Azhagiya Nathar Temple, Kalappal, Thiruvarur
Azhagiya Nathar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva
located at Kalappal Village near Thirukkalar Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalam in
Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Kalappal is around 5 Kms South West of
Thirukkalar and was called as Kalandhai during Karur Thevar’s times. People
refer it now as Kovil Kalappal. Presiding Deity is called as Azhagiya Nathar / Aadhitheswarar.
Mother is called as Prabha Nayaki / Pannermozhiyaal.
Kootruva Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars was born here
and his image is seen in the Temple. It is believed that Kalapalaar/ Kalapirar
lived here during ancient times. Hence this place is called as Kalappal. Later
it got corrupted to Kalandhai. It is believed that this temple was built by
Aditya Chola son of Vijayalaya Chola founder of Later Chola Dynasty. Hence this
temple is named after him as Aditeechuram.
It is considered as Thiruvisaippa Temple and also
Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as it got mentioned in Sundarar Hymns. Karuvur Thevar
has sung Thiruvisaippa on this temple. Kulasekhara Pandyan Inscriptions in this
temple mentions the Lord as Kalappal Udaiyar / Aadhitheswarar.
The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Thirukkalar,
13 Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi, 40 Kms from Thiruvarur and 115 Kms from Trichy.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruthuraipoondi and Nearest Airport is
located at Trichy.
