Rudhragangai Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

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

Deity

Abathsahayeswarar / Parimaleswarar / Gowriswarar / Vilvaneswarar. Amman: Parvathi

Introduction

• Location: Rudhragangai Village, near Nannilam, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Abathsahayeswarar. The temple is believed to be around 1000 years old and is one of the Mada temples built by Kochengata Chola.

Puranic Significance

• Mada Kovil:
  • Kochengat Chola, one of the 63 Nayanmars (Saivite saints), is celebrated for his devotion to Lord Shiva. He is said to have been reborn as a spider after a previous life in which he fought an elephant for Shiva’s worship.
  • His red eyes, resulting from an extended stay in his mother’s womb, led to his name, which means “king with red eyes.” As a king, he built 70 Mada Kovil (elevated temples), ensuring that elephants could not reach the sanctum.
  • This temple is believed to be one of those constructed by him.
• Rudra Gangai:
  • Sage Bhaskarar, Vyakarapadhar, and Patanjali performed severe penance for Lord Shiva’s blessings. While Patanjali and Vyakarapadhar attained salvation, Bhaskarar did not.
  • He built an ashram near the Arasalaru River in a Vilva forest to continue his penance. During this time, the Devas and sages were troubled by the demon Tarakasuran.
  • They sought Lord Brahma’s guidance, who assured them that Shiva’s son would eventually slay the demon.
  • Goddess Parvati, born to Imavan, awaited her union with Lord Shiva. In order to avoid problems during their marriage, Shiva left Ganga at Bhaskara’s ashram.
  • Unfortunately, Ganga merged with the river while trying to fetch puja vessels for Bhaskarar, leading to Shiva later revealing himself to Bhaskarar in a wedding posture, blessing him and granting him salvation.
  • Thus, the place was named Rudra Gangai, reflecting Ganga’s presence in Lord Shiva’s life.

Beliefs

• Holy Waters: Taking a bath in the Arasalaru River is considered as purifying as bathing in the Ganges.
• Pithru Dosha Nivarthi: It is believed that staying in the temple for three consecutive nights absolves all sins.

Special Features

• Presiding Deity: The presiding deity is known as Abathsahayeswarar, and is housed in the sanctum in the form of a Lingam.
• Sculptural Representation: The sanctum features a sculpture depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a marriage posture, with Lord Murugan behind the Lingam, known as Somaskanda.
• Iconography: Lord Shiva is depicted with Ganga on his head, symbolizing purity and divine grace.
• Shrines: The temple houses shrines for various deities, including:
  • Jwahara Vinayagar
  • Rig Vedha Lingam
  • Atharvana Vedha Lingam
  • Yajur Vedha Lingam
  • Sama Vedha Lingam
  • Murugan with four hands alongside Valli and Devasena
  • Vishnu with Maha Lakshmi
  • Brahma with Saraswathy
  • Lakshmi Narayana
  • Varadaraja
  • Dakshina Moorthy
  • Thyagaraja
• Sthala Vinayagar: The temple’s Vinayagar is known as Acham Theertha Vinayagar.
• Theertham: The sacred waters include Rudhra Ganga Theertham and the Arasalaru River.
• Sthala Vriksham: The sacred tree of the temple is the Vilvam tree.

Festivals

• Major Celebrations: All Shiva-related festivals, particularly Masi Magam, are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fanfare in this temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Poonthottam

Nearest Railway Station

Poonthottam Station

Nearest Airport

Trichy

lightuptemple