Lingothbhavar

Lingothbhavar is one of the twenty-five manifestations of Lord Shiva, hence it is an iconic representation of Lord Shiva. The idol of Lingothbhavar can be found in first precinct around the sanctum (gabhara) wall, exactly behind the Shiva-Linga. This iconic representation is presumed to have taken place from the Shiva-linga. Lingothbavar always faces the west.

The legend of Lingothbhavar is as follows.

Lord Shiva had appeared as a column of fire in front of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma to settle the dispute between the two. 

Shiva-linga is presumed to be representation of cosmic form of column of fire. Shiva appeared out of this column of fire with 1000 arms and legs with Sun, Moon and Fire as his three eyes, wearing hide of elephant, bearing the Trishul in his hand and settled the dispute with an explanation that the two were born out of Him and that the three were then separated out into three different aspects of divinity. This episode was supposed to have taken place at present Arunachaleshwar temple complex in Thiruvallamalai in Tamilnadu. It is believed that after the incident Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma devotedly prayed to Lord Shiva to remain at the foot of the hill, in the form of Linga. This is where Arunachaleshewar temple is located.

This episode relating to Lingothbavar form of Shiva can be found in Shiva-Puran as well as Puranik verses of Shaiva-saint APPAR in 17th century.

Another Shaiva-saint SAMBANDAR refers to this form of Shiva as the nature of light which could not be comprehended by Brahma and Vishnu.