Azhundhur Varaguneswara Swamy Temple, Trichy

Address

Azhundhur Varaguneswara Swamy Temple, Trichy

Azhundhur,

Trichy district,

Tamil Nadu 620012

Moolavar

Varaguneswarar / Kashi Viswanathar

Amman

Kashi Vishalatchi

Introduction

Azhundhur Varaguneswara Swamy Temple id dedicated to lord Shiva, located in the Azhunhur village, Trichy district, Tamil Nadu. Alundur village is 19 kilometers from Trichy. Here the Presiding deity is called as Varaguneswarar / Kashi Viswanathar and Mother is called as Kashi Vishalatchi

Puranic Significance

This temple was built in 9^th century AD by Guna Pandyan. This temple, which has become somewhat dilapidated over time, has been renovated by Lothungan from the beginning.

Inscriptions say that the name of the deity here is ‘Varakuneesuramudayamagathevar’ and ‘Varauneesuramudayanayanar’. The Lord of this temple is now known as ‘Varaguneswarar’ and ‘Kasiviswavanathar’. Mother name is Kashivisalakshi. Beyond the front of the temple, there is an altar in front of it, and to the right is the shrine of the Mother of God. She is blessed in Trikolam.

A small temple in an interior part of the Azhundhur village on the National Highway on Tiruchi–Viralimalai segment accounts for several historical features. Eight inscriptions pertaining to the ancient era were found in the dilapidated temple. Most interestingly, it has a tunnel which is one-foot wide and five-foot long, located to the left of the presiding deity.

Villagers say that nobody knows where the tunnel ends. Although the mahamandapam and its walls all around are badly damaged, the structure of the tunnel is intact. One can even view a few steps below the tunnel. The temple dedicated to Sri Varaguneswarar has special features. Its structure pertains to various eras. It does not have any compound. The temple, surrounded by seasoned trees in its vicinity, has been neglected for a prolonged period, say the people of the village. But a group of local villagers have joined hands in organizing periodical rituals.

The people of the village had floated a service organization ‘Sri Varaguneswarar Bhatha Jana Trust’ for organizing periodical puja on important occasions such as “pradosham” every month. They said the architectural beauty and historical details of the temple came to light when a group of epigraphists from Ma. Rasamanickanar Historical Centre conducted an in-depth study at the site which was renovated during the period of Kulothunga Chola I.