Thottiyam Analadeeswarar Temple, Trichy

Address

Thottiyam Analadeeswarar Temple, Trichy

Thottiyam town,

Trichy district,

Tamil Nadu 621215

Moolavar

Analadeeswarar

Amman

Tripurasundari

Introduction

• Location:
  Thottiyam Analadeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Thottiyam town, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the River Cauvery.
• Puranic Significance:
  • The temple’s primary deity is Analadeeswarar (Lord Shiva), and the goddess is Tripurasundari.
  • The town has several names mentioned in the Puranas, including Brahmapuram, Tripurasamharashetram, Madhyasalashetram, and Duvashtapuri.
  • Lord Shiva’s heroic act of shooting an arrow and destroying the Tripuras (three fortresses of the Asuras led by Taragasuran and his sons) is said to have occurred at this location. The arrow touched the Dvashthapuri, marking the destruction of the three fortresses.
  • The temple’s Ishvari Thirtha (sacred water) is the result of a yaga performed by Brahma here, where Lord Shiva danced in the Agni Kunda (fire pit).
• Historical Significance:
  • Thottiyam is known as Banana Town, named for its major cultivation of bananas.
  • The town is also associated with the Thottiya Nayakar community, from which the town derives its name.
  • The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old. Although the exact construction date is unclear, the temple may have been built during the time of one of the Pandya kings, indicated by the presence of fish symbols at the site.
• Legend of the Tripuras:
  • Taragasuran, the demon king, had three sons who received powerful boons from Brahma. These sons built flying fortresses made of gold, silver, and iron, known as Tripuras, and used them to dominate the gods.
  • The gods, including Indra, Brahma, and Vishnu, sought Lord Shiva’s help to defeat the Asuras. Lord Shiva used his chariot (the earth) and other celestial elements as weapons to destroy the Tripuras, earning names such as Tripura Tagana Murthy, Tripuranthaka, and Tripurasamharar.
• Special Features:
  • The temple is over 1500 years old and holds historical significance as the site where Lord Shiva’s arrow touched the Tripuras during his battle with the Asuras.
  • The sacred Yaga Gundam (or Agni Kunda) is considered the holy water source of this temple, known as Ishwari Theertha.
  • The temple is associated with Lord Shiva’s heroic destruction of the Tripuras and the Agni Nartheeswarar (Lord Shiva’s dance in the fire pit).
• Festivals:
  • The temple celebrates Mahashivaratri, the major festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Century/Period

1500 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Thottiyam

Nearest Railway Station

Trichy

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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