Athangudi Virupakshi Easwarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Athangudi Virupakshi Easwarar Temple, Athangudi Post, Needamangalam Taluk, Thiruvarur – 614 103 Mobile: +91 99760 88737

Deity

Virupakshi Easwarar Amman: Akilandeswari

Introduction

• Location: Athangudi Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva, referred to as Virupakshi Easwarar.
• Mother Goddess: Akilandeswari.
• Urchavar: Sivakami Samedha Chandrasekharar.
• Sthala Vriksham: Vilwa tree.
• Theertham: Siva Kulam (sacred tank).
• Historical Significance: The temple, built by the Chola kings, is believed to be over 1,000 years old. It is distinguished as a Shiva-Vishnu Sthalam due to the nearby Lord Varadaraja Perumal Temple.

Puranic Significance

• Cultural Importance: Tiruvarur is recognized as the capital of the Saivite religion.
• Renovation Efforts: Local devotees have contributed to removing wild bushes and renovating the temple, installing new idols.
• Current Management: Daily rituals and pujas are maintained by a devotee named Siva Subramanian and overseen by an association called Shiva-Vishnu Shakti Mandram.
• Visitor Participation: Many devotees, including those who have migrated, return to the temple during festival days to offer prayers.

Beliefs

• Devotee Practices:
  • Visitors seek cures for skin ailments, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles in marriage negotiations.
  • It is believed that any negative influences affecting a peaceful life will dissipate when devotees pray here.
  • Those who realize their wishes are encouraged to partake in Annabishekam (a ceremonial offering of rice) to Lord Virupakshi Easwarar.
  • Devotees often make prayer commitments according to their financial means.

Special Features

• Temple Layout:
  • The eastern entrance accommodates approximately 300 devotees for darshan (viewing of the deity).
  • Space is available for 100 women to perform Deepa Puja (light worship) on either side of the Mandapam (hall).
  • The presiding deity faces east, while Mother Akilandeswari faces south, blessing devotees.
• Shrines within the Temple:
  • Sun is located to the left of the eastern entrance.
  • Lord Ganapathy is situated in a Kalasa shrine at the Kanni corner.
  • Lord Lingodhbava is positioned on the plain ground.
  • Other deities include Mother Maha Saraswathi, Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Mother Durga in the north, and Chandikeswara in the south, each having dedicated shrines.

Festivals

• Major festivals celebrated include:
  • Fortnightly Pradosha Pujas on the 13th day of new and full moons.
  • Amavasya (new moon days).
  • Margazhi Tiruvadhirai (December-January).
  • Masi Magam and Maha Shivarathri (February-March).
  • Panguni Uthiram (March-April).
  • All significant Shiva-related festivals.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Athangudi

Nearest Railway Station

Koradacherry, Thiruvarur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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