Alangudi Abayavaradarajar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Alangudi Abayavaradarajar Temple, Alangudi, Thiruvarur district, Tamilnadu – 612801.

Deity

Abayavaradarajar Amman: Perundevi Thaayar

Introduction

• Dedication: The Abayavaradarajar Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Location:
  • Situated in Alangudi, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.
  • Approximately 36 km from Thiruvarur.
  • Nearest railway stations: Needamangalam and Kumbakonam; nearest airport: Trichy.
• Deities:
  • Presiding Deity: Lord Abayavaradarajar, facing east.
  • Mother Deity: Perundevi Thaayar, also facing east.
• Historical Background:
  • The temple has been renovated by the Chola Kings and is believed to be over 1,000 years old.
  • Its age is estimated to be similar to that of the nearby Padal Petra Sthalam, the Thirupperuvelur Abathsahayeswarar Temple.

Puranic Significance

• Divine Wedding:
  • Guru (Jupiter), Surya (Sun), and Chandran (Moon) are believed to have received darshan of Lord Vishnu during his wedding.
  • Surya and Chandran hesitated to come together, fearing that the world would be engulfed in darkness, but Lord Vishnu brought them together, illuminating the world with his divine light.
  • Grateful for his intervention, they requested the Lord to stay at this temple.

Special Features

• Architecture:
  • The temple is old and beautiful, though the surroundings may not be well-maintained.
  • The entrance features a built-up gateway, leading into a spacious temple complex.
• Flora:
  • The temple grounds are adorned with various trees, including Amla and Pavizhamalli.
• Main Deity:
  • The 7-feet tall main deity of Lord Abayavaradarajar is depicted in a Prayoga Chakra posture, symbolizing protection for devotees.
• Additional Shrines:
  • The prakaram (outer courtyard) contains shrines for Kalyana Lakshmi Narasimhar, Garudan, Chakkarathalwar, Anjaneya, Yoga Narasimhar, Surya, and Chandran.
• Theertham:
  • Theertham associated with this temple is Aayar Theertham.
• Sacred Tree:
  • The Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree) is the Jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus).

Festivals

• Celebrated Festivals:
  • Purattasi Brahmotsavam
  • Panguni Uthiram
  • Masi Makam
  • Vaikasi Visakam
  • Thiru Karthikai
  • Vaikunda Ekadashi
  • Sravana Deepam

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Alangudi

Nearest Railway Station

Needamangalam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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