Vannivedu Agastheeshwarar Temple, Vellore
Address
Vannivedu Agastheeshwarar Temple, Vellore
Vannivedu,
Walajah, Vellore District,
Tamil Nadu 632513
Phone: +91 4172 270 595
Moolavar
Agastheeshwarar
Amman
Bhuvaneswari.
Introduction
Location:
- Situated at Vannivedu in Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, on the northern bank of the River Palaru.
- The temple is located on the Walajah bypass, along the National Highway.
Presiding Deity:
- Agastheeshwarar (Lord Shiva) is the main deity.
- Mother is Bhuvaneswari.
Historical Significance:
- The temple is believed to be 1000 years old.
- Shada Aranya Kshetras: Six Rishis worshiped Swayambu Lingams in six different forests, one of which is Agastheeshwarar Temple. Agasthya Maharishi is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here for a long period.
- Agastheeshwarar: The lingam is made of sand, worshiped by Sage Agasthya, and is referred to as Agastheeshwarar. The Lingam is short, and fingerprints can be seen on it.
Special Features:
- The temple faces east and has a newly built Rajagopuram.
- Mother Bhuvaneswari is in a standing posture, located on an Avudaiyar (Peedam).
- The temple houses several shrines, including:
- Dwara Vinayagar
- Kuberan
- Kasi Viswanathar
- Murugan
- Sarabeswarar
- Kala Bhairava
- Vinayagar and Saneeswarar are located under the Vanni Tree.
- Hayagriva Shrine: Famous among students, as it is believed to bless devotees with knowledge.
- Stucco images of Agasthya worshiping Lord Shiva can be seen.
Puranic Significance:
- Saptha Rishis (Agasthya, Athri, Vashista, Kashyapa, Gouthama, Bharadhwaja, Viswamithra, and Jamadagni) are believed to worship Mother Bhuvaneshwari during Pournami.
- Vannivedu: The place was once full of Vanni Trees (Vanni Kaadu), which later got corrupted to Vannivedu.
Beliefs:
- Devotees pray to Agastheeshwarar to get rid of Chevvai Dosham and reduce the effects of Saturn.
- Offerings include a Bitter Gourd Garland (17 bitter gourds) with Deepams to Saneeswarar.
- Murugan is prayed to with Beetroot Rice.
- Devotees in debt pray during Chandra Hora Time on Mondays.
Festivals:
- Shivarathri and Pournami Pradosham are celebrated with grandeur.
- On Shivarathri, devotees also visit nearby Shiva temples at Karai, Veppur, Pudhupadi, Melvisharam, Gudimallur, and Avarakkarai, where all temples remain open throughout the night for darshan.
Rishi and Star Worship:
- Sage Agasthya Pooja is performed on Sadayam Star Days.
- Rishi Pooja is done for Sage Agasthya during Avani Valarpirai.
References
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/07/agastheeshwarar-temple-vannivedu-vellore.html
Century/Period
1000 years old.
Managed By
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)
Nearest Bus Station
Vannivedu
Nearest Railway Station
Walajah
Nearest Airport
Chennai