Alandurainathar temple, TiruChakkarapalli

Alanthurainathar Temple, TiruChakkarapalli

Location : TiruChakkarappalli (Ayyampettai)

Deity known as : ChakkaraVaagaeswarar, Alanthurainathar

Female Deity : Deva Naayaki

Pathikam : Sambandhar

How to reach

This Shiva Temples is located approximately 30 kilometers from Thanjavur. Bus facilities are available from Thanjavur to Ayyampettai.

Temple address

Arulmighu ChakkaraVaagaeswarar Temple
Ayyampettai Post
Thanjavur district
PIN 614201

Near by Temples

1	Tiruvaiyaru - 12.8 kms
2	Tiru-Nei-Daanam - 15 kms
3	Tiru-Perum-Puliyur - 17.1 kms
4	Tiru-Alam-pozhil - 16 kms
5	Tiru-Poonthuruthi - 15 kms
6	Tiru-Kandiyur - 11.9 kms
7	Tiru-Chotru-Thurai - 8 kms
8	Tiru-Vedhi-Kudi - 10.4 kms
9	Then-Kudi-Thittai - 11 kms
10	Tiru-Pulla-Mangai - 3.2 kms

Location Map – Alanthurai Nathar Temple, Tiruchakkarapalli

Saptha Mangai Temple

This temple is the first among the seven sacred sites collectively referred to as 'Saptamangai sthalam,' which also holds the distinction of being a 'Paadal Petra Shivasthalam.' The seven temples in this group — Chakra-Mangai, Ariya-Mangai, Soola-Mangai, Nandi-Mangai, Pasu-Mangai, Thazha-Mangai, and Pulla-Mangai — are revered for their association with the 'saptha mathas,' namely Brahmi, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Mahendri, and Chamundi, as well as the Sapta Rishis who worshipped the resident deity of these temples. The site is also known as Thiruchakkarapalli, a name derived from the legend that Mahavishnu worshipped Deity Shiva here and was granted the divine weapon, Chakrarayutham. Consequently, the deity is referred to as Chakravakeswarar, a name inspired by the Chakravaka bird, which symbolizes the divine connection and the cyclical nature of existence.

The Layout

This temple, oriented towards the east, deviates from the typical architectural style of contemporary temples by lacking the customary tower. Its entrance is unassuming yet features intricate sculptures depicting deities such as Shiva, Parvati, Vinayaka, and Muruga, all seated on the Rishabha Vahana. Notably, the temple does not include a Kodi-maram or Dwajasthambam, which are often found in similar structures. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a spacious courtyard, where one can observe the south-facing sannidhi dedicated to the female deity. The second entrance leading to the sanctum is equally embellished with various sculptures, including the Shiva family on Rishabha, Vinayaka on his vahana 'Moonjuru', and Dhandapani riding his peacock. The Goshta-Murtha features prominent figures such as Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhava, Brahma, and Goddess Durga. Whithin the open circum-ambulatory path are sannidhis for Vinayaka and Subramanya. In front of the sanctum, within the 'mandap', are the sun god Surya, the moon god Chandra, Bhairava, and the four principal nayanmars. The presiding deity, revered by Jayantha, the son of the celestial god Indra and the other devas, is a 'Swayambhu Linga' characterized by an elongated 'Bhana'.

Tirupugazh Temple

TiruChakkarapalli is also enriched by a specific song dedicated to Muruga, featured in the Thirupugazh, composed by the revered saint Arunagirinathar. In this sacred space, Muruga is depicted with a divine visage and four auspicious arms, positioned facing east, alongside Valli and Deivanai who complements his presence. Notably, a peacock, which is often associated with Muruga, stands gracefully in front of him, symbolizing beauty and grace.

Additionally, the pathikam, or devotional hymn, composed by Sambandar, is part of the esteemed 3rd Thirumurai. In his 11th song, Thirugnanasambandar emphasizes the transformative power of this pathika, asserting that those who recite it with sincere devotion on a daily basis will attain liberation from their sins, thus underscoring the profound spiritual significance of the temple and its associated hymns.