Tanjore Painting Annamalai 1

Shiva is worshiped as Arunachalesvara or Annamalaiyar, and is represented by the lingam, with his idol being referred to as Agni lingam. Parvati is worshipped as Unnamalai or Apitakuchambal, and is represented by the yoni, with her idol being referred to as Agni yoni. The main shrine of Arunachalesvara faces east, housing images of Nandi and Surya, Unnamalai Amman, depicted in a standing posture. Sambantha Vinayagar, the elephant god shrine, is located to the north of the flagstaff and the Bali peeta, or platform for sacrifice.[27] To the south of the thousand-pillared hall, there is a small shrine for Subramaya and a large tank.[5] Pathala Lingam, the underground lingam, is the place where Ramana Maharshi (1879 – 1950 CE) is believed to have performed his penance.[28][29] The shrine of Sivagangai Vinayagar is present in the northern bank of the Sivanganga tank.[27