Iconic Temple   161. Apatsahayesvarar Temple
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161. Apatsahayesvarar Temple
Paadal Petra Sthalams,Sapthavigraha Moorthis
Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple is said to be the only temple where the Chariot Festival of Lord Dakshinamurthy is celebrated.
Sthalam

 

Apathsahyesvarar, Elavarkuzhali

Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi or Guru Sthalam or Tiru Irum Poolai is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Alangudi in the Valangaiman taluk of Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Apathsahyesvarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Elavarkuzhali. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

The temple complex covers two acres and it houses a five tier gateway tower known as gopurams, one facing the Apathsaheswarar shrine and other towards North. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Apathsaheswarar and his consort Elavarkuzhali being the most prominent.

The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar. The Brahmotsavam festival celebrated during Chittirai (April–May) is the most prominent festival.

The original complex is believed to have been built by Cholas, while the present masonry structure was built during the Nayak during the 16th century. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

The temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram surrounded by two prakarams (closed precincts of a temple). The temple is located in Alangudi, a village located 16 km (9.9 mi) from Kumbakonam and 56 km (35 mi) from Thanjavur on the Thanjavur - Thiruvarur road.
Puranam

 

Legend is that Siva consumed deadly poison, giving rise to the name Alangudi and deity being termed Apatsahayesvarar, indicating saviour during hard times. The other names of the presiding deity are Aranyeswarar. There are sixteen waterbodies associated with the temple.
Pancha Aranya Sthalams: Aranyam means forest and the following five temples at different forests Thanjavur / Kumbakonam / Thiruvarur region are revered as "Pancha Aranya Sthalams".

1. Sri Mullaivananathar Temple at Tirukkarugavur – Mullai vanam [SCN018]
2. Sri Satchi Nathar Temple at Avalivanallur – Paadhiri vanam [SCN100]
3. Sri Paathaaleswarar Temple at Thiru Aradaipperumpazhi (Haridwara mangalam) – Vanni vanam [SCN099]
4. Sri Aapathsahayeswarar Temple at Thiru Erumpoolai (Alangudi) – Poolai vanam [SCN098]
5. Sri Vilvavaneswarar Temple at Thirukoovilam Pudhur (Thirukalambur) – Vilva vanam [SCN113]

Navagraha
The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state - it houses the image of Guru (Jupiter). The planets are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of one's birth and subsequently influence the course of life. Each of the planets are believed to move from a star to another during a predefined period and thus sway over an individual's fortunes.

The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad effects are mitigated by prayers. As in other Navagraha temples, the common worship practises of the devotees include offering of cloth, grains, flowers and jewels specific to the planet deity. Lighting a set of lamps is also commonly followed in the temple.

As per contemporary Saivite belief, the energies distributed cyclically by Navagrahas can be channeled based on remedial measures. As per local legends, Shiva, the overlord of the nine planetary deities, allowed them to freely grant wishes based on devotion of the devotees.
Varnam

HISTORY OF APATSAHAYESVARAR TEMPLE IN ALANGUDI:

Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple is believed to have been constructed by an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva named Amuthokar whowas the minister of a King named Masukuntha Chakravarti. He was beheaded by the Kingas he refused to give up his merit of virtue in the king’s name. However, the temple reverberated with the minister’s name “Amuthokar” when he died. This scared the King, and he realized his mistake. So, he started worshipping Lord Shiva with ardent devotion for getting relieved from all his Doshas of killing a Shiva Devotee. Thus, he was relieved of all his Doshas.

LEGENDS OF APATSAHAYESVARAR TEMPLE IN ALANGUDI: Legend has it that when Devas and Asuras were churning the Paarkadal (Cosmic Ocean) for the Amrutha (the nectar of immortal life), a deadly poisonous fumes (Alakala Vesham) from the Serpent King, Vasuki disturbed them. Hence, the Devas and Asuras approached Lord Shiva for deliverance. Without further ado, Lord Shiva took the deadly poisoninto his throat and swallowed it. As per the myth, serpent Vasuki’s poison has the power to kill anyone on earth, hell, or heaven if they come in touch. Since Lord Shiva took it himself to save the three worlds from the effect of the deadly poison, the Lord is known by the name ‘Apatsahayesvarar’ which means ‘rescuer’ in the Tamil language. Also, the place came to known as Alangudi (Alam – Poison, Kudi – Drink).

 

GREATNESS OF APATSAHAYESVARAR TEMPLE IN ALANGUDI:

Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple is the “Guru Navagrahasthalam” dedicated to planet Jupiter or Brihaspati who is known for his excellence in wisdom, education, and fine arts. Hence, devotees flock to Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple to offer their respects to the all-knowledgeable deity for long life, good education, prosperity, and valor in life. It is believed that those worshipping Guru Bhagavan here on Thursdays are blessed with all welfare in life. Also, those afflicted with snake planet aspects are said to get relief here.  It is strongly believed that Guru Bhagavan graces His blessings to devotees if they light 24 ghee lamps and do 24 rounds of Pradakshina around the Shiva shrine. It is also considered auspicious to offer Chick Pea (Konda Kadalai), Yellow Cloth, Yellow Lentils and White Jasmine (Vella Mullai) to the Guru Bhagavan on Thursdays. Guru Peyarchi Festival is the main celebration of Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple which marks the day of the transition of planet Jupiter from one zodiac symbol’s constellation to another’s. Masi Maham, the Chariot Festival of Lord Dakshinamurthy, the ten days long Chaitra Pournami Festival, Chitthirai Purnima, Thai poosam, and Panguni Uthiram are the

other festivals celebrated here with much pomp and devotion. The rituals of Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple comprises four steps: the sacred bath – Abhisheka; bedecking – Alangaram; the Prasad offering – Naivethanam; and the Puja with lamps –  Deepa Aradanai.
Highlights
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  • Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams which is praised by the Nayanmars (Thirugnanasambanthar and Appar) in the Tevaram Hymns. 
  •  Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple is believed to have been constructed by an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva named Amuthokar whowas the minister of a Kingnamed Masukuntha Chakravarthy.
  • One of the main speciality of Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple is its structure which reminds of the famous Philosophy ‘Matha Pitha Guru‘. On entering this divine temple, one will first meet the Goddess Parvathi (Matha) followed by Lord Shiva (Pitha) and the Lord Dakshinamoorthy (Guru).
  • The presiding deity, Apatsahayesvarar of this temple is a Swayambulinga Murthy. 
  • As there is no direct shrine for planet Jupiter here, Lord Dakshinamurthy who is considered as the authority of the planet Jupiter is worshipped very devotionally here at Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple.
  • Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple is said to be the only temple where the Chariot Festival of Lord Dakshinamurthy is celebrated.

 

 

  • Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple is considered as a “Panch Aranya Sthalam” which means the place covered by 5 forests.
  • Three holy rivers namely, Cauvery, Kolidam, and Vennaru surround the Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple.
  • Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple boasts of 15 Theerthams (Holy Water) among which the Chakra Theertham, believed to have been created by Maha Vishnu’s Chakra (Disc) and Amrita Pushkarani are the famous.
  • Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple comprises a 5-tier Rajagopuram which is encircled by two Prakarams. 
  • Poolai Shrub is regarded as the holy tree of Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple and it is an object of worship here.
  • Another speciality of Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple is that on the Idol of the Saint Sundarar, scars of measles are seen

 

 

 

 
Sevas

 

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Kalasanthi at 6:00 a.m., Irandam Kalm at 9:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m, Irandam Kalm at 7:30 p.m., and Arthajamam at 9:00 p.m.. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Apatsahayesvarar and Elavarkuzhali.

There are weekly rituals like somavaram (Monday) and sukravaram (Friday), fortnightly rituals like pradosham, and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi.

Other festivals include Vinayaka Chaturthi, Aadi Pooram, Navaratri, Aippasi Pournami, Skanda Sashti, Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Thaipusam, Maasi Magam, Panguni Uththiram and Vaikasi Visakam. The major festival of the temple is the Brahmotsavam celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April–June), when special worship practises are followed and the festival image of the deity is taken around the streets of Alangudi.

 

 

 

Image of the temple car

 

 

The Northern temple tower

 

 

Front mandapa

 

The temple is counted as one of the Navagraha Temples for planet Guru (Jupiter).Tirugnana Sambandar, a 7th-century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Apathsaheswarar in ten verses in Tevaram, compiled as the First Tirumurai. Appar, a contemporary of Sambandar, also venerated Annamalaiyar in 10 verses in Tevaram, compiled as the Fifth Tirumurai. As the temple is revered in Tevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 275 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon. The temple is one of the most visited temples in the district.

 

Aalangudi Temple.jpg

 

According to a Hindu legend, Mahalingaswamy at Thiruvidaimarudur is the centre of all Shiva temples in the region and the Saptha Vigraha moorthis (seven prime consorts in all Shiva temples) are located at seven cardinal points around the temple, located in various parts of the state. 

The seven deities are Nataraja in Chidambaram Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, Chandikeswarar temple at Tirucheingalur, Vinayagar in Vellai Vinayagar Temple at Thiruvalanchuzhi, Muruga in Swamimalai Murugan Temple at Swamimalai, Bhairava in Sattainathar Temple at Sirkali, Navagraha in Sooriyanar Temple at Suryanar Kovil and Dakshinamoorthy in Apatsahayesvarar Temple at Alangudi, Tiruvarur.

 
Contact

 

Address: RCJ6+26C, Sivan S St, Alangudi, Tamil Nadu 612801

Phone: 04374 269 407
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