image and around the garbha griha there are many rare sculptures. To its left, in a smaller shrine lies the Valmikeswara linga, and opposite it there is another Sivalinga. It has a vast courtyard and beautiful sculptured images.
Legend:
The Sthalapurana states that Siva after swallowing the poison after the churning of the oceans felt his head reeling and was dizzy so he chose to lie down. Here Parvati is seen sitting at His head holding the neck with her two hands, so that the poison does not come out for the world would burn down to ashes. The concept and depiction is done superbly.
Getting There:
It is accessible by bus from Nagalapuram in Andhra Pradesh or Uthukota in Tamil Nadu on the main road to Chennai from Puttur (Andhra Pradesh).
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