Athangudi Virupakshi Easwarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Athangudi Virupakshi Easwarar Temple, Athangudi Post, Needamangalam Taluk, Thiruvarur – 614 103 Mobile: +91 99760 88737

Diety

Virupakshi Easwarar Amman: Akilandeswari

Introduction

Virupakshi Easwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Athangudi village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Virupakshi Easwarar and Mother is called as Akilandeswari. Urchavar is Sivakami samedha Chandrasekharar. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa and Theertham is Siva Kulam. The temple is built by Chola kings. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. Lord Varadaraja Perumal temple adds more importance to the place. As a temple for Lord Vishnu – Lord Varadaraja Perumal – also exists nearby the place has the distinction of being Shiva-Vishnu Sthalam.

Puranic Significance

Tiruvarur is considered as the capital of Saivite religion. The devotees of the place took all the pains by removing the wild bushes around and renovated the temple with contributions from the public. They had installed new idols. A devotee Siva Subramanian is presently maintaining the daily pujas etc. An association called Shiva-Vishnu Shakti Mandram is managing the affairs. Those who had migrated to other places and countries visit the temple during festival days and offer their prayers.

Beliefs

Devotees throng the temple for cure from skin problems. They also pray for prosperity and removal of obstacles in wedding negotiations and for child boon. It is believed that any evil element preventing a happy and peaceful life would disappear when a devotee prays in this temple. Those realizing their wishes are advised to partake in the Annabishekam to Lord. People offer their prayer commitment depending on their affordability.

Special Features

Presiding Deity is called as Virupakshi Easwarar and Mother is called as Akilandeswari. Urchavar is Sivakami samedha Chandrasekharar. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa and Theertham is Siva Kulam. On the eastern entrance, 300 devotees can have a convenient darshan of the Lord. 100 women can comfortably sit and perform Deepa Puja both on the right and left side of the Mandapam. Presiding deity and Mother are facing east and south respectively and grace the devotees. Sun is on the left of the eastern entrance, Lord Ganapathy on the Kanni corner in one Kalasa shrine, Lord Lingodhbava on the plain ground grace the devotees. Mother Maha Saraswathi, Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Mother Durga on the north and Chandikeswara in the south side have their own shrines in the temple.

Festivals

Fortnightly Pradosha pujas occurring on the 13th day of new moon or full moon days, new moon days (Amavasya), Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January, Masi Magam and Maha Shivarathri in February-March, Panguni Uthiram in March-April and all important Shiva related festivals are celebrated in the temple.