Kuthalam Abathsagayeswarar Temple – Nagapattinam

Address

Kuthalam Abathsagayeswarar Temple – Nagapattinam

Kuthalam, Nagai circle,

Nagapattinam District,

Tamil Nadu 609703

Moolavar

Abathsagayeswarar

Amman

Girigujambal 

Introduction              

• Location: Kuthalam, Nagai circle, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
  • Situated 3 km north of Kutthalam, near the Crude Oil Refinery that dominates much of the town.
• A small yet significant Shiva temple that reflects the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context:
  • During the reign of Raja Raja Chola, this place was known as Nandikesvaranallur.
  • Lands in this area were donated for the Amudupadi Puja at the Narimanam Temple.
• Age of the Temple: Believed to be over 1,300 years old.
• Meaning of Girigujambal:
  • “Giri” (mountain) and “Gujam” (woman who has given birth), signifying the nurturing aspect of the goddess.
  • Known in Tamil as Kunramamulaiyamman.
• Significance of Abathsagayeswarar:
  • The name signifies “one who provides refuge in times of danger.”
  • The deity is worshipped as the protector who offers shelter during difficult and vulnerable moments in life.

Architecture and Features

• Temple Orientation:
  • The temple faces east, symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity.
  • The entrance is adorned with intricate carvings.
• Sanctum and Mandapams:
  • The sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva is designed in choral style, with an Arthamandapam and Kamamandapam in front.
  • The shrine of Ambika (Girigujambal) is situated towards the south within the Mahamandapam compound.
• Additional Shrines:
  • A shrine for Vinayagar and a combined shrine for Murugan with Valli and Theivanai are adjacent to the Lord’s Arthamandapam.
  • Outside the hall, Nandi resides in his dedicated hall.
• Other Features:
  • Vinayaka with Bhutaganas is located in the Karurai section.
  • To the south are Thirumal (Vishnu) with Devas, while the north features Brahmins and Durga.
  • The Sun God has a dedicated shrine in the north-east mandapam.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

1300 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Kuthalam

Nearest Railway Station

Nagapattinam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple