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Agastheeswarar Temple

This is the 276th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in the Thevaram and the 33rd Paadal Petra Sthalam of Thondai Nadu, located at Kiliyannavur, which is now called Kiliyanur in Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu. It was identified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam at the beginning of the 20th century. The site is situated close to Thiru Arasili, near Pondicherry, which is also one of the Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams.

Timings

Open from 6 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The name “Killi” was commonly used among the Chozha Kings, with historical figures like Killivalavan and Nedungkilli mentioned in Sangam literature. It is believed that this place might have originally been called Killiyanallur, which gradually evolved into the present name, Kiliyanur.

The loose sculptures of Jyeshta Devi and Chandikeswarar, found on the backside of the temple, date back to the Pallava period, suggesting that the temple was likely constructed during the Pallava era and later reconstructed as a stone temple during the Chozha period.

Inscriptions on the sanctum sanctorum walls indicate that this place was called Jayankonda Chozhamandaalathu Oyma Nadu Brahmadeya Kiliyanallur. During the Chozha Kings’ rule, the region was part of Keralanthaga Chaturvedi Mangalam and Vijaya Rajendra Valanadu. Lord Shiva was referred to as Thiruvagniswaram Udayar. The 9th-century inscriptions record donations made for regular poojas, the burning of perpetual lamps, and offering Naivedyam. One of the Chozha Kings (name damaged) established an endowment, though further details are unclear.

The inscription from the 10th reign year of Chozha King Koparakesari (Parantaka I) mentions the endowment of special Naivedyam with 4 nali rice offered during worship on Amavasya and Sankranti day by Parasaran Thayan Sathan.

In Rajendra Chozha's 3rd reign year, an inscription records the donation of a perpetual lamp by a Brahmin lady, who also gifted 90 goats to the temple.

An inscription from the Kulothunga Chozha period notes the endowment for special poojas to Pichadanar (Bhikshatana) and the burning of perpetual lamps.

A damaged inscription from Vikrama Chozha's reign starts with his Mei Keerthi as "Poomathu....." and mentions a land gift by the villagers of Kiliyanur alias Ulakuyyakonda Chozha Chaturvedi Mangalam.

Rajathi Rajan’s 28th reign year inscription, beginning with his Mei Keerthi as "Thingalertharu...", records that land was sold for Naivedyam for Thiruvagniswaramudayar by the Keralanthaka Chaturvedi Mangalam village sabha. A 29th reign year inscription also records another land sale for the same purpose.

An inscription from Kulothunga Chozha’s 3rd reign year mentions that the Ulakuyyavanda Chozha Chaturvedi Mangalam sabha, also known as Kiliyanur, exempted taxes on some lands. The inscription also refers to the capital deposited in the treasury and the deity Pichadevar (Pichadanar).

A Vijayanagara Period inscription from 1372 CE, by Mallikarjuvarayar, records the rectification of the water regulator of the Eri (tank) and repairs to the Eri damaged by a cyclone. This inscription, located near the Madapalli, refers to the place as Kilivalanallur.

Thus, the temple has a rich history, with contributions from various Chozha kings, as well as later mentions in the Vijayanagara period. The temple was likely constructed during the Pallava period and further developed during the Chozha period, with numerous inscriptions detailing endowments, offerings, and renovations over the centuries.


Puranic Significance :-



  1. Sage Kalava Maharishi’s Visit to the Temple:


It is said that Sage Kalava Maharishi visited this place and stayed here for a long time with his two daughters, who were suffering from critical illnesses. After praying to Lord Shiva, their devotion impressed the deity, and Lord Shiva blessed the daughters, curing them of their ailments.


  1. Agastheeshwarar:


The presiding deity of the temple, Agastheeshwarar, is believed to have been installed and worshipped by Sage Agasthiyar. As a result, the lord is named Agastheeshwarar.


  1. Nandi Devar Worships Ambal During Maha Shivaratri:


According to tradition, Nandi Devar, the sacred bull and mount of Lord Shiva, worships Goddess Akilandeswari on Maha Shivaratri. Inscriptions in the temple mention this act of devotion.


  1. Worship by Various Devotees:


The Moolavar (main deity) was installed by Sage Agasthiyar and has been worshipped by several prominent figures, including Sage Sukar, Adhishesan, and Kalava Maharishi.


  1. Sage Sukhabrahmma’s Worship:


It is believed that Sage Sukhabrahmma, who is depicted with a parrot face, visited the temple to seek relief from stomach ailments. In honor of this event, the village was named Kiliyanur (after "Kili," the Tamil word for parrot).


  1. Adhiseshan Worshipped Lord Shiva Here:


Adhiseshan, the serpent who serves as the resting place for Lord Vishnu, is also said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple. Therefore, this temple is regarded as a Rahu Kethu Parihara Sthalam (a place to seek relief from the doshas of Rahu and Kethu).


  1. Connection to Early Cholas:


The name "Kili" is associated with the Chola Kings, such as Nedunkilli and Killivalavan, suggesting a historical connection to the Chola dynasty.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Respect the Sanctity: Maintain silence and walk respectfully inside the temple.
  2. Follow Rituals: Participate in prayers and offerings with devotion.
  3. Dress Modestly: Wear appropriate, traditional attire.
  4. Make Offerings: Offer flowers, milk, or fruits as prescribed.
  5. Contribute to Preservation: Donate for restoration and report any damage.
  6. Keep Clean: Dispose of waste responsibly.
  7. Respect Staff: Be polite to temple priests and staff.
  8. Seek Blessings Respectfully: Approach the deity with devotion.


  1. Avoid Distractions: Don’t use mobile phones or cameras in restricted areas.
  2. Don’t Touch Idols: Avoid touching sacred objects or idols.
  3. No Commercial Activities: Don’t sell items unless permitted.
  4. No Outside Food: Don’t bring food or drinks unless part of an offering.
  5. Avoid Excessive Noise: Keep conversations quiet and respectful.
  6. Don’t Disturb Animals: Be gentle with any animals present.
  7. Don’t Touch Temple Tank Water: Avoid disturbing the water or surroundings.

Dress Code

  1. Men: Wear a dhoti, veshti, or lungi for both top and bottom; avoid t-shirts, jeans, and shorts.
  2. Women: Wear a saree, salwar kameez, or half-saree; avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, and leggings.
  3. General Guidelines: Dress modestly and neatly, prefer neutral or subdued colors, and follow specific temple requirements such as head covering if needed.

How to reach

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Best season to visit :-


The best season to visit temples in Tamil Nadu, including the Agastheeswarar Temple, is during the cooler months, typically from November to February. This period offers pleasant weather with moderate temperatures, making it more comfortable for sightseeing and temple visits.


How to reach :-


  1. By Air: Chennai International Airport is the closest major airport, located about 150 km from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kiliyanur.
  2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Villupuram Junction, well-connected to major cities like Chennai and Coimbatore. From Villupuram, you can take a taxi or bus to the temple.
  3. By Road:
  4. From Villupuram: The temple is about 59 km from Villupuram. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from the Villupuram bus stand or railway station.
  5. From Pondicherry: The temple is approximately 37 km from Pondicherry. You can drive or take a bus via the Pondicherry-Villupuram route.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

The Agastheeswarar Temple at Kiliyanur is located in Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu. Nearby rivers and cities include:

Rivers:

  1. Penna River (about 20 km from the temple)
  2. Vadavar River (flows nearby in the region)

Cities:

  1. Villupuram (the district headquarters, around 10 km away)
  2. Pondicherry (approximately 45 km to the southeast)
  3. Cuddalore (around 45 km to the south)