Anbil Sri Sathyavaheesvarar Temple,Trichy

Address

Anbil Sri Satyavaakeeswara Temple, Sivan Kovil Street, Lalgudi Taluk, Anbil, Tamil Nadu 621702PH:04312-544927

Diety

Sathyavaheesvarar, Alanthuraiar(Shiva) Amman: Soundarya Nayaki

Introduction

Anbil Alanthurai Temple (also called Sathyavaheeswarar temple) is a temple dedicated to Shiva, located on the banks of the Kollidam river in Anbil, a small village near Lalgudi. is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Tiruchotruthurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Sathyavaheeswarar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Soundaranayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. There are many inscriptions associated with the temple indicating contributions from Cholas, Thanjavur Nayaks and Thanjavur Maratha kingdom. The oldest parts of the present masonry structure were built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions, are attributed to later periods, up to the Thanjavur Nayaks during the 16th century. Thala Virutcham : Banyan tree Theertham : Gayatri Theertham.

Puranic Significance

It is believed that the temple was originally a Maada Kovil (a temple built in a raised platform). It was rebuilt by the Chola King Parantaka I in the 10th century CE. It is believed that he had migrated Jaimini Brahmins of Sama Veda into this village. It should be noted that Sevi SaithaVinayakar idol of this temple is also named as Sama Veda Vinayaka. The inscriptions from the Cholas and the Hoysalas are found in this temple. Aniruddha Brahmarayar, the famous and powerful prime minister of Sundara Chola (10th century CE). The same king’s copper plates are very popular among the historians. Anbil copper plates are one of the major sources for the Chola history. Sevi Saitha Vinayaka: The remarkable feature of the temple is the presence of Lord Vinayaka with his big ear leaning on a side – Sevi (ear), Saitha (leaning) Vinayaka – Sevi Saitha Vinayaka. Saint Thirugnana Sambandar fed by Mother Parvathi at Sirkazhi and achieving high and ripe poetical skill singing the glory of Lord, was passing through this place. Lord Shiva, to test the saint caused heavy floods in Cauvery. The saint could not reach the place. He sang in praise of Lord from the other side of the river, but the sound could not reach the temple clearly. Vinayaka in the temple with a view to help the saint also known as Ilaya Pillaiyar – Younger Pillaiyar – turned his ear on the direction of the sound and enjoyed the hymns with a smile. He bent one of his legs, sat in a half-sitting form with his ears wide open. A sculpture depicting this story is a masterpiece of temple architecture in the temple. Brahmapureeswarar: As per the legend, Brahma worshiped Shiva Linga in this temple. Hence, Shiva is called as Brahmapureeswarar. Satyavageeswarar: Saint Vageesar also prayed to Shiva in this site. Hence, Shiva in this site is also named as Satyavageeswarar. People worshipped Lord Shiva here: The Navagrahas have also come here and prayed to Shiva here as depicted in the carvings. Parvathy Devi is also shown to be praying to Shiva here. Anbilandurai: The name of the place Anbilandurai is a combination of the name of the place Anbil and the name of the temple Alandurai – Anbilandurai.

Beliefs

Those suffering from hearing troubles pray to Lord Vinayaka in the temple. Devotees perform abishek and Vilwa leaf archana to Lord Mother.

Special Features

The Saptha Risheeswarar temple at Lalgudi and Tirumandurai Shiva temple are near this place. There are shrines for Sapthamadhas, Lords Bkshadana, Viswanatha, Bhairava, Muruga and Mother Visalakshi in the prakara. A sculpture depicting Lord Brahmma’s penance is near the Dwarapalakas. The remarkable feature of the temple is the presence of Lord Vinayaka with His big ear leaning on a side – Sevi (ear), Saitha (leaning) Vinayaka – Sevi Saitha Vinayaka. Saint Tirugnana Sambandar fed by Mother Parvathi at Sirkalai and achieving high and ripe poetical skill singing the glory of Lord, was passing through this place. Lord Shiva, to test the saint caused heavy floods in Cauvery. The saint could not reach the place. He sang in praise of Lord from the other side of the river, but the sound could not reach the temple clearly. Vinayaka in the temple with a view to help the saint also known as a Ilaya Pillayar-Younger Pillayar- turned His ear on the direction of the sound and enjoyed the hymns with a smile. He bent one of His legs, sat in a half-sitting form with His ears wide open. A sculpture depicting this story is a masterpiece of temple architecture in the temple. The temple has a beautiful Rajagopuram

Festivals

Margazhi Tiruvadirai in December-January; Masi Maha Shivrathri in February-March and Panguni Uthiram in MarchApril are the festivals celebrated in the temple.