Peddanaicken Palayam Sri Aatkondeeswarar Temple, Salem

Address

Peddanaicken Palayam Sri Aatkondeeswarar Temple, Peddanaicken Palayam, Salem district – 639 109. Phone: +91- 4282 – 221 594

Diety

Aatkondeeswarar Amman: Akhilandeswari

Introduction

The Aatkondeeswarar Temple in Peddanaicken Palayam, Salem district, is a place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be around 1000 years old. It is located approximately 40 kilometers from Salem on the Chennai Road.

Puranic Significance

Significant Features:

Thala Virutcham (Sacred Tree): The sacred tree associated with this temple is the Vilwa tree.
Theertham (Temple Tank): The temple’s theertham is the Vasishta River.

Legend:

The temple has a unique legend associated with it. Sage Vasishta, during his pilgrimage along the banks of the Vasishta River, is said to have installed Lingams (Shiva idols) at every place where he worshiped Lord Shiva.
The Linga in this temple is believed to be one among those installed by Sage Vasishta. Over time, it had become buried in the sands.
According to the temple’s history, Lord Shiva revealed His presence in this place through a devotee’s dream. The devotee found the Linga on the banks of the Vasishta River, retrieved it, and installed it in the temple.

Arthanareeswarar Form:

The Aatkondeeswarar Temple is known for its unique representation of Lord Shiva in the form of Arthanareeswarar.
In this form, Lord Shiva signifies the inseparable union of Shiva and Shakti (Goddess Parvathi). Lord Arthanareeswarar appears with half of His form as Lord Shiva and the other half as Mother Parvathi.
He also holds a trident, which is the weapon of Shakti, symbolizing the importance of gender equality and the rights of womanhood.

Worship and Beliefs:

Worshipping Lord Arthanareeswarar in this temple is believed to bring unity within families, and it is said to have the power to reconcile family members who may have been estranged.
Lord Aatkondeeswarar is known for drawing devotees towards Him with endless grace and mercy.
Mother Parvathi graces the devotees here as Akhilandeswari. The procession deities in the temple are in a unique standing posture, signifying their honor towards the devotees who come to worship them.

Other Deities:

The temple complex also houses several other deities, including Lord Maha Ganapathy (Lord Vinayaka) and Lord Krishna with Mother Mahalakshmi.
The vimana (tower) above the sanctum sanctorum is known as the Dravida Vimanam.
Lord Muruga, Lord Bhairava, the Navagrahas (nine planets), Panchalingas, the Sun, and 63 Shiva devotees known as Nayanmars are all enshrined in the temple, each having their respective shrines.

The Aatkondeeswarar Temple is not only a place of worship but also a significant cultural and spiritual center with unique features such as the representation of Lord Arthanareeswarar. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings, reconciliation within their families, and to experience the divine grace of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

Beliefs

People pray to Adhikara Nandhi and Pradosha Nandhi both in a single Mandap during the pradosha time (4.30 p.m to 6.00 p.m.) for prosperity boon. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Festivals

Chitra Poornima in April-May; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Aadi Pooram in July-August; Vinayaka Chathurthi in August-September; Navarathri in September-October; Maha Shivrathri in February-March and Sani Peyarchi-Saturn planet transition days are the festivals celebrated in the temple.