The presiding deity takes the form of a Swamyambumurthi in a leaning posture. Particularly intriguing is the way the rays of the sun align with the Lord during the month of Panguni (March-April), although the exact mechanism remains a mystery.
Notably, there is a Rudraksha roof above the Sanctum Sanctorum. When visiting the temple, be sure to ask the priest to show you this unique feature.
The eminent Vedic scholar, Sri Appayya Dikshitar, composed the renowned “Margabandu Stotram” and “Shambo Mahadeva Deva” here.
Finally, the temple features intriguing inscriptions, located on the right side of the gopuram as you enter. These inscriptions shed light on the historical Kanya Shulka system, where the boy’s family was required to pay the girl’s family money at the time of marriage, the opposite of dowry. For more detailed information on this, you can search for “Virinchipuram temple Inscription” on the Anveshi-An Explorer’s Journey channel, where you’ll find informative content.
Another distinctive feature of this temple is the presence of a Sun Dial on the outer prakaram. However, there is no accompanying explanation or information provided; it simply bears the inscription “Sun Dial.”
Palm tree is the Sthala Vruksham, in the inner Prahaaram. The tree has a peculiar characteristic of giving black fruits in a year and White fruits the following year.
The temple is renowned for its special Child Boon Prayer ritual. Women immerse themselves in the sacred waters of the temple’s theertas and then circumambulate the temple deity with outstretched hands in prayer. As you follow the path around the temple, you’ll notice depictions of women performing this sacred act etched into the granite. Fortunately, during a recent renovation, these granite stones were preserved in their original state and not removed.
