Arasur Agatheeswarar Shiva Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Arasur, Thiruvaiyaru circle,

Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu 613202

Moolavar

Agatheeswarar

Amman

Anandavalli

Introduction

The Arasur Agatheeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Arasur Village, part of the Thiruvaiyaru Circle in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. The village lies about half a kilometer east from the Thanjavur – Thiruvaiyaru Main Road. The name Arasur is derived from the fact that it was once the administrative headquarters for many government officials based in Tanjore. This temple is a later creation from the Chola period. The presiding deity of the temple is Agatheeswarar, and the goddess is Anandavalli. The temple is known for its wide and beautiful plane, and its Arthamandapam is made of limestone and wood.

Puranic Significance

The temple has deep historical roots, with significant connections to the Maratha period:

The Maratha Influence: During the reign of the Thanjavur Maratha King II, the administration oversaw 64 temples, one of which was the Ananda Valli Sametha Agatheeswarar Swamy Temple in Arasur. The Maratha kings ensured that the temple was well-maintained by providing land grants, ensuring that daily pujas and festivals were conducted. To this day, the heirs of the Maratha family serve as the hereditary trustees of the temple.
Temple Construction: The temple is believed to have been built in the 17th century CE.
Deity Orientation: The main deity, Agatheeswarar, faces west and is revered as Periyalingamurthy. The goddess, Anandavalli, has a south-facing sanctum, situated opposite the main gate.
Historical Worship: The temple is also significant as one of the locations where Agatheeswarar (Lord Shiva), along with Anandavalli and Agathiya Munivar (Sage Agastya), was worshipped.

Temple Features and Architecture

Main Sanctum: The main sanctum houses Lord Agatheeswarar, with the deity facing west. The goddess, Anandavalli, is enshrined in a separate south-facing sanctum.
Additional Shrines and Structures:
- Vinayagar, Sandesar, and Murugan are also enshrined within the temple complex.
- Mariamman is housed in the front hall.
- Nandi stands in front of the Lord in a separate mandapam.
- A Navagraha shrine is present within the temple.
- Karurai Kottam features Tenmugan as the sole deity.
Architectural Highlights:
- The temple is known for its large circular walls.
- Arthamandapam, made of limestone and wood, adds a distinct architectural feature to the temple.

Special Beliefs and Rituals

Sunlight and Lord Agatheeswarar: It is believed that every month, the evening sun shines its rays directly onto the idol of Agatheeswarar, adding a special divine connection between the temple and the celestial bodies.