Sunday, September 10, 2017

Agastheeshwarar Temple, Kottayur, Thiruvarur

Agastheeshwarar Temple, Kottayur, Thiruvarur
Agastheeshwarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kottayur in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeshwarar and Mother is called as Dharmambal. Sthala Vriksham is Poolai and Theertham is Shiva Pushkarani. The place is also called as Vithanapuram. As oilseeds were supplied from this place. Oilseeds are also Kottai in Tamil.
Legends
During the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvathi, everyone from the three worlds assembled at Kailash mount and due to the heavy weight, north began to sink and the south began to rise. Lord Shiva, to balance the level of the earth, asked sage Agasthya to go south to set right the imbalance. The sage sought time to see Lord’s marriage function and then proceed, Lord Shiva said that any delay in his departure to south would cause the north to sink in sea, the sage obeyed and left the marriage venue forthwith. Lord promised Agasthya that he would grant him the wedding darshan later. The sage journeyed non-stop worshipping the Lord. This place also was on his route. As the sage worshipped Lord, here he is praised as Agastheeshwarar.
History
This is one of the 108 temples built by Cholas. Due to lack of maintenance, the temple was covered with wild bushes. Renovations were carried out then installing new idols with the permission of HR & CE. The consecration took place on February 9, 2014.
The Temple
Lord Agastheeshwarar is a Swayambu Moorthy. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeshwarar and Mother is called as Dharmambal. Sthala Vriksham is Poolai and Theertham is Shiva Pushkarani. Abisheks are offered to all idols in the temple. The temple in its dilapidated condition was renovated by Saint Arutchithar Padagacheri Ramalinga Swamigal and restored to its earlier glory. Theertha Kulam is on the left side of the eastern entrance.  
Lord Agastheeshwarar facing east with one Kalasa and Chelli Amman with one Kalasa in a separate shrine facing south grace the devotees. Saints Appar and Thirugnana Sambandar are in the Maha Mandapam facing north. Lord Nardana Vinayaka is facing east in the Mahamandapam. This hall has the facility to accommodate 100 devotees. Lord Nandhi and the Balipeeta are at the entrance. Behind the temple on the left side is the shrine for Lord Kubera Vinayaka and Lord Muruga on the right with one Kalasa each. 
On the south is Lord Dakshinamurthy while Lord Lingodhbava is on the west. Mother Durga on the north and Lord Chandikeswara in the south have their shrines. There are 6 Kalasas in the temple. The temple has a history of above 1000 years, the new temple had its consecration celebrated in the year 2014 February 9.
Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Tamil New Year Day falling almost on 14th April, Fridays in Aadi month-July-August, Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, Fortnightly Pradosha Pujas, New moon days, Margazhi Arudra Darshan in December-January, Masi Magam and Maha Shivarathri February-March, Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Those physically and mentally weary, incurring the wrath of Mothers pray to Lord  for recovery of health. Devotees offer Nivedhanas with milk porridge (Paal Payasam in Tamil) and blackberry on Mondays and on full moon days. They perform milk abishek to Lord Agastheeshwarar and Mother Dharmambal during the Chandra Hora time and also offer garlands of Marikozhundu flowers.
Contact
Agastheeshwarar Temple,
Kottayur post, Valangaiman Taluk,
Thiruvarur – 614 404
Mobile: +91 9626384387
Connectivity
The Temple is located on Thiruvarur to Thanjavur route via Needamangalam. The temple is 5 km far from Alangudi Guru Bhagwan Temple. Nearest Railway Station is located at Needamangalam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.