Avaniyapuram Avaneeswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Avaniyapuram Avaneeswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Avaniapuram, Thiruvannamalai District,

Tamil Nadu – 604503

Moolavar

Avaneeswarar/ Simhapuriswarar

Amman

Mangalambikai

Introduction

1. Location:
   • Situated at Avaniyapuram Village, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.
   • Located at the base of the Avaniyapuram hill, approximately:
     • 16 km from Arani,
     • 75 km from Thiruvannamalai,
     • 25 km from Vandavasi,
     • 135 km from Chennai.
   • Positioned along the Vandavasi – Arani highway.
2. Puranic Significance:
   • The temple is believed to have been built during the Pallava dynasty.
   • The goddess is said to have created the place, originally called Avaninarayana Saturvedimangalam, later known as Narayanamangalam.
   • Sage Athri, one of the sons of the Anusuya couple, is associated with this temple’s establishment. He meditated here after discovering a mountain shaped like a lion, which became the site for his penance. The place was initially called Simhampuram, now known as Avaniyapuram.
   • The original temple was established by Sage Eranda but fell into disrepair. It was later revived by Adi Shankar who worshipped Avaneeswarar (also known as Simhapuriswarar) and rebuilt the temple.
3. Beliefs:
   • Devotees visit the temple to seek:
     • Child boon,
     • Removal of obstacles in marriage talks,
     • Excellence in education.
4. Special Features:
   • Shivalinga in the sanctum sanctorum, which holds a huge robe.
   • The Mother’s Sanctum houses Mangalambikai, where the goddess is depicted standing.
   • Nandi appears before the Lord in a beautiful form.
   • The six-faced god with twelve faces is also present in the temple, a unique and rare feature.
   • A depiction of the god holding a wheel is notable and cannot be seen in many other temples.
5. Festivals:
   • Mahashivarathri is the major festival celebrated at the temple.

Century/Period

9th century AD.

Nearest Bus Station

Mahashivarathri

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvannamalai

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

lightuptemple