Suruttappalli
Mahavishnu in reclining posture is not uncommon. In a rare instance, Siva is found in this pose at Suruttappalli, 54 km from Chennai on way to Tirupati — in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The Ocean of Milk is churned and out comes both nectar and Karkodaga poison. To save the celestials, Siva swallows the poison, which is made into a lump. An alarmed Parvati holds the throat and it stays there, earning Mahadeva the name Nilakant. It is said that the couple leave for Kailash. On the way, a tired Siva wants to rest and the place he chooses is Suruttappalli. The deity is Pallikondeeswarar and His Consort Sarvamangala Devi. Siva is reclining with His head on Parvati’s lap. They are surrounded by Brigu Maharishi, Brahma, Mahavishnu, Markendeya, Narada, Chandra, Surya, Kubera, Agastiyar, Gowthamar, Vasishtar, Viswamitrar, Valmeeki, Indra, Ganesha, Subramanya with Valli and Devasena. Dakshinamurti with Gowri on his left is another speciality of this ancient temple.
