Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Agastheeshwarar Temple, Vandavasi, Thiruvannamalai

Agastheeshwarar Temple, Vandavasi, Thiruvannamalai
Agastheeshwarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located near Vandavasi in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. Presiding deity is called as Agastheeshwarar and Mother is called as Akilandeswari. This temple is one of the Vaipu Sthalam / Paadal Petra Sthalam. This temple is revered in the verses of Saiva Nayanars in the 6th-9th century CE.







Agastheeshwarar and Ellai Amman temple are located along with Lord Perumal, Anjaneyar & several Lord Vinayaga & Murugan temple. Purisai is one of the very villages where you can find a temple for Draupadi Amman.






Literary Mention
Sundarar or Sundaramurthi Nayanar mentioned this temple in his Thirumurai (7-12-6).
""தென்னூர் கைம்மைத் திருச்சுழி யல்திருக் கானப்பேர் பன்னூர் புக்குறை யும்பர மர்க்கிடம் பாய்நலம் என்னூர் எங்கள் பிரான்உறை யுந்திருத் தேவனூர் பொன்னூர் நாட்டுப் பொன்னூர் புரிசைநாட்டுப் புரிசையே.""
Festivals
12 days of Panguni festival in Agastheeshwarar temple, Adi festival and Full Moon day celebration in Ellai Amman temple adds crown to Purisai village and it is still being considered as family gathering festivals across all religions. Purisai is considered as one of very few villages where Theru Koothu culture is still alive through few Kalaimamani award winners. Special School for Theru Koothu is also located in this Village.
Connectivity
It is located 79 kms towards East from District headquarters Thiruvannamalai, 105 kms from State capital ChennaiTamilnadu. Purisai is surrounded by Vandavasi Taluk towards South, Cheyyar Taluk towards North, Pernamallur Taluk towards west, Uthiramerur Taluk towards East. It is one of 219 villages in Cheyyar Block. Vandavasi , Tiruvethipuram, Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram are the nearby Cities to Purisai. 
Katpadi Jn Rail Way Station is major railway station 72 km near to Purisai. However, Central Government has already approved a new track which will pass through Purisai. Buses frequently available from Cheyyar and Vandavasi, Direct buses are available from/to Arni, Bangalore, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Melmaruvathur, Puducherry, Thindivanam and Vellore.