Ayyavadi Sri Prathiyangara Devi Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Ayyavadi Sri Prathiyangara Devi Temple, Sannathi Street, Ayyavadi, Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk, Thanjavur District – 612 204 Phone: +91 435 246 3414 / 246 4452

Diety

Amman: Sri Prathiyangara

Introduction

The Prathiyangara Devi Temple, located in Ayyavadi Village near Kumbakonam in the Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk of Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Goddess Prathiyangara Devi, also known as an incarnation of Kali.

Deities:

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Agastheeshwarar, who is an aspect of Lord Shiva.
While Lord Shiva is the main deity, the temple is primarily known as the Prathiyangara Devi Temple due to the significance of Goddess Prathiyangara Devi.
The temple is associated with the fierce and protective form of the Goddess.

Construction Style:

The architectural style of the temple is unique and differs from typical South Indian temple architecture. It has elements that resemble North Indian temple architecture.

Historical Significance:

The temple has a history of more than 1,000 years and is associated with legends from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Role of Prathiyangara Devi:

During the period of the Ramayana, Lord Rama performed special pujas and rituals to Goddess Prathiyangara Devi to gain her blessings and succeeded in the war against Ravana. The Goddess is known as a protector and supporter of righteous causes.
The temple also has a connection to the Mahabharata. The Pandavas conducted the Nikumbala Yajna at this temple to regain their kingdom.

Sacred Banyan Tree:

The Pandavas planted a banyan tree in the temple complex, which is revered as the Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree). This tree is unique in that it has five different types of leaves, a distinctive characteristic seen only in this temple.

Atharvana Vedha and Prathiyangara Devi:

Prathiyangara Devi is fully described in the Atharvana Vedha as the supreme goddess in the universe. There is a belief that her name itself may have been derived from Atharva Veda, which includes a segment called Angirasa Kalpam dealing with aspects such as black magic.

Lord Krishna’s Visit:

Legend has it that Lord Krishna visited this temple along with his wives and prayed to Prathiyangara Devi, seeking her blessings for a child. As a result, he was blessed with the child Pradyumna.

Sage Agasthya’s Worship:

Sage Agasthya, a revered sage in Hindu tradition, is said to have worshipped Prathiyangara Devi at this temple and received great power from her blessings.

Sugriva’s Yajna:

Sugriva, the king of apes from the Ramayana, is believed to have performed the Nikumbala Yajna at this temple to defeat death and receive a long life.

The Prathiyangara Devi Temple in Ayyavadi is a place of significance and worship, attracting devotees seeking protection, blessings, and the fulfillment of their prayers from Goddess Prathiyangara Devi, the supreme protector of dharma and righteousness.