Chithur Agneeswarar Temple, Pudukottai

Address

Chithur Agneeswarar Temple, Pudukottai

Chithur, Ponnamaravathi Taluk

Pudukottai district,

Tamil Nadu 622104

Moolavar

Agneeswarar

Introduction

Agneeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Chithur Village in Ponnamaravathi Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu. This temple is under the control of Archaeological survey of India (ASI). The temple is situated on Pudukottai to Ponnamaravathi route via Peraiyur.

Puranic Significance

The Temple is believed to be built by Gandaraditya Chola (955–956 CE). Chithur was called as Chitrayur in ancient times. There is an inscription dated to the fourth regnal year of Gandaraditya Chola can be seen on the northern wall of the shrine. There is another inscription dated to Rajaraja Chola recording a gift of perpetual lamp to the presiding deity can be seen in the walls of the shrine.

The temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing towards the sanctum in the platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and ardha mandapam. The sanctum is octagonal in shape. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Agneeswarar in the form of Shiva Lingam. Loose sculptures of Brahma, Vishnu, Chandikeswara, Durga, Sapta Matrikas and defaced deities can be seen in the temple premises. Ruins of subsidiary shrines can be seen in the temple premises.