Alivalam Annamalaiyar Shiva Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Alivalam Annamalaiyar Shiva Temple, Thiruvarur

Alivalam, Thiruthuraipoondi circle,

Thiruvarur District,

Tamil Nadu 610203

Moolavar

Annamalaiyar

Amman

Abhidhakusalambikai

Introduction

Alivalam Annamalaiyar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Alivalam village, Thiruthuraipoondi circle, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu. Alivalam is located on the river bank after 1/2 km on the road. The name of Arvalam was given to this town during the Chola era. Later the name Arvalam has evolved into Alivalam. Here the Presiding deity is called as Annamalaiyar and Mother is called as Abhidhakusalambikai

Puranic Significance

The Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old. This Shiva temple is on the banks of a large pond in the north-east of the town. The temple towards the east, which was once a big temple, has seen many changes and has come to its present state.The people belonging to KTK Farm have rebuilt this temple like a Kerala temple by building it with stone and building it on four sides with a sloping roof.

In the middle there is the Lord’s shrine, the south-facing Ambigai shrine, Nandi on one floor in front of the Lord, and the Vinayagar and Murugan shrines at the front. In the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord, Tenmugan is placed in the south and Anjaneyar in the north on a floor like Koshtam. Sundesar and Navagrahas are also kept in the custody of Lord for protective reasons. Bhairava is towards the west. I learned that priestly services are provided free of charge at the expense of the KTK farm. Not only this temple but also the temple on Punjaiyur Road is managed by them. Even though there were no devotees, it was seen that only one Guru was doing his poojas to the temple.

“With the kind permission of Sri Kadambur K. Vijayan, these are extracted from his posts”.