Jamadagneeswarar Temple, Udayavar Theeyanur, Ariyalur
Jamadagneeswarar
Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Udayavar Theeyanur Village in
Ariyalur District of Tamilnadu. As a hot region with high summer, the place is
called Theeyanur – place of high mercury levels.
Legends
Jamadagneeswarar:
Earlier
this was dense with Vilwa trees known Vilvaranyam. Sage Jamadagni chose
this place for his penance on Lord Shiva and installed a Shivalinga for his
worship. Hence, Lord is praised as Jamadagneeswarar. Agni – God of
Fire also worshipped and hence the name of the Lord, according to one story.
Parasurama worshipped Shiva here:
The Theertha
near the temple is known as Agni theertham. The Marudhai River flowing
here is also considered very sacred. Sage Parasurama incurring the dosha
caused to him for killing his mother as commanded by his father Sage Jamadagni used
to bathe in this river and worship Lord Shiva for relief from the dosha, hence
the river is also praised as Parasurama River.
History
The
antiquity of the temple dates to back to 1166 A D built by Chola King Rajarajan
II. The ancient name of the place was Theeyanur. From an epigraphy
note in Gangaikonda Cholapuram of Rajathi Rajan I period, it seems that the
place was known as Manukula Kesari Nallur. Presently there are two Theeyanurs,
one the Udayavar Theeyanur where the Shiva temple exists and the other as
Perumal Theeyanur with a Vishnu temple.
The Temple
The
entrance does not have a Raja gopuram. The temple is also not very big in size.
The vimanam which stands on granite has plant growth at many places. Ganapathi
shrine on the prakara is damaged in the front and needs to be constructed.
The Six faced Subramanya is a delight to watch. Since the Sage Jamadagni (Father
of Parasurama) worshipped Shiva here, the main deity in the Sanctum is called
Jamadagneeswarar. The Goddess is named as Amrithaambikai. The idol of presiding
deity Lord Jamadagneeswarar is made of stone in Shivalinga form and mounted on
a square peeta.
There
are shrines for Lords Vinayaka, Subramania, Chandikeswara and Goshta Nayakas.
The Vimana of the shrine of Mother Amrithaambikai is of a cone
type. Mother appears wearing an aesthetic crown, hanging earrings called
Badra and Makara, Mangal Sutra around the neck, bangles and anklets and all
jewels. She is holding Akshara Mala in the right upper hand, Neelothpala
flower in the left. Her lower right hand assures all blessings –abhaya
mudra and the left placed on the thigh.
Temple Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Besides
monthly Pradosha pujas, the temple celebrates Shivrathri in February - March.
Prayers
People
pray here for relief from stomach pain and related diseases, for removal of
obstacles in wedding proposals, child boon and relief from adverse planetary
aspects. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.
Connectivity
The
place is situated on the Ariyalur - Sri Puranthan road via V. Kaikatti, near
Nagamangalam, Ambalavar Kattalai. Nearest Railway Station is located at
Ariyalur and Nearest Airport is located Trichy.