Alathur Agastheeswarar Temple, Chengalpattu

Address

Alathur Agastheeswarar Temple, Chengalpattu

Alathur, Thiruporur Taluk,

Chengalpattu District – 603 105.

Mobile: +91 81240 04808 / 86808 95761 / 94447 99023

Moolavar

Agastheeswarar

Amman

Akhilandeshwari

Introduction

The Agastheeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Alathur Village near Thiruporur Town in Thiruporur Taluk, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. The primary deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is known as Agastheeswarar. The goddess in the temple is called Akhilandeshwari.

Location: The temple is conveniently located, about 500 meters from Alathur Bus Stop, 4 kilometers from Thiruporur Bus Stand, and approximately 5 kilometers from Thiruporur. It is also easily accessible from Mamallapuram, Chengalpattu, and Chennai. The temple is situated on the Thiruporur to Mamallapuram (OMR) route, and buses traveling to Mamallapuram on OMR pass through this village.
Historical Significance: According to legend, Sage Agastya installed Shiva Lingas and worshiped Lord Shiva at various locations. This temple is considered one of those sacred sites. As a result, the presiding deity of this temple is called Agastheeswarar in honor of Sage Agastya.
Temple Architecture: The temple faces east and once had a granite compound wall that can still be seen in its remains around the temple. Within the temple complex, you will find a sanctum, ardha mandapam (half hall), and maha mandapam (main hall). The presiding deity, Lord Agastheeswarar, is enshrined in the form of a Shiva Lingam. There are no niche idols located around the sanctum walls. The vimana (tower) over the sanctum follows the vesara style of architecture and consists of two tiers. The temple also houses a separate south-facing shrine for the goddess Akhilandeshwari.
Temple Features: Other shrines within the temple premises are dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, Bhairavar, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Devasena, and Chandikeswarar. The temple’s sthala vriksham (sacred tree) is the Vilvam Tree, and a significant temple tank is located in front of the temple.
Festivals: The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. The most famous among them is the Masi Soora Samharam, which takes place in February-March. This festival coincides with the Soora Samharam celebrations at the Thiruporur Kandaswamy Temple. The Utsava idol, Muthukumara Swamy of Thiruporur Kandaswamy Temple, visits the Agastheeswarar Temple during the Samharam day. Other festivals celebrated at the temple include Masi Shivarathri (February-March), Panguni Uthiram (March-April), and Karthigai Somavaram (November-December).