Sri Nandheswarar

Nandi, the sacred bull that Shiva rides, is another commonly recognizable symbol of Shiva worship. Nandi represents strength, faith, and constancy in belief. Images of Nandi often sit directly outside a shrine to Shiva, facing the deity. Often an image of Nandi, the sacred bull on which Shiva rides, faces the linga. Nandi signifies single-minded devotion and the peaceful strength of faith.
Nandi is the protector and guard of all Shiva Temples.

Nandhi Devar share several characteristics like Lord Shiva, hence the title of Eashwarar has been bestowed on him. Dharma or Righteousness is personified as cow and with maleness added, Nandhi is the official guard of Lord Shiva and also his transport. Dharma has become the transport of Lord Shiva and as it is Kaliyuga now we can see the bull folding three legs and standing on one leg,meaning that the out of the four legs supporting Dharma three have buckled.

The story of Nandhi can be learnt from Tiruvaiyar Sthala Puranam called "Panchanadha Shetram".

Silatatha Rishi did penance and during that period ate only stones and got the name "Siladhar" He married Vashishtar's sister but did not have a child. Due to his prayers God kindly presented him with a child. The child was called 'Sailadar'.
Sailadar was devoted to Lord Shiva and did penance. The Lord happy with his tenacity and devotion , granted him his wish. That is, Sailadhar will always remain near Shiva and head all the Shiva troops. All the rivers were called upon for the ceremony where Lord transformed Sailadhar with Parameshwara's body and Rishaba's head. He also gave him a new name called Nandhi Devar. He gave him a ruby cane to protect the good and destroy the evil. Nandh means joy and as he is always with his beloved deity he is forever at peace.
Nandhi is a very staunch Shiva devotee and will never tolerate any unbecoming word about his Lord. Once during Daksha Yagna , Daksha spoke rudely of Lord Shiva and Nandhi closed his two ears and said " Siva , Siva" . Today it remains that way the Lord is worshipped. In the vishaka star of the month chiththirai, the Lord of thiruvaiyARu comes around on the glass palanquin to the seven holy places called vivAha sapthasthAnam.

The austerity of the mahaRishi and the unparalleled devotion of the son to the Lord Shiva made him the prime attendent of the Lord. Not just that, he got the name of the Lord Itself as nandhi which means Birth & Deathless! The God Himself arranged the marriage of nandhi with a girl svayam prakashai. As part of the wedding ceremony where seven steps are taken, the Lord took them to the seven abodes, which are hence called sapthasthAnam. If the devotion is sincere what all does our beloved Lord does for the devotees!!

Vishara Sanmar was a very ferocious and dedicated Shiva devotee. Once his father kicked the puja items of the Lord and insulted the Lord and Vishara Sanma cut off his legs. Shiva impressed with his devotion gave him the highest position among his evotees.Agora Sivathriyar has given all the specification for his statue . Though he is not found in all Siva Temples, we can find him in Thirukachur.