Annamputhur Nidheeswarar Temple, Villupuram

Address

Annamputhur, Tindivanam Taluk

Villupuram District,

Tamil Nadu – 604 304

Mobile: +91 91501 31138 / 95007 27892

Moolavar

Nidheeswarar

Amman

Kanaga Thirupurasundari

Introduction

The Nidheeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Annamputhur Village in Tindivanam Taluk, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

Presiding Deities: The main deity of the temple is Lord Nidheeswarar (a form of Lord Shiva), and the goddess is known as Kanaga Thirupurasundari.
History and Renovation: The temple is believed to have been originally built by the Pallavas and later renovated by the Cholas. Unfortunately, it was lost to the ravages of time and nature. The Shiva Lingam re-emerged from the ground in the 20th century. Local residents moved the Lingam to a nearby thatched hut and began excavating the area around the mound. Stone inscriptions found during excavations revealed that land had been contributed to light the perpetual lamp in the temple by Rajaraja Chola.
Legend of Lord Gubera: According to the temple legend, Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, prayed to Lord Shiva at this temple and received blessings in the form of eight types of wealth (Nidhis). Thus, the temple came to be known as Nidheeswarar.
Annamputhur Legend: Annamputhur, the name of the village, has a mythological connection. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once had a debate about who was greater, and Lord Shiva was chosen as the judge. To settle the dispute, Lord Shiva took the form of a towering column of fire. Lord Vishnu transformed into a wild boar and dug into the earth to find Lord Shiva’s feet, while Lord Brahma turned into a swan to reach Lord Shiva’s crown. Realizing that he could not reach the crown, Lord Brahma sought the help of a falling Thazampoo flower, which acted as a false witness, resulting in a curse by Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma came to Annamputhur in the form of a swan to worship Lord Shiva and seek relief from the curse.
Deity Offerings: Devotees believe that by praying to Lord Nidheeswarar, they can change their destiny, just as Lord Shiva altered the fate of Lord Brahma. Worshipers offer ghee (butter), coconut, and fruits as offerings to the goddess Kanaga Thirupurasundari on Fridays and full moon days to seek blessings for a child.
Worship of Lord Lakshmi Ganapathi: Lord Lakshmi Ganapathi is worshiped by devotees on Chaturthi days to seek excellence in education.
Kalyana Subramaniyar: Devotees worship Lord Kalyana Subramaniyar to find a suitable life partner and seek a happy married life.
Irattai Bhairavar: On Ashtami days and Sundays during Rahu Kalam, people pray to Dhana Akarshana Bhairavar and Kala Bhairavar for the recovery of lost wealth and property and to unite separated families.
Temple Structure: The temple is east-facing and consists of the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam. There is a shared structure for the sanctum and the mother shrine. Nandi (the sacred bull) and the Balipeedam (platform for offerings) are placed facing the sanctum.
Unique Shiva Lingam: The Lingam is around 4.5 feet tall, with about 2.5 feet buried below ground. The unique Shiva Lingam stands on a lotus base (peetham). The sanctum also features Dwarapalakas (guardians at the entrance), along with Koshta idols of various deities like Ganesha, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Vishnu, and Brahma.
Other Deities and Shrines: The temple complex houses shrines for Lakshmi Ganapathi, Lord Murugan (Kalyana Subramanya) with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, and Navagrahas. Nearby, in the Selli Amman Temple, you can find Saptha Matha idols that date back to the Pallava period, suggesting their connection with the ancient temple. A shrine for Lord Brahma can also be seen in the Selli Amman Temple.
Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including Pradoshams, Pournami (full moon), Thiruvadhirai, Sankatahara Chathurthi, Krithikai, Sashti, Ashtami days, Akshaya Tritiya, Navaratri, Diwali, Skanda Sashti, Aippasi Annabishekam, Karthigai Somavaram, Karthigai Deepam, Thai Poosam, Shivaratri, Masi Magam, Panguni Uthiram, and Aadi Pooram.