KiliyanurSri Agastheeswarar Temple, Villupuram

Address

KiliyanurSri Agastheeswarar Temple, Thiru Kiliyanur, Thindivanam Taluk, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu – 604001.

Deity

Agatheeswar, Amman: Akilandeswari

Introduction

• Location: Kiliyanur Village, Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu
• Deity: Lord Shiva as Agastheeshwarar
• Goddess: Akilandeswari
• Spiritual Significance:
  • 276th Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam
  • 33rd Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Naadu
  • Most recently discovered Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam
• Historical Name: Kiliyannavur
• Astrological Significance: Sacred place for Rahu-Ketu dosha remedies
• Holy Water Source: Agni Theertham
• Sacred Tree: Vanni tree

Puranic Significance

• Historical Significance: Over 1500 years old, dating back to the Chola period
• Name Origin: “Kiliyanur” is linked to the Chola kings, whose surname was “Killi”
  • Notable Chola rulers: King Nedungkilli and King Killivalavan
• Construction:
  • Initially built with bricks
  • Reconstructed with granite during King Paranthaka Chola-I’s reign
• Deity Installation: Sri Agastheeswarar Lingam was installed and worshipped by Sage Agasthiyar
• Unique Tradition:
  • Nandi Devar is believed to perform pujas for Goddess Akilandeswari
  • This occurs especially on Maha Shivratri, as recorded in temple inscriptions

Beliefs

• Devotee Aspirations:
  • Marriage Blessings: Prayers for overcoming obstacles in marriage proposals
  • Education: Seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings for academic success
  • Childbirth: Believed to grant the gift of children to couples facing infertility
• Healing Beliefs:
  • Abishekam Milk: Drinking the milk poured over the lingam is believed to cure stomach ailments
• Rahu-Ketu Dosha Remedy:
  • Considered a Parihara Sthalam for Rahu-Ketu afflictions
  • Adisheshan (celestial serpent) is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here

Special Features

• • Sage Kalava Maharishi and his two ailing daughters prayed to Lord Shiva, who miraculously cured them
  • Sage Sukabrahma Maharishi, the parrot-faced sage, worshipped here for relief from stomach ailments
  • Adisheshan, the divine serpent of Lord Vishnu, is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple

Festivals

Weekly Rituals:Somavaram (Monday) & Sukravaram (Friday)Fortnightly

Rituals:PradoshamMonthly

Observances:Amavasai (New Moon), Kiruthigai, Pournami (Full Moon), Sathurthi

Major Annual Festivals:

• Adi Pournami (July – August)
• Thai Pournami (January – February)
• These full moon festivals attract devotees from across Tamil Nadu

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Brammadesam

Nearest Railway Station

Thindivanam

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

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