Alanthurainathar Temple, TiruChakkarapalli
Location: TiruChakkarappalli (Ayyampettai)
Deity known as: ChakkaraVaagaeswarar, Alanthurainathar
Female Deity: Deva Naayaki
Pathikam: TiruGyanasambandhar - 1
Gallery - Alanthurainathar Temple
How to reach
This Shiva Temple is located approximately 30 kilometers from Thanjavur. Bus facilities are available from Thanjavur to Ayyampettai.
Temple Address
Ayyampettai Post
Thanjavur district
PIN - 614201
Temple hours
Morning: 6:00 - 12:00
Evening: 4:00 - 8:00
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 |
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
Temple Structure
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.
Sanctum Details
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. Within the open circumambulatory path are sannidhis for Vinayaka and Subramanya.
Presiding Deity
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. Additionally, the pathikam composed by Sambandar is part of the esteemed 3rd Thirumurai, emphasizing the transformative power for those who recite it with sincere devotion.
Gallery
