Thirukattupalli Sri Agneeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thirukattupalli Sri Agneeswarar Temple, Thirukattupalli, Thanjavur District- – 613 104

Deity

Agneeswarar Amman: Soundara nayagi

Introduction

• Location: Thirukattupalli, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu
• Situated on: Southern bank of the Kudamurutti River
• Presiding Deity: Agneeswarar / Theeyaadiyappar (Lord Shiva)
• Goddess: Vaarkonda Mulaiyammai / Soundara Nayaki / Azhagammai
• Sanctum Features:
  • Located 4 steps below ground level
  • Small entrance
• Historical Significance:
  • First temple where Brahma was installed in a separate shrine
  • 126th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam
  • 9th Sthalam on the northern side of River Cauvery in Chola Nadu
• Thirukkattupalli Distinction:
  • Keezhtirukkaattuppalli: Adjacent to Poompuhar and Thiruvenkadu
  • Melaittirukkattuppalli: The main temple in discussion
  • Keezhtirukkaattuppalli is the 12th Devaram Paadal Petra Sthalam on the northern banks of the Kaveri
• Sacred Elements:
  • Thala Virutcham (Sacred Trees): Vanni, Vilwa
  • Theertham (Sacred Waters):
    • Surya Theertham
    • Kudamurutti River
    • Agni Theertham (in the form of a well)

Puranic Significance

• Divine Worshippers:
  • Brahmma the Creator, Sun God (Surya), Bhagiratha, and Queen of Urayur worshipped Lord Shiva here.
• Temple Name Origin:
  • Named Agneeswaram after Agnideva (God of Fire) worshipped here.
• Renovations & Historical Mentions:
  • Renovated during Uthama Cholan’s rule.
  • Epigraphy mentions: Sundara Pandian, Konerinmaikondan.
  • Goddess Name in inscriptions: Azhagammai.
  • Also renovated by Aditya Chola I.
• Temple Rituals & Festivals:
  • Pujas are conducted four times a day.
  • Water from Cauvery is brought for Panguni Uthiram festival.
  • Holy dips on special occasions bring immense benefits:
    • Karthikai Sundays
    • Masimagam
    • Panguni Uthiram
    • Vaikasi Visagam
• Consecration (Kumbabishekam): Performed in 1983.
• Jain Connection:
  • The word “Palli” suggests Jain influence in the region.
  • 24th Tirthankara statue was found here.
  • Jain Acharyas (Tirthankaras) were believed to have lived here.
• Legend of Sevvandhi Flowers:
  • A servant of the King of Urayur took Sevvandhi flowers meant for Shiva Puja.
  • Gave them to the king, who then gave them to his two wives.
  • Elder wife offered it to Lord Shiva → Thirukattupalli flourished.
  • Younger wife wore it on her head → Urayur faced destruction.

Beliefs

Devotees pray for removal of obstacles in marriage talks, excellence in education and prosperity. Devotees perform abishek to the Lord with Vastras-clothing. They bathe on Sundays in the month of Karthikai (NovemberDecember) in Agni theertha and on Masi Magam (FebruaryMarch), Panguni Uthiram (March-April) and Vaikasi Visakam (May-June).

Special Features

Sri Yoga Dakshinamurthy graces in the Prakara around the presiding deity. The main tower (Rajagopuram) is of a five tier model. The flag post (Kodimaram or Dwajasthamba) is covered by copper. Lord Vinayaka graces from the right side. Inside the temple on the right is the Goddess-Mother’s shrine facing south. She graces in a standing form with Dwarapalakas at the entrance of the shrine. There is also a Vinayaka within the shrine. Lord Arthanareeswara is with Lingodhbava. Next is the shrine of Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai. Then follows the shrines of Kasi Viswanatha with Mother Visalakshmi, Gajalakshmi, Durga. On the right side of front hall (Maha Mandapam) are Bhairava and Nalvar the four – the authors of Thevaram and Tiruvasagam – Gnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar. Daily pujas are conducted properly as per rules. Masi Magam in February-March and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated.

Festivals

Masi Magam, Panguni Uthram, Shivarathri, Aipasi Annabishekam and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirukattupalli

Nearest Railway Station

Trichy

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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