Sri Aabathsakaayeswarar Temple

1. This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 98th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
2. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
3. This is a famous “parihara sthalam” for those suffering from the adverse effects of planet Guru.
4. This is one of the 9 Navagraha Sthalams and is associated with Guru (Jupiter).
5. This east facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
6. The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 11.06.2009.

CONSTRUCTION:

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. 

Navagraha

1. Sri Amirthakalasanatha Swamy Temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu and is an essential part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage. This temple specifically houses the image of Guru (Jupiter), a planet believed to significantly influence an individual's horoscope and life path based on the time of their birth.
2. The Navagrahas, or nine planetary deities, are thought to affect fortunes through their movements between stars during specific periods. Each planet is associated with both positive and negative influences, which can be alleviated through dedicated prayers and worship.
3. Devotees engage in common practices when worshipping at the temple, including offering cloth, grains, flowers, and jewels that are specific to the planet deity. Lighting lamps is also a significant part of the worship ritual.
4. According to contemporary Saivite beliefs, the energies of the Navagrahas can be harnessed through various remedial measures. Local legends suggest that Shiva, the supreme deity among the Navagrahas, granted these planetary deities the power to fulfill the wishes of devotees based on their devotion.

HISTORY:

According to legend, this region was once densely populated with "Poolai" plants, but today not a single one remains. The sacred tree (Sthala Viruksham) of the temple is the black poolai plant, which gives the area its name, Thiru Irumpoolai.

Historically, this place has been known by several names, including Kasi Aaranyam, Thiru Irumboolai, and Alangudi.

Surrounding the temple is the "Amirtha Pushkarani," one of its revered water bodies (Theerthams), which enhances the temple's beauty, resembling a garland (referred to as "Akazhi" in Tamil).

There are five Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams at different places in the Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Thiruvarur regions which are revered as “Pancha Aranya Sthalams”. Alangudi is one among them. “Pancha” means five and “Aranyam / Vanam” means forest in Tamil. In ancient times, these regions were densely forested. These five temples are –

1. Sri Mullaivananathar Temple at Thirukkarukavur with “Mullai” forest (vanam);

2. Sri Satchi Nathar Temple at Avalivanallur with “Paadhiri” forest (vanam);

3. Sri Paathaaleswarar Temple at Thiru Aradaipperumpazhi (Haridwara Mangalam) with “Vanni” forest (vanam);

4. Sri Aapathsahayeswarar Temple at Thiru Irumpoolai (Alangudi) with “Poolai” forest (vanam); and

5. Sri Vilvavaneswarar Temple at Thirukkollampudur with “Vilva” forest (vanam).

1. Worshiping the lord at these five temples in a single day is considered to be auspicious. 
2. These temples should be visited in the order given above at the following times - early morning, morning, noon, evening and night respectively. It is also believed that Saint Thirugnanasambanthar worshipped Lord Shiva at these temples in this order.

PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE:

The Churning of Thirupparkadal

When the Devas churned the Thirupparkadal to extract nectar, they faced the adverse effects of poison. To save them, Lord Shiva, as Dakshinamoorthy, imparted the knowledge of the Vedas and absorbed the poison, known as “Alakala Visham.” Thus, he is revered as “Sri Aabathsahayeswarar,” the protector in times of trouble. The village is named Alangudi in honour of this event.

Lord Dakshinamoorthy

Lord Dakshinamoorthy, also known as “Thenmuga Kadavul,” is recognized as the supreme teacher who imparted knowledge to sages and celestial beings. He is depicted on the south-facing wall of the sanctum sanctorum of every Shiva temple.

Unique Representation as Planet Guru

In this temple, Lord Dakshinamoorthy is uniquely regarded as planet Guru (Brahaspathi - Viyazhan in Tamil), traditionally the fifth preceptor of the Navagraham.

Vinayakar as Kalangaamal Kaatha Vinayakar

Lord Vinayakar is honored as "Kalangaamal Kaatha Vinayakar." This title stems from the legend of Saint Sundarar, who was rescued by Lord Shiva in a boat during floods, with Lord Vinayaka protecting the boat from capsizing.

Legend of Amuthohar

1. As per another mythological story a Shiva devotee named ‘Amudogar’ who worked as a minister in Thiruvarur kingdom constructed this temple. 
2. The King asked the minister to donate half of his good will earned by him. As the minister refused to do so, the King ordered to kill the minister. 
3. Once the head of the minister was removed, there was a loud unmanned voice heard as “Amudogar” in the temple location. 
4. King realised it was the voice of God himself and it was his mistake to kill the minister. He worshipped in this temple later and got rid of the sin of killing a Shiva devotee.

Idol of Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar

The idol of Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar exhibits scars of smallpox. Legend has it that a priest tricked security guards into allowing the idol, which the king admired, to return to Alangudi. Upon arrival, the idol was revealed to have scars.

Goddess Mahalakshmi’s Blessing

Goddess Mahalakshmi worshipped the lord here and was blessed with “Santhana Prapthi,” the boon of progeny.

Goddess Parvathi’s Penance

It is believed that Goddess Parvathi performed penance at this site before her marriage to Lord Shiva. Nearby is the village “Thirumana Mangalam,” meaning “wedding.” Many deities, including Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Indra, are said to have visited and installed separate lingams to worship Lord Shiva.

Worship by Saints and Sages

Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar worshipped Lord Dakshinamurthy here and received “Panchatchara Upadesam.” Similarly, Adi Sankarar is believed to have received “Maha Vaakiya Upadesam.” Other figures such as Veerapathrar, Sage Kasyaba, Sage Viswamitrar, and Kings Musukunda and Suvasanan also worshipped Lord Shiva in this sacred place.

ADMINISTRATION:



The temple is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).