Tharuvai Acham Theertha Ali Sastha Temple, Tirunelveli

Address

Tharuvai Ali Sastha Temple,

Tharuvai,

Tirunelveli District – 627356.

Moolavar

Acham Theertha Aali Sastha

Amman

Pushkala

Introduction

Among the many temples dedicated to Lord Sastha, the Acham Theerthar Aali Sastha Temple in Tharuvai, located in Tirunelveli district, holds a special place of reverence and spiritual significance.

This ancient and sacred temple is situated about 8 kilometers from Palayamkottai, on the road leading to Cheranmahadevi. From the Tharuvai main road, the temple can be reached by traveling just 1 kilometer inward.

Lord Sastha, worshipped here as Acham Theerthar Aali Sastha, is believed to remove fear and grant courage to devotees. The serene surroundings and divine atmosphere make it a peaceful place for spiritual seekers and devotees to find solace and strength.

Puranic Significance

Long ago, the village of Tharuvai was a dense forestland, stretching all the way past Munnirpallam to Pranchery. In those days, people traveling through this area, especially to their fields, had no protection. Farmers and villagers were often endangered by venomous creatures and, more severely, by robbers who targeted traders and travelers along this forest path. Fear gripped the hearts of all who journeyed this way.

Troubled by this constant threat, the villagers prayed before Lord Ayyanar, pleading, “Ayyane, please remove our fears and protect us.” Responding to their heartfelt prayers, Lord Sastha, as Ayyanar, blessed them with his divine protection.

A famous incident from that time speaks of a farmer returning to Tharuvai after selling his produce. As he walked back through the forest carrying the money—meant for his daughter’s wedding—four masked robbers surrounded him, brandishing knives and demanding his valuables.

Shocked and terrified, the farmer cried out to Ayyanar:
“Oh Lord! This money is for my daughter’s wedding. If I lose it now, how will I fulfill her sacred union?”

Moved by his plea, Lord Ayyanar intervened. Instantly, the robbers lost their sight and began to scream in fear and confusion. Taking the opportunity, the farmer escaped safely and later returned to offer his gratitude to the deity.

Since then, it is widely believed that no venomous creature dares to harm anyone who prays sincerely to Acham Theerthar Ayyanar, and miscreants face divine consequences. Due to his divine grace in removing fear, the Lord came to be known as “Acham Theerthar Ayyanar” – The One Who Removes Fear.

In the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, Ayyanar is enshrined in a divine wedding posture, seated gracefully alongside Goddess Pushkala, blessing devotees with courage, prosperity, and protection.

Special Features

As part of the Panguni Uthiram festival celebrations, special rituals begin on the first day with the Maakkappu Sattuthal, followed by special pujas. On the next day, during the early morning hours, Abhishekam and alankaram are performed. Devotees gather to have darshan of the beautifully adorned deity. Throughout the day, annadhanam is carried out for all devotees..