Ambasamudram Agastheeshwarar Temple – Thirunelveli

Address

Ambasamudram,

Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu – 627 401,

Phone: +91 – 4634 – 250 882

Moolavar

Agastheeshwarar

Amman

Lopamudra.

Introduction

Location: The temple is located in Ambasamudram, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.Age: Believed to be over 1500 years old, though the current structure is likely no more than 50 years old due to multiple renovations.Deities:

Main Deity: Lord Agastheeshwarar (Sage Agastya in the form of Lord Shiva).
Consort: Goddess Lopamudra.

Significance: The temple is dedicated to Sage Agastya, who is believed to have installed numerous Shiva Lingas across South India.Mythological Story: Lord Shiva sent Sage Agastya south to restore balance to the earth during his marriage to Parvati. Agastya visited several sites, including Ambasamudram, where he gave darshan to a devotee.Worship and Rituals:

Abhishekams (sacred anointing) are performed to Lord Agastheeshwarar.
Devotees seek blessings for marital harmony and success in their endeavors.

Temple Architecture:

Built in the “maada kovil” style with the main shrines raised on a platform.
Nandi, the mount of Shiva, is positioned as the vahanam of Sage Agastya.

Notable Shrines:

Shrines for Lord Nataraja, Subramanya, Saivite saints (Thirugnana Sambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Manickavasagar, Sundarar), and other deities.
A mural painting of Agastya and Lopamudra is located in a north-facing sub-shrine.

Special Rituals: On the 28th day of Panguni month, devotees place cooked rice in the shrine, and footprints of Agastya and marks of his Kamandalu (water pot) are found the next morning.Festivals: