Agni Theertham, Alwarkurichi, Thirunelveli

Agni Theertham, Alwarkurichi, Thirunelveli

Agni Theertham is located very near to Vanniyappar Temple in Alwarkurichi. This is the orignal place, where the presiding deity of Vanniyappar Temple was installed.

Legends

During Dwapara Yuga, Saptharishis were performing a Yajna to control Agni from destroying people. Agni, the fire God, destroyed that yagna. Due to this, they cursed him to lose his power. In order to escape from the sin, he disguised as a fish hid himself inside the tank opposite to this temple. As all other fish were staying away from him (in the form of fish), the sin could easily identify him, and he lost his power. Later, as per the advice from Sudama Maharishi, he made Shiva Linga and installed in this shrine to ultimately get rid of his sins.

History

Agni Theertham is the original place where Agneeswara (Vanniyappar) had existed. Later, the idol was moved to current place amidst Vanni gorve by Sri Vijayendra Bhupathy Mudaliar and built a temple around it. Hence, he is placed amidst Vanni Grove. He came to be called as Vanneeswara.

Theertham

Agni Theertham is located on the banks of the Patha River. There is a multi-pillared Mandapam around the pond. There is a panel on the wall depicting Sage Agasthya performing pooja to a Shiva Linga. There is a Jeeva Samadhi of a Siddhar in one corner of the Mandapam. Lingam is installed over his Jeeva Samadhi and the Lingam is called as Theerthapaleeswarar. Details about the Siddhar, even his name is unknown. The staff used by the Siddhar is worshipped here with much reverence till date. .

There is a small Murugan Temple, situated next to Agni Theertham. Sculptures of various Siddhars and Arjuna doing penance can be seen on the pillars of this Temple. Presiding Deity is in standing posture and housed in the sanctum. 

Temple Opening Time

The Agni Theertham is open throughout the day. The Balasubramanya Swamy Temple is open from 6.30 to 9.00 am in the morning and 4.00 to 7.30 pm in the evening.

Festivals

10,008 lamps are lit around the Agni Theertham during Makam Star in Maasi Month every year. Also Lamps are lit during full moon days.

Contact

Agni Theertham,

Alwarkurichi, Thirunelveli District

Mobile: +91 97501 52566 / 93606 69929

Connectivity

The Agni Theertham is situated at about 100 meters away from the Vanniyappar Temple. Alwarkurichi is located at about 14 Kms from Ambasamudram, 24 Kms from Tenkasi, 11 Kms from Papanasam, 24 Kms from Veeravanallur, 60 Kms from Thirunelveli, 130 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 200 Kms from Madurai. Buses plying from Thirunelveli to Tenkasi stop at Alwarkurichi. Nearest Railway stations are located at Tenkasi, Veeravanallur and Ambasamudram. Nearest Airport is located at Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.