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Agastheeswarar Temple

This temple is the 243rd Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and is the 126th sthalam located on the south bank of the Kaveri River in Chozha Nadu. Today, it is known as Agathiyar Koil or Agasthiya Palli. According to the Periyapuranam, written by Sekkizhar, the revered saint Thirugnanasambandar visited this temple after offering his prayers to Lord Shiva at Thirumaraikadu.

Timings

The temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 10.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 06.00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The temple is believed to have existed before the 7th century, as evidenced by hymns sung by Thirugnanasambandar in praise of Lord Shiva at this site.


  1. Construction and Renovations:


  Initially constructed as a simple temple, it was later reconstructed into a stone temple by the Chozha dynasty. The temple underwent further expansions and renovations by the Pandya and Vijayanagara Nayaka rulers.


Puranic Significance :-


According to legend, when all the celestial beings gathered at Kailash to witness the sacred marriage of Shiva and Parvati, the earth tilted towards the north due to the weight of their presence. To restore balance, Lord Shiva instructed the sage Agastya to journey southward. Agastya, revered for his greatness, was equivalent to all the celestial beings, and as soon as he moved south, the earth regained its balance.


Desiring to witness the divine wedding, Agastya sought a boon from Lord Shiva, requesting that he be granted a vision of the sacred marriage whenever he wished. Lord Shiva graciously accepted his request. As a result, Agastya was blessed with the opportunity to witness the divine marriage at various locations in South India, with this temple being one of the significant sites where he experienced this darshan.


Tradition holds that the Shiva Linga in this temple was installed by Sage Agastya, leading to the deity being referred to as Agastheeswarar. It is also believed that Sage Agastya established his hermitage here and trekked daily to Vedaranyam. Due to his presence and influence, the place came to be known as Agathiyampalli.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Conduct Regular Inspections: Schedule routine assessments of the temple's structure and grounds.
  2. Use Traditional Materials: Prioritise traditional materials and techniques for repairs and restorations.
  3. Engage the Community: Involve locals and devotees in preservation efforts.
  4. Organise Educational Programs: Host workshops to educate visitors about the temple's history.
  5. Promote Eco-Friendly Practices: Implement sustainable practices like waste management and water conservation.
  6. Document Changes: Keep detailed records of maintenance and repairs.
  7. Celebrate Cultural Events: Organise festivals and cultural programs to promote heritage.


  1. Avoid Modernization: Do not make alterations that detract from the temple’s historical integrity.
  2. Neglect Maintenance: Timely maintenance is crucial; don’t overlook wear and tear.
  3. Disregard Community Input: Involve the local community in preservation decisions.
  4. Use Harmful Materials: Avoid chemicals or materials that could damage the temple.
  5. Overcrowd the Temple Grounds: Prevent excessive commercialization and overcrowding.
  6. Ignore Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid culturally insensitive actions or events.
  7. Fail to Seek Expertise: Consult conservation experts for effective preservation strategies.


Dress Code

  1. For men, traditional attire such as a dhoti or lungi is preferred, paired with a kurta or collared shirt. It is essential to ensure that the clothing is clean and well-pressed to maintain respect for the sacred environment.
  2. For women, traditional attire such as a sari, salwar kameez, or a long skirt with a modest top is recommended. Additionally, it is important to ensure that shoulders and knees are covered to adhere to the temple's dress code guidelines.

How to reach

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How to reach :-


  1. By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) is the nearest airport, located approximately 90 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
  2. By Rail: The closest railway station is Kumbakonam. From Kumbakonam, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
  3. By Road: Kumbakonam to Agathiyar Koil: Take a local bus from Kumbakonam bus stand. Look for buses that head towards Kundrur or Vedaranyam. The temple is approximately 18 km from Kumbakonam, and the journey takes about 30-40 minutes.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Kaveri River: The temple is located on the southern bank of the Kaveri River, which is one of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu, known for its cultural and religious significance.


Cities:

  1. Kumbakonam: Approximately 16 kilometres away, Kumbakonam is a prominent temple town known for its numerous temples and rich cultural heritage.
  2. Thanjavur: About 35 kilometres from the temple, Thanjavur is known for the Brihadeeswarar Temple and its historical significance.
  3. Mayiladuthurai: Located roughly 24 kilometres away, this town is known for its temples and is a hub for pilgrims.
  4. Kuthanur: Approximately 15 kilometres away, Kuthanur is known for its traditional arts and crafts.