Athmanatheswarar Temple, Thiruvalampozhil
Location
Tiruvalampozhil
Deity
Athmanatheswarar, Vadamooleswarar
Female Deity
Gnanambigai
Pathikam
Tirunavukkarasar - 1
Gallery – Athmanatheswarar Temple, TiruAlampozhil
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is easily accessible from Tiruvaiyaru. Devotees can travel towards Kandiyur on the Thanjavur road and then take the branch road leading to TiruAlampozhil. Another revered Paadal Petra Sthalam, Tiruppoonturuthi, is located less than 2 kilometers away. Those traveling from Thanjavur can likewise reach the temple by first proceeding to Kandiyur and then following the branch road to TiruAlampozhil.
Temple Address
Tiruvalampozhil
Tiruvalampozhil Post
Tiruppanthuruthi S.O.
Tiruvaiyaru Taluk
Thanjavur District
PIN – 613103
Temple Hours
Morning : 7:00 - 11:00
Evening : 5:00 - 7:00
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple Glory
The Layout
The temple is adorned with a majestic five-tiered Raja Gopuram and features a sanctum that faces west, setting it apart in architectural orientation. Entry into the temple is marked by the presence of two Dwarapalakas, with the sannidhi of Subramanya situated to the left as one steps inside. The outer prakaram, or circumambulatory path, includes sannidhis for Vinayaka, Viswanatha, and Visalakshi, while the mandap beyond the gateway houses the Navagraha on the right and Gyanambikai on the left, who stands gracefully, symbolizing the bestowal of 'Gyana', or knowledge.
Sanctum & Surrounding Sannidhis
At the heart of the temple is the west-facing sanctum of Athmanatheswar, represented as a Swayambhu Linga. The prakaram enveloping the sanctum is richly populated with sannidhis dedicated to Subramanya, the Navagraha, the four principal Nayanmars, Moola Vinayaka, Pancha Linga, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeshwarar, Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi, as well as Muruga with Valli and Deivanai, and Nataraja. Esteemed figures such as Sage Kashyap and the Ashta Vasu are believed to have worshipped here, and the temple's Durga is considered especially powerful. Notably, Dakshinamurthy is revered in this temple as Medha Dakshinamurthy, a form associated with intellect and wisdom.
Temple Puranic History
Pathigam Glory
The pathigam dedicated to this temple, composed by the revered saint Thirunavukkarasar, is found in the 6th Thirumurai, highlighting its spiritual significance. From Appar's verses, we learn that the place was historically referred to as 'Parambai Kudi', while the temple itself was known as Tiruvalampozhil, indicating its ancient identity. This dual nomenclature is further supported by an inscription discovered within the temple premises, providing epigraphical evidence that reinforces the literary references and underscores the site's enduring sanctity and heritage.
Gallery – Athmanatheswarar Temple, TiruAlampozhil
