About Moolavar

Moolavar or Mulavar is a Sanskrit, Tamil word referring to the main deity or murti in a Hindu Temple. Moola means "main" in Sanskrit, “Avar” means “He/She who is” honorific title in Tamil which in turn refers to the primary deity in the temple. The Moolavar image is permanently fixed in the sanctum. In Shiva temples, the Moolavar vigraha is usually Lingam, while in all other temples, the sculpted image of the respective deities are sported. The Moolavar is usually made of stone while in some temples, it is made of limestone or wood.