Back to Results
Temple Image

Abirameswarar Temple

The Abirameswarar Temple, also known as the Thiruvamathur Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the village of Thiruvamathur in Viluppuram district, Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Abirameswarar, is represented in the form of a lingam, while his consort, Goddess Parvati, is revered as Manonmani Amman. Additionally, a separate shrine dedicated to Muthamman, another form of the Goddess, is situated opposite the main temple premises. The temple holds great historical and spiritual significance as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, the 275 sacred Shiva temples celebrated in the Tevaram, the 7th-century hymns composed by the Tamil Saiva saint poets, the Nayanmars. Spanning an area of two acres, the temple complex is enclosed by concentric rectangular walls and features numerous shrines, with the sanctum of Abirameswarar as the central focus. The architecture exemplifies the grandeur of Dravidian style, reflecting the temple’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Conveniently located along the Chennai–Villupuram Highway, the temple remains a significant destination for devotees and visitors, offering a serene space for worship and reflection.

Timings

The temple is open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Entry Fee

Free of charge

In ancient times, cows, which were without horns, suffered harassment from wild animals. Seeking protection, they prayed to Lord Shiva, who blessed them with horns to defend themselves. This divine event took place in this region, named Tiru Aa Mathur (Aa meaning cow), signifying its reverence as the Mother House of Cows. According to Hindu belief, all gods, including Brahmma, Vishnu, Shiva, and goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, as well as the Devas, reside within the cow's body. This sacred connection elevates the sanctity of the place. At the temple, Lord Abirameswarar is depicted holding the feet of a cow on His head, symbolizing this divine blessing.


Administration History :



The administration of the temple has evolved over the centuries, with significant contributions from various dynasties such as the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagaras. During the Chola period, land and resources were donated for the temple's upkeep, as recorded in numerous inscriptions. Today, the temple is maintained by a trust, with public contributions supporting its upkeep, including the addition of the new seven-tier Rajagopuram. The temple continues to be a hub of religious activity, with regular poojas and festivals managed by the local temple administration.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata: Offer your prayers to your personal deity before embarking on your pilgrimage to the temple.
  2. Contact the Temple Devasthanam: Reach out to the temple information center for inquiries, temple details, and information about Poojas and rituals.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation: Book your travel and stay well in advance to ensure a smooth visit to the temple.
  4. Cleanliness and Purity: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple to maintain purity.
  5. Focus on the Divine: Concentrate on the deities inside the temple while offering your prayers.
  6. Maintain Silence: Keep silence and recite your Ishtamantram to yourself within the temple premises.
  7. Respect Ancient Customs: Follow the temple's traditional practices and customs during your visit.
  8. Respect Religious Sentiments: Be mindful and respectful of the religious sentiments of others at the temple.
  9. Offerings in the Hundi: Place your offerings in the designated hundi only.
  1. Worship Only: Do not visit the temple for any purpose other than worshipping the deities.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited within the temple premises.
  3. No Alcohol: Consumption of alcoholic drinks is not allowed inside the temple.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Refrain from bringing or eating non-vegetarian food on temple grounds.
  5. No Mediators for Quick Darshan: Avoid using intermediaries for expedited darshan as it may inconvenience others.
  6. No Weapons: Do not carry any weapons inside the temple.
  7. No Headgear: Avoid wearing helmets, caps, turbans, or hats within the temple premises.
  8. Respect the Sanctum Sanctorum: Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  9. Be Brief During Sparsa Darshanam: Do not take excessive time during Sparsa Darshanam in the Garbhagriha.
  10. Avoid Buying Spurious Prasadam: Do not purchase prasadam’s from unauthorized street vendors.
  11. Do Not Encourage Beggars: Refrain from encouraging beggars at the temple.
  12. No Spitting or Nuisance: Do not spit or create any nuisance within the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men: Men should wear traditional attire like dhoti or veshti, with a shirt or t-shirt. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or revealing clothes.

For Women: Women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or traditional attire. Avoid wearing revealing clothes, skirts, or sleeveless tops.

How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

By Air: The nearest airport is Puducherry Airport, which is 54.3 km from the temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Villupuram Railway Station, about 7.9 km from the temple.

By Road: The nearest major bus stand is Villupuram New Bus Stand, which is located approximately 8 km from Villupuram.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Kollidam River: A major river flowing near the temple, playing an important role in the local agriculture and water supply.
  2. Vadavaaru River: Another river in the vicinity, contributing to the irrigation and natural beauty of the region.


Cities:

  1. Thanjavur: A prominent city known for its cultural and historical significance, located around 20 km from the temple. It is home to several important temples and the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple.
  2. Kumbakonam: Situated approximately 35 km from the temple, Kumbakonam is famous for its numerous ancient temples and is known as the temple town of Tamil Nadu.
  3. Trichy: About 45 km away, Trichy is a major city with many historic temples and is known for the Rock Fort Temple and Srirangam.