Araneri Sri Asalechwaram Temple - Thiruvarur

Address

Araneri Sri Asalechwaram Temple Thanjai Salai, Vasan Nagar, Madappuram, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu 610001Phone Numbers: +91- 4366 -242 343, +91-94433 54302.

Diety

Achaleswarar, Araneriyappar Amman: Vandarkuzhali

Introduction

This is one of the 276 Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 31st Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Lord Shiva’s lingam in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested) and is very small in size. This temple has a small main tower (Rajagopuram) and a single corridor. It is east facing and is believed to have been built by the kings of Chalukyas Thala Virutcham : Pathiri Theertham : Sangu teerdam

Puranic Significance

Naminadhi Adigal was worshipping Lord Achaleswarar every day without fail. One evening when he came to the temple, he noticed that the Deepa – the lamp was nearly extinguishing as the ghee was exhausted. It would be too late to continue the lighting if he went to his house to bring the ghee. He approached some neighbours for ghee. They belonged to a different faith and mocked at Naminandhi Adigal saying that his Lord Shiva was a powerful God as He himself was holding a torch and even told him that if his faith- was true, he can light the lamp with water. Adigal felt very much hurt. He came to Lord and asked Him, “you were witness to what they said. Am I so sinful to hear such words.” A voice from the space said that Adigal may bring water from the tank in the temple and light the lamp. Doing so as instructed by the voice, he was excited to see the lamp burning brighter than before. He lighted all the lamps in the temple with water instead of with ghee or oil. The whole temple became bright as in the day with sun rays. Hearing the wonderful devotion of Naminandhi Adigal, the Chola king made him the head of the temple administration and offered all help to conduct the festivals in the temple. Lord Shiva placed Adigal as one of the 63 Nayanmars. The Jains who mocked at Adigal regretted their attitude. The shade of the presiding deity would fall only eastward. The construction of the temple is after the model of the Thanjavur Pragadeeswarar temple. Saivite saint Thirunavukkarasar has praised the temple in his Thevaram hymns.

Beliefs

People pray for removal of obstacles in marriage talks and for child boon. Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord and Mother.

Special Features

Hearing the wonderful devotion of Naminandhi Adigal, the Chola king made him the head of the temple administration and offered all help to conduct the festivals in the temple. Lord Shiva placed Adigal as one of the 63 Nayanmars. The Jains who mocked at Adigal regretted their attitude. The shade of the presiding deity would fall only eastward. The construction of the temple is after the model of the Thanjavur Pragadeeswarar temple. Saivite saint Thirunavukkarasar has praised the temple in his Thevaram hymns.

Festivals

Since the kings from the Chalukya dynasty worshiped Lord Shiva on Prathosham days here, poojas on Prathosham days is famous. Ten day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Maha Shivrathri in Maasi (February-March) and Tirukarthikai in Karthikai (November-December) are the major festivals celebrated in this temple.