Thondamanatham Aayeeswarar Temple, Puducherry

Address

Thondamanatham Aayeeswarar Temple Thondamanatham, Puducherry-605502.,

Diety

Aayeeswarar Amman: Akhilandeshwari

Introduction

Aayeeswarar Temple is a Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thondamanatham Village in Villianur in Union Territory of Puducherry, India. Presiding Deity is called as Aayeeswarar and Mother is called as Akhilandeshwari. This Temple is believed to be one of the oldest Temples in Thondamanatham Area. This temple is facing towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Aayeeswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of big Lingam. Lord Shiva is Swayambhu Moorthy (Self-manifested). Only, the Lingam in the temple seems to be from ancient period, rest all the other idols are of recent origin. Mother is called as Akhilandeshwari. She is housed in a separate south shrine. There are shrines and idols of Vinayaga, Murugan and Chandikeswarar in the temple premises. Theertham associated with this Temple is Aayilya Theertham. The temple is partially dilapidated condition.

Puranic Significance

As per Hindu Mythology, Chandra married Daksha’s 27 daughters Maham star felt that Aayilya star was very close with Chandran. Hence, Maham star placed a curse on Aayilya star. Aayilya star lost her beauty and strength and became very weak due to the curse. To overcome the curse, she was advised to come to this place and worship Lord Shiva here. She created a pond and worshipped Lord Shiva here. She regained her beauty and strength by the grace of Lord Shiva. Hence, Lord Shiva of this Temple came to be called as Aayilya Eswarar. Later got corrupted to Aayeeswarar.