Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Tiru-Irumpoolai (Alangudi)
Location
Tiru-Irumpoolai (now known as Alangudi)
Deity
Abathsahayeswarar
Female Deity
Elavar Kuzhali Ammai
Pathikam
Tirugnanasambandar - 1
Aabatsakaayeswarar Temple Photos
How to Reach
This shiva temple is located at Alangudi, a small village on the Kumbakonam – Needamangalam road in Tiruvarur District. It is situated about 18 km south of Kumbakonam, 8 km north of Needamangalam and 21 km north of Mannargudi. This temple is one of the nine Navagraha Temples and is associated with Guru (Jupiter).
Temple Address
Alangudi
Valangaiman Taluk
Tiruvarur District
PIN – 612801
Temple Hours
Morning : 6:00 - 13:00
Evening : 4:00 - 9:00
Contact
Executive Officer
04374 269407
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple Significance & History
History of the Temple
Alangudi is renowned as a Guru Sthalam, particularly associated with Guru Parihara, and is also one of the Pancha Aranya Temples, the group of five temples traditionally associated with different forest regions. The other four are Tiru-Karukavur, Avalivanallur, Haridwaramangalam and Tiru-Kollamputhur, with Alangudi being the fourth among these five temples. The sacred grove associated with Alangudi is known as Poolai Vanam, traditionally described as a forest of Silk Cotton trees. Although the original grove is no longer found within or around the temple premises, the ancient association of the temple with Poolai Vanam continues to be preserved in its traditional history.
Alangudi is also one of the nine Parivara Temples associated with Tiruvidaimarudur, with each place representing a particular deity or an aspect. Alangudi is associated with Dakshinamurthy. The other Parivara Temples are Tiruvalanchuzhi (Vinayaka), Swamimalai (Muruga), Tiruvavaduthurai (Nandikeswara), Suryanar Koil (Navagrahas), Tiruappadi (Chandikeswara), Chidambaram (Nataraja), Sirkazhi (Bhairava) and Tiruvarur (Somaskanda).
According to traditional accounts, the temple was built by Amuthohar, a minister of King Muchukunda Chakravarthy, who ruled from Tiruvarur. A devout worshipper of Shiva, Amuthohar had accumulated great merit through his devotion and righteous deeds. The king once asked him to share half of this merit with him, but Amuthohar declined. Angered by his refusal, the king ordered that he be beheaded. When the executioner carried out the king’s command, the name “Amuthohar” is said to have reverberated throughout the sacred place. Realising the grave mistake he had committed, Muchukunda Chakravarthy worshipped Shiva here as Aapatsahayeswarar and was relieved of the Brahmahathi Dosham incurred through the killing of his minister.
Another traditional account connects Alangudi with the churning of the Ocean of Milk. When the deadly Alakala poison emerged during the churning, Shiva consumed it to protect the Devas and the world. As Shiva is believed to have consumed the poison at this place, it came to be known as Alangudi. The presiding deity is Aabatsahayeswarar, signifying Shiva as the one who comes to the aid of devotees in times of distress, while the Goddess is Elavarkuzhali. The temple also has a sannidhi dedicated to Vinayaka, known as Kalangamal Kaatha Vinayakar, who is traditionally believed to have protected the Devas from the harmful effects of the poison.
Significance of Guru Dakshinamurthy
Alangudi is particularly renowned as the Guru Sthalam among the Navagraha temples. Guru, identified with Jupiter, is the fifth of the Navagrahas and is traditionally represented by Brihaspati, the preceptor of the Devas. At Alangudi, however, Guru is worshipped in the form of Dakshinamurthy, Shiva as the divine preceptor who imparts supreme knowledge to sages and the Devas.
Sundaramurthy Nayanar worshipped Alangudi Dakshinamurthy, received the Panchakshara Upadesa and attained spiritual liberation. Sri Mahalakshmi is also said to have worshipped Dakshinamurthy here and received the blessing of progeny. Mahavishnu, who is believed to have praised the glory of Alangudi Dakshinamurthy, is said to have taken abode here as Varadaraja Perumal along with Sri Devi. Thursdays are considered especially auspicious for worshipping Guru, and the temple attracts large numbers of devotees on this day.
The temple attracts particularly large crowds during Guru Peyarchi, the transit of Jupiter from one zodiac sign to another. On this occasion, devotees visit Alangudi to worship Guru Bhagavan and seek relief from various doshas. The other temples associated with Guru are Thenkudithittai and Tiruvalidaayam.
Temple Structure
Rajagopuram
This temple, surrounded by long walls on all four sides, covers an area of about 1¼ acres. The Rajagopuram has five tiers. The Vinayaka at this temple is known as Kalangamal Kaatha Vinayakar and is located at the entrance of the gopuram. He is believed to have protected the Devas from fear and distress when they were afflicted by the Alakala poison. Inside the first prakaram, the sannidhi of the Goddess, Elavar Kuzhali Ammai, faces south.
Other Sannidhis
After passing through the second entrance, the sannidhi of Surya Bhagavan is seen inside the temple, with the sannidhi of Sundarar situated to its south. The inner prakaram houses the sannidhis of Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi, the Saptha Lingas and the Nayanmars. A particularly noteworthy feature of the temple is the beautifully crafted idol of Sundaramurthy Swamigal. Housed in the Somaskanda sannidhi, this image is about three and a half feet in height and is taken in procession during the annual Arudra festival.
Beyond the Mahamandapam, the sanctum houses the presiding deity, Aabatsahayeswarar, facing east. Sage Viswamitra is traditionally believed to have worshipped Shiva at this place. It is customary to worship Agastya before worshipping Muruga, and such worship is traditionally believed to dispel fear of evil spirits and other negative forces. The Naga sannidhi is also considered significant; performing the appropriate Parihara here is traditionally believed to provide relief from Naga Dosha and bring well-being. The Pathigam composed by Tirugnanasambandar in praise of the presiding deity is included in the Second Thirumurai.