Thirukollikadu Sri Agnieeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Thirukollikadu Sri Agnieeswarar Temple, Thirukolikadu Road, Keeralathur, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu 610205 Phone: 095853 82152 PH:04369-237454

Diety

Agnieeswarar, Amman: Mridu pada nayagi, Panjin Melladi Ammai

Introduction

Tirukkollikkadu Agneeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Tirukkollikkadu in Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, as the moolavar presiding deity, in his manifestation as Agneeswarar. His consort, Parvati, is known as Panjin Melladi Ammai. The historical name of the place is Keeralathur. This is the 232 th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 115 th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. This place was called as ThiruKollikadu during Thevaram period and the same name is retained even now. Thala Virutcham : Vilwa Theertham : Agni Theertham

Puranic Significance

If Saturn is unfavourable to any one or at certain times of his transition, it is not the fault of the planet. It should be understood that his place in the janma patrika – horoscope-of an individual or in the case of even celestial, is decided by the wrong and good doings of those concerned leading to results accordingly. He also pours immense benefits to many and punishes many based on this rule. But every one is afraid of his adverse aspects only and fails to praise the benefits they derive from him. Grieved by the attitude of people, Saturn came to this Agni Vanam as advised by Sage Vasishta and performed severe penance. Lord Shiva granted darshan to Sani Bhagwan in the form of Agni the Fire and made him Pongu Sani-Prosperous Sani. He also granted the boon to all that those worshipping Him and Sani together will be happy. As blessed by the Lord, Sani Bhagwan has his shrine in the temple in the Kubera corner (north) granting all wealth to devotees. During such a Saturn period, Emperor Nala lost all his wealth and kingdom. After the period was over, he came to this place and worshipped Pongu Sani-prosperous Sani and got back all that he lost earlier, according to scriptures.

Beliefs

Those afflicted by adverse Saturn aspects pray to Lord Agneeswarar and also Sani Bhagwan for relief. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and offer vastras

Special Features

The temple is facing west with an entrance arch. The temple tank with Lotus flowers is on the left side of the temple. The Arch has the stucco image of Shiva Linga on the top. Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam are in the newly built Mandapam. Moolavar is of short and slight red in colour. In koshtam Brahma, Lingothbavar ( Brahma and Vishnu are on both sides ), Dakshinamurthy, Vinayagar and Durgai. In prakaram Vinayagar, Valli Devasena Villenthiya Velavar /Subramaniar ( Urchavar is not in this temple ), Mahalakshmi, Shaniswararan, Bhairavar, Nalvar, Navagrahas ( They are installed in U shape ), Vinayagar, Kasi Viswanathar and Chandikeswarar. Shainswaran is in a separate sannadhi. There is a bas relief of Thiripura Chakravarthy worshiping Lord Shiva is on the Sanctum wall ( It was told that, it is Agasthiya Maharishi ). Urchavars are Natarajar, Sivakami, Shaniswarar with his vahana and Vinayagar. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi facing south, in standing posture. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. An ekathala vesara Vimana is on the sanctum.

Festivals

The main festival of this temple is Maha Shivrathri which is held during the period from February-March. It is celebrated with great excitement and obsession. People from different parts of India throng this temple to take darshan of Lord Shiva on the ritual occasion of Maha Shivrathri. Margazhi Tiruvadhirai is another festival celebrated from December-January.