Dharugapuram Mathiyasthanathar Temple, Thirunelveli

Address

Dharugapuram Village, Vasudevanallur Taluk,

Thirunelveli District,

Tamil Nadu

Moolavar

Mathiyasthanathar

Amman

Akilandeswari

Introduction

The Mathiyasthanathar Temple, located in Dharugapuram Village in Vasudevanallur Taluk, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance: The temple is believed to be around 1500 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Equivalent to Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswarar Temple: The Mathiyasthanathar Temple is considered equivalent to the famous Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswarar Temple in its significance.

Pancha Bhoota Sthalam: The temple is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams located around Sankarankoil. These temples represent the five prime elements of nature: land, water, air, sky, and fire. Mathiyasthanathar Temple represents the “Water Element” (Neer Sthalam).

Legends:

The temple’s history is linked to the disputes between the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties who continuously fought for control of Tamil lands. Lord Shiva, in the form of sage Agasthya, intervened to resolve the conflicts by demarcating the boundaries of their respective territories. For this reason, the deity in this temple is known as Mathiyasthanathar or Pinakkarutha Peruman.

Tharukapuram: The name “Tharukapuram” is derived from an asura (demon) named Tharukan who is believed to have visited and prayed to Lord Shiva at this temple to seek relief from a curse.

Sages and Penance: The temple has a history of sages like Gouthama, Sanakathi, Vasishta, and Valmiki performing penance in this sacred place.

The Mathiyasthanathar Temple stands as a place of historical and religious significance with a rich cultural heritage. Devotees visit to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Akilandeswari and to pay homage to the unique arrangement of deities and the temple’s sacred ambiance.

Beliefs

To get rid of Guru Dosham, Devotees have to come to this Temple to worship Dakshinamoorthy for three consecutive Thursdays. They have to worship the Lord Dakshinamoorthy during Guru Hora Time (i.e. from 4.30 PM to 6.00 PM). Devotees have to offer Yellow color dresses to Dakshinamoorthy and keep their horoscopes at the feet of the Lord. Then devotees have to worship Lord and perform poojas. By doing so, they can get rid of all Doshams related to Guru.

Special Features

Deities and Features:

The presiding deity of the temple is Mathiyasthanathar, also known as Pinakkarutha Peruman.
The goddess of the temple is Akilandeswari.
There is a shrine for Bhairavar in the temple known as Agni Bhairavar, and devotees pray to him for protection from black magic.
The temple features a Grand Natarajar Shrine and a Siddhar’s Samadhi.
The temple’s unique arrangement includes Lord Dakshinamoorthy sitting above all Navagrahas in a peetam, symbolizing his role as the teacher of the Navagrahas. This arrangement is distinctive to this temple.
The sacred tree (Sthala Vriksham) of the temple is the Mango tree.

Kaala Poojas: Two Kaala Poojas are conducted in this temple as part of its religious rituals.