Thachur Sri Picheeswarar Swamy Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Thachur Sri Picheeswarar Swamy Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Thachur, Arani circle,

Tiruvannamalai District – 632326

Moolavar

Thachur Sri Picheeswarar Swamy Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Thachur, Arani circle,

Tiruvannamalai District – 632326

Amman

Prankannayagi

Introduction

• Located in Thachur, Arani Circle, Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding deity: Picheeswarar (Lord Shiva).
• Goddess: Prakannayagi.
• The temple is worshipped daily by Agappeyar Siddhar and is frequented by snakes, believed to worship the deity as well.
• The temple is known for freedom from all kinds of snake doshas (curses).
• Thachur is located 10 km from Arani to Devikapuram, in the Arani Circle.

Puranic Significance:

• Eight divine serpents (Ananta, Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkotaka, Shankhapala, Gulika, Padma, Mahapadma) hold the universe, and they worship Lord Shiva at this temple.
• These serpents performed collective worship of Lord Shiva to absolve their sins and curses, granting them power and dominion over Nagaloka (celestial world).
• Thachur was once a dense forest with fragrant jasmine trees, where the self-manifested form of Picheeswarar resided.
• The serpent kings brought jasmine flowers for daily worship, leading to their boon of absolution from sins and curses.
• Agappeyar Siddhar regularly visits the temple and narrates how Agathiyar, with serpent guidance, worshipped Lord Shiva here, resulting in extraordinary events.

Special Features:

• Initially, the Shiva Lingam was hidden within a cave and was revealed due to a task assigned in a dream.
• A legend recounts blood flowing from the top of the Shiva Lingam, with snakes bringing sacrificial offerings, revealing that the lingam’s head portion had been severed and hidden.
• The first structure of the temple was built by Parantaka Chola but remained incomplete due to various reasons.
• The temple was later rebuilt with the goodwill of the people, and a consecration ceremony was performed.
• In the sanctum sanctorum, Picheeswarar Swamy (Lord Shiva) is enshrined with Chaturavudaiyaar (Self-Manifested Lingam).
• The pit for the lingam is shaped like a mortar.
• Agappeyar Siddhar and snakes are believed to worship the deity daily.
• When approaching from the left side, Lord Shiva blesses devotees as Prakannayagi.
• The eastern direction of the temple houses the nine planets and Kalabhairava.
• The temple is associated with the Pichchi tree and the Karakotakam Tirtham (tank).
• The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old.

Beliefs:

• Devotees suffering from snake curses, snake dosha, and Kala snake dosha visit the temple for relief.
• Worship of Lord Picheeswarar and Prakannayagi Amman is believed to dispel snake-related afflictions.

Festivals:

• Maha Shivrathri (February-March).

Conclusion:

• A revered temple for those seeking relief from snake doshas and those with planetary afflictions related to serpents.
• Known for its rich history, unique legends, and ongoing serpent worship practices.

Century/Period

1000 Years old

Nearest Bus Station

Thachur

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvannamalai

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

lightuptemple