Astrapurisvara Temple, Aanur, Chengalpet, Kanchipuram
Astrapurisvara
Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located in Aanur Village near Chengalpet
in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is located at the entrance of
Aanur village, has rich a past as well. Aanur has 3 ancient temples. They are the
Asthra Pureeswarar Shiva temple in dilapidated condition; the Vedha Narayana
Perumal temple, also in dilapidated condition and the Kandhaswamy temple that
was renovated recently. Kootruva Nayanar and Poet Pugazhendi lived here.
Legends
It is
said that Arjunan got the Pasupatha Astram from Lord Shiva at this place and
hence the Lord is called Asthrapureeswarar. The nearby hill is also called
Asthra hill.
It is
said that people will be freed from court cases and encumbrances by worshipping
the Lord and Ambal here.
History
The
temple was built by Vijaya Kamba Varma Pallavan during the 7th century whose
son Aparajita Varma Pallavan was defeated by Adhithya Chola I that marked the
end of Pallava regime and the beginning of Chola regime. The temple was
patronized by the Chola Kings Paranthaka, Rajaraja and Kulothunga and the
Nayakkars of the Vijayanagara period. The Rajaraja chola period inscription
says that there were musical instruments of Padagam, Thimilai, Karadigai, Kalam
and Sekandi were played during festivals in this Temple.
The Temple
Lord
Shiva is facing East and Soundara valli Ambal is facing south; Ambal and Swamy
can be worshipped from the artha mandapam at the same time. One time pooja
is taking place daily. The Ambal is seen with her left leg in front as if ready
to step out to the help of devotees.
Although
the deity in the Siva temple is now known as Astapurisvarar, inscriptions show
that the original name was Vambankaattu Mahadevan. An inscription of the time
of Raja Raja I, speaks of musical instruments used in the temple — Padagam,
Thimilai, Karadigai, kaalam, sekandi.
This temple
has vegetation growing all over. Besides, a portion of the eight-foot compound
wall fell a few years ago, making it convenient for anti-social elements to
misuse the temple. Two years ago, ancient granite idols of Vinayaka and Muruga
were stolen from their enclosures in the backyard of the temple. Since then,
these enclosures remain idol-less.
The
Temple is in dilapidated condition and REACH foundation planned to rebuild this
heritage structure to its original form stone by stone.
Inscriptions
Inscriptions
belonging to the 7-8 century Pallava period, 9th century Chola period and the
16th century Vijayanagara period are all can be seen in the same wall side by
side, inferring that the stones were rearranged during the last renovation
during the Vijayanagara period.
Epigraphic
evidence on the lintel over the entrance to this temple suggests that during
Kulottunga Chola I’s reign, there was a sale of land by the village assembly of
Adiyur (ancient name for Aanur) for a perpetual lamp and for offerings at the
temple. Inscriptions indicated that this temple received patronage from
Paranthaka Chola, Raja Raja Chola, Kulottunga Chola I and Raja Raja III.
The
front portion of this temple got extended during the Vijayanagar rule. During
the Vijayanagar period, temple had a sculpture of the ruler in seated position
in front of the main deity.
Contact
Astrapurisvara
Temple,
Aanur,
Chengalpet,
Kanchipuram
District,
Mobile: +91 – 95510 66441
Mobile: +91 – 98417 16694
Connectivity
Aanur is
located at around 13 kms South of Chengalpet. While going from Chennai, we have
to go through the Chengalpet town and after passing the Chengalpet court in the
outskirts of the town, we have to go straight towards Pon Vilaintha Kalathur
and then further go straight beyond P.V.Kalathur for another 4-5 kms to reach
Aanoor which is located on the Eastern bank of Palar river.
References
