Vadugan Patru Agastheeswarar Temple, Kanyakumari
Address
Vadugan Patru Agastheeswarar Temple, Vadugan Patru, Kanyakumari– 629703
Diety
Agastheeswarar Amman: Aram Valartha Nayagi / Amuthavalli.
Introduction
Agastheeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Vadugan Patru Village near Kanyakumari Town in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeswarar and Mother is called as Aram Valartha Nayagi / Amuthavalli. The place where the temple is situated is called as Vadugan Patru. The place is also called as Agatheechuram / Agastheeswaram. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar.
Puranic Significance
It is believed that the Temple was built by Jayachandra Sri Vallabha Pandya. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. The Temple reached its zenith during Chola rule over this area was attested by various Chola inscriptions available in the Temple premises It is believed that Saint Appar and Sage Agastya along with his wife Lopamudra worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple. Since, Agastya worshipped Lord Shiva here. Lord came to be called as Agastheeswarar and the place came to be called as Agastheeswaram.
Beliefs
The Temple is considered to be Parihara Sthalam for Marriage related problems.
Special Features
The Temple is facing east with an entrance arch. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeswarar and is facing east. Mother is called as Aram Valartha Nayagi / Amuthavalli. There is a separate east facing shrine for Azhagiya Manavala Perumal along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in the temple premises. There are also shrines for Agastya along with his consort Lopamudra, Lord Murugan, Sastha, Ganesha and Nagas in the Temple premises. Theertham associated with this Temple is Agastya Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Agathi.
Festivals
Shivarathri, Ekadasi, Monthly Pradoshams and Puratasi Saturdays are celebrated here with much fanfare.
Century/Period/Age
1000 Years old
Managed By
Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)
Nearest Bus Station
Vadukanpattru
Nearest Railway Station
Kanyakumari
Nearest Airport
Thiruvananthapuram