Thirukattupalli Sri Agneeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thirukattupalli Sri Agneeswarar Temple, Thirukattupalli, Thanjavur District- – 613 104

Diety

Agneeswarar Amman: Soundara nayagi

Introduction

Agneeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirukattupalli in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is located on the Southern bank of the river Kudamurutti. Presiding Deity is called as Agneeswarar / Theeyaadiyappar and Mother is called as Vaarkonda Mulaiyammai / Soundara Nayaki / Azhagammai. The Sanctum is 4 steps below the ground level and the entrance is too small. It is believed that this was the first temple where Brahma was installed in a separate shrine.This Temple is the 126th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 9th Sthalam on the north side of river Cauvery of Chozha Nadu. There is another place which is also called as Thirukkattupalli.This is located adjacent to Poompuhar and Thiruvenkadu is known as Keezhtirukkaattuppalli to distinguish it from Melaittirukkattuppalli. Keezhtirukkaattuppalli is considered to be the 12th in the series of Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams on the northern banks of the river Kaveri in the Chola region of Tamil Nadu. Thala Virutcham : Vanni, Vilwa Theertham : Surya theertham, Kudamurutti river, Agnitheertham is in the form of a well

Puranic Significance

Brahmma the Creator, Sun, Bagiratha and Queen of Urayur worshipped Lord in the temple. Following the worship by Agnideva (God of Fire), the temple is named Agneeswaram.The temple was renovated during the rule of Uthama Cholan. The epigraphy has mention of Sundara Pandian and Konerinmaikondan. The name of Goddess is mentioned as Azhagammai. Pujas are conducted four times a day. Water is brought from Cauvery for Panguni Uthiram festival. Devotees having a dip in Karthikai Sundays, Masimagam, Panguni Uthiram and Vaikasi Visagam are blessed with immense benefits. The consecration of the temple (Kumbabishekam) was performed in the year 1983. As the word Palli is attributed to Jains, it is believed that Jains would have stayed here. Also a statue of 24th Theerthangara is taken from this place. Jain Acharyas are called Theerthangaras. The temple was also renovated by Aditya Chola I. The story goes that a servant of King of Urayur brought some Sevvandhi flowers meant for Shiva Puja and gave it to the king. The king in turn gave them to his two wives. The elder wife offered it to Lord Shiva while the other wore it on her head. While Tirukattupalli where the first wife lived grew into fame, Urayur where the second wife lived met with destruction.

Beliefs

Devotees pray for removal of obstacles in marriage talks, excellence in education and prosperity. Devotees perform abishek to the Lord with Vastras-clothing. They bathe on Sundays in the month of Karthikai (NovemberDecember) in Agni theertha and on Masi Magam (FebruaryMarch), Panguni Uthiram (March-April) and Vaikasi Visakam (May-June).

Special Features

Sri Yoga Dakshinamurthy graces in the Prakara around the presiding deity. The main tower (Rajagopuram) is of a five tier model. The flag post (Kodimaram or Dwajasthamba) is covered by copper. Lord Vinayaka graces from the right side. Inside the temple on the right is the Goddess-Mother’s shrine facing south. She graces in a standing form with Dwarapalakas at the entrance of the shrine. There is also a Vinayaka within the shrine. Lord Arthanareeswara is with Lingodhbava. Next is the shrine of Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai. Then follows the shrines of Kasi Viswanatha with Mother Visalakshmi, Gajalakshmi, Durga. On the right side of front hall (Maha Mandapam) are Bhairava and Nalvar the four – the authors of Thevaram and Tiruvasagam – Gnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar. Daily pujas are conducted properly as per rules. Masi Magam in February-March and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated.