Bheemeswarar Temple, Athalayur, Nagapattinam
Bheemeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva located in Athalayur Village in Nagapattinam Taluk in Nagapattinam
District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Bheemeswarar and Mother is
called as Ananda Nayaki. It is said that Kavadi procession for Ettukudi
Murugan Temple starts from this temple.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/11/bheemeswarar-temple-athalayur-legends.html
The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam
can be found facing towards the sanctum. The sanctum sanctorum consists of
sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as
Bheemeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of
Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). Mother is called as
Ananda Nayaki.
She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her
shrine is situated in maha mandapam on the right side. There is a separate shrine for Varadaraja
Perumal in the temple premises. He is gracing the devotees along with his
consorts Bhoomidevi and Neeladevi. It is said that the idols belonged to an
ancient Vishnu temple once existed close to this temple.
There is a unique Swayambhu Vinayagar can be seen in
this temple. It is said that this Vinayagar is naturally formed by the roots of
the Athandai plant. People pray to this Vinayagar for better harvest. Idols of
Vinayagar, Murugan, Nataraja and Dakshinamoorthy can be seen in the temple
premises. Theertham associated with this temple is Thamarai Kulam (Lotus tank).
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 10.00 AM and
from 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.
Festivals
Monthly Pradosham and Shivarathri in February-March are
the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Devotees pray to Lord Shiva to regain their position, power
and wealth. People worship Goddess Parvathy for reunion with their estranged
partners. People pray to Swaymbhu Vinayaga for good harvest.
Contact
Bheemeswarar Temple,
Athalayur, Nagapattinam Taluk,
Nagapattinam District – 609 701
Mobile: +91 98654 02603 / 95852 55403
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Ketharimangalam
Bus Stop, 2.5 Kms from Sannanallur, 3 Kms from Nannilam Railway Station, 6 Kms
from Nannilam Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Nannilam, 6 Kms from Thirupugalur, 7 Kms
from Thirukkannapuram, 32 Kms from Nagapattinam, 36 Kms from Kumbakonam and 133
Kms from Trichy Airport. The temple is situated on Nagapattinam to Kumbakonam
route. Regular buses are available from Nannilam, Nagapattinam and Kumbakonam.