AAVUDAYAR KOIL is a very interesting temple ... special temple...
During Margazhi, Vaishnavites hymn Aandal's thirppavai ..
Thiruvenbavai by Manickavasagar is hymned in Siva temple .. which was originally done at this temple only.
THIRPPERUNDHURAI is also another name for Avudayar koil.
Lingam without avudai. Ambal is Arropam... only her foot - established later.
Built by Manickavasagar and later developed by Naicks... Excellent art work.
Photo 10 : recent mandap :: sudhai :: depicts 3 forms of Siva's blessings to Manickavasagar :: Nayana Dikshai, sparsa diksai... and Thiruvadi Dikshai;
Manickavasagar beheld Lord Siva. (nayanam) Siva also hugged him out of love (Siva hugged Archuna - Kritharjun - during fight)
And Siva set his Foot over the Head of Manickvasagar !
( Siva set his foot over the head of Appar in Nallur (near Pazhayarai ! - refer Archieves)
Photo 12 :: Various Saree Border designs (now used )
Photo 13 :: bolts / nut type stone work
Photo 25 : KODUNGAI : Avudayarkoil is famous for Kodungai - Curved Stone roof thinning down in thickness from 3" / 4" solid to metal sheet thinness.
In Olden days when Temple constuction contracts were made, there used to be a Clause stating : " AAVUDYAR KOIL KODUNGAI NEENGALAGA .. "
" the Fine-workmanship of Avudayar koil KODUNGAI is excluded "
A British wanted to test this and shot a bullet which hit the roof and flew above.. One can see the cross-section of this.. Photo 25 is similar piece.
Photo 27 & 28 :: Various HAIR-DOs by Ladies.
First Few photos are in the Mun(front) Mandap.. very attractive.. Last few are within the protected ( barrigaded) area...
For Uchikala nivedhyam, they cook huge quantity rice and put with Keerai (Greens) in the Medai in front of Lingam .. and the smoke raises out of this is also considered as Aroopam of Lord Siva !