Poonthottam Agastheeshwarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Poonthottam Agastheeshwarar Temple, Poonthottam, Thiruvarur district, Tamilnadu

Deity

Agastheeshwarar Amman: Dharmasamvardhini.

Introduction

• Dedication: The Agastheeshwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Agastheeshwarar.
• Location:
  • Situated in Thottam, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, along the Mayiladuthurai – Thiruvarur main road.
  • Approximately 1 km from the Poonthottam Bus Stop.
  • Nearest railway station: Poonthottam; nearest airport: Trichy.
• Mother Deity: Known as Dharmasamvardhini.
• Significance: This temple is recognized as a “Guru Sthalam,” a place of reverence for spiritual guidance.

Puranic Significance

• Theertham:
  • The temple features Varuna Theertham, believed to have been created by Varuna, one of the Ashtathik Balagas (Kubera, Vayu, Varuna, Nirudhi, Mrithyu, Agni, Indra, Brahmasthan).
• Historical Background:
  • The temple is estimated to be around 1,000 years old.
  • It is a small east-facing temple with an entrance on the west.
• Deities:
  • Presiding Deity: Lord Agastheeshwarar, facing east.
  • Mother Deity: Dharmasamvardhini, facing south.
• Unique Features:
  • Dakshinamurthy: Seen sitting atop the 12 Zodiac signs, with his hand resting on the Rishaba (bull) vaahana, referred to as Mandala Rasi Gurubagavan, further emphasizing the temple’s status as a Guru Sthalam.
  • The temple complex includes shrines for Ganesha, Muruga, Gajalakshmi, Navagraha, Surya, Chandran, Durga, and Dakshinamurthy.
• Adjacent Temple: There is also an Ayyanar Temple located next to the Agastheeshwarar Temple.

Festivals

• Daily Rituals:
  • Special poojas are performed daily during Guru hora (the hour of Jupiter).
• Special Days:
  • Thursdays hold particular significance, with additional rituals and worship.
• Local Belief: The temple is often regarded as being equivalent in importance to the famous Alangudi Temple dedicated to Lord Guru (Jupiter).

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Poonthottam

Nearest Railway Station

Poonthottam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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