The sacred hill is about 650 ft. high, and a climb of 1156 steps leads worshippers to the temple at its peak. The hill is called 'Nagagiri' in the Thevaram hymns and is also known by many other names like Chemmalai, Panimalai, Nandimalai, Uragaverpu. The hill contains about 350 acres of land, which lies 2000 ft about sea level.
On top of the hill, the main gopuram (Tower) with 5 tiers is on the north side of the hill. The compound wall of the temple is 260 feet length east to west and 170 feet length north to south.
The main deity Ardhanareeswarar depicts Shiva as half male and half female (Parvati)
The main shrine is for Lord Shiva known as Maathoru Paagar and the Ambal his consort is known Baagampiriyaalammai. The image of the main deity is 6 feet in height, the right half of the image as male and left half of the image as female. Hence the main deity is also known as Ardhanareeswarar.
Subramanya known as Chengottu Velar is located on a flat surface atop the hill. This Chengottu Velar shrine is on the back side of the main sanctum sanctorum. The Theertham in this temple is called Sangu Theertham. Although the sanctum faces the West, entrance to it is from the South. There is a water spring at the foot of the image, which is said to have been divinely manifested "Uli Padaa Uruvam" ('sculptured without tools'), also known to be Navabashana type.
There are many mandapams on the way for people who alight steps to take rest. The sculptures found in the mandapam in front of the Chengottu Velar shrine are of intricate designs and workmanship. "Artha Jaama Pooja" the late night worship service is considered to be of importance in this shetram. New moon days are also considered to be special events. The annual festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi. There is a shrine for Adikesava in the temple.
Along the path are 11 mandapams, providing shelter to pilgrims climbing up the hill. The first is the Sengunthar Mudaliyar Mandapam, then the Kālathi Swamigal Mandapam, Thirumudiyar Mandapam and Thailee Mandapam.
One of the 64 manifestations of Shiva, representing the unity of Shiva and Parvati, is enshrined in this revered hill temple of great significance, accessible by a motorable road.
Ancient walls, mandapams and sculptured pillars (now in a state of disrepair) add to the awe that this temple perpetuates, on top of the hill. The motorway and the renovated Rajagopuram are of recent origin. True to the name Nagagiri, there is a 60 ft (18 m) long snake carved on the hill.
Although the sanctum faces the West, entrance to it is from the South. A majestic image of Ardanareeshwarar adorns the sanctum. There is a water spring at the foot of the image which is said to have been divinely manifested (Uli Padaa Uruvam). There are inscriptions here from the times of Parantaka Chozha, Gangaikonda Chozha, the Vijayanagar and Mysore Kings and the Nayaks.
Sengunthar Mandapam |
Kālathi Swamigal Mandapam |
Thirumudiyar Mandapam |
Thailee Mandapam |
Sengunthar Chinna Mudaliyar Mandapam |
Kodi Archanai Mandapam |
Singhathoon Mandapam |
ArupadhampadiNadar Mandapam |
Chetti Gounder Mandapam |
Thevaradiyar Mandapam |
Ilaippatri Mandapam |
Goupra Vayil Mandapam |
Arupatham Padi : Along the path are 60 steps called the Arubadam Padi (அறுபதாம் படி), which are considered to have special significance, and are mentioned by Arunagirināthar.
Ucchi sivalingam : The Ucchi Pillaiyar shrine is found about 425 feet further up and is dedicated to Ganesha and to the lingam form of Shiva. On the west of it lies a stone called Varadikal, Maladi kal, or Vandhya Paatana Sikara. Couples offer worship at this shrine in the hope of being blessed with a child.
தத்வ நாற்பத் தெட்டு நாற்பத் தெட்டு மேற்றுத் திடமேவும்
தர்க்க சாத்ரத் தக்க மார்க்கச் சத்ய வாக்யப் பெருமாளே
Gopuram : The north facing, 84.5 ft tall Thirumalai Gopuram was built by Krishna Devarayar in 1512 and the basement (kalkarar) was built during the reign of Sadāsiva Mahārāyar. The 84.5 feet tall Majestic Rajagopuram of this hill temple faces north and its five stages contain fine pieces of embossed figures.
Theertham : Tiruchengode, one of the most important religious places in South India, is said to have 108 Theerthangal or water bodies.
Ganapathi Theertham |
Shiva Theertham |
Shakthi Theertham |
Deva Theertham |
Kumara Theertham |
Ammaiyappar Theertham |
Pāpanāsam Theertham |
Bhairavar Theertham |
Nāga Theertham |
Shanmuga Theertham |
Soorya Theertham |
Siddhar Mooligai Theertham |
Kanniyar Theertham |
Chandra Pushkarani Theertham |
Of these, the Ammaiyappar Theertham is the most important one, as it is found at the feet of Lord Arthanareeswarar.