Rudhragangai Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Rudhragangai Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Rudhragangai Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu 609503

Diety

Abathsahayeswarar / Parimaleswarar / Gowriswarar / Vilvaneswarar. Amman: Parvathi

Introduction

Abathsahayeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Rudhragangai Village near Nannilam in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. It is believed that this is one of the Mada temple built by Kochengata Chola.

Puranic Significance

Mada Kovil: Kochengat Chola one of the 63 Nayanmars (Saivite saints) of Saivism. He is believed to have attained spiritual rebirth of a spider that fought with an elephant in its previous birth over the worship of the god Shiva. He had red eyes during birth as he remained in his mother’s womb a little longer. His mother, looking into the babies red eyes said Kochengkannano (in Tamil Ko=king, Cheng=red, Kan=eyes), which literally means king with red eyes and hence he was named Kochengat Cholan. After becoming a king, he followed Saivism and built 70 Maadakovils, temples with elevated structure where elephants cannot reach the sanctum, in the Chola empire. It is believed that this is one of the temples built by him. Rudra Gangai: Bhaskarar, Vyakarapadhar and Patanjali performed severe penance on Lord Shiva for salvation. Patanjali attained salvation at Chidambaram. Vyakarapadhar attained salvation at Thiruvarur. But Bhaskarar did not attain salvation. So, he built an ashram amidst Vilva Forest on the banks of Arasalaru River and continued his penance on Lord Shiva. At the same time devas and sages were continuously troubled by Tarakasuran. All the sages and Devas went to Lord Brahma and expressed their grievances. Lord Brahma informed them that Son of Lord Shiva would kill this Asura at right time and would save the devas and sages in due course of time. Also, advised them to go to Lord Shiva. On seeing them, Lord Shiva assured them that their wish will be fulfilled soon. Goddess Parvathy was born to Imavan and was living in the earth waiting for Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva in the form of Brahmin came to earth in order to marry her. Since Ganga was in her head, Lord Shiva felt it might create problem in marriage. So, he planned to leave Ganga in Bhaskara Ashramam till his return. Sage Bhaskara agreed to Lord Shiva plan. Hence, Lord Shiva proceeded towards Kasi. One day, Sage Bhaskara went to river to take bath. He forgot to take the Pooja Vessels, so he asked Ganga to bring him the vessels and he started taking bath. Ganga came with vessel and did not find the sage as the sage was inside the river. On seeing water, she merged with Arasalaru and disappeared. Sage was upset and sad over the disappearance of Ganga. He was dumbstruck how to convey this incident to Brahmin. At the same time Lord Shiva married Parvathi. Lord Murugan born and slayed Tarakasuran. Lord Shiva in the form of Brahmin came back to Sage Bhaskarar and asked him to give back Ganga. Sage Bhaskarar started crying by hugging the Shiva Linga of his carelessness. Lord Shiva came out from the Linga and provided him darshan in wedding posture. He started to bless devotees as per the request of Sage Bhaskarar. Bhaskara Muni attained salvation here. Since Rudran’s (Lord Shiva) wife Ganga lived in this place. Hence the place was called as Rudra Gangai.

Beliefs

Taking bath in Arasalaru is equivalent in taking bath in Ganga. The Temple is famous for Pithru Dosha Nivarthi. Staying here for three nights continuously will absolve all his sins.

Special Features

Presiding Deity is called as Abathsahayeswarar / Parimaleswarar / Gowriswarar / Vilvaneswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. There is a sculpture showing Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi in marriage posture along with Lord Muruga behind the Linga in the sanctum. This form of representation is called Somaskanda. Ganga can be found in the head of Lord Shiva. There are shrines for Jwahara Vinayagar, Rig Vedha Lingam, Atharvana Vedha Lingam, Yajur Vedha Lingam, Sama Vedha Lingam, Murugan with four hands along with Valli & Devasena, Vishnu with his consort Maha Lakshmi, Brahma with is consort Saraswathy, Lakshmi Narayana, Varadaraja, Dakshina Moorthy and Thyagaraja inside the temple premises. Idols of Vinayagar in standing posture and Bhaskara Muni are of exceptional beauty. Sthala Vinayagar of the temple is Acham Theertha Vinayagar. Theertham of this Temple is Rudhra Ganga Theertham and Arasalaru River. Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam.