Agastheeshwarar Temple, Kottayur, Thiruvarur
Agastheeshwarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located at Kottayur in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding
Deity is called as Agastheeshwarar and Mother is called as Dharmambal. Sthala
Vriksham is Poolai and Theertham is Shiva Pushkarani. The place is also called
as Vithanapuram. As oilseeds were supplied from this place. Oilseeds are also
Kottai in Tamil.
Legends
During the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvathi, everyone
from the three worlds assembled at Kailash mount and due to the heavy weight,
north began to sink and the south began to rise. Lord Shiva, to balance
the level of the earth, asked sage Agasthya to go south to set right the
imbalance. The sage sought time to see Lord’s marriage function and then
proceed, Lord Shiva said that any delay in his departure to south would cause
the north to sink in sea, the sage obeyed and left the marriage venue
forthwith. Lord promised Agasthya that he would grant him the wedding
darshan later. The sage journeyed non-stop worshipping the Lord. This
place also was on his route. As the sage worshipped Lord, here he is
praised as Agastheeshwarar.
History
This is one of the 108 temples built by Cholas. Due to
lack of maintenance, the temple was covered with wild bushes. Renovations
were carried out then installing new idols with the permission of HR &
CE. The consecration took place on February 9, 2014.
The
Temple
Lord Agastheeshwarar is a Swayambu Moorthy. Presiding
Deity is called as Agastheeshwarar and Mother is called as Dharmambal. Sthala
Vriksham is Poolai and Theertham is Shiva Pushkarani. Abisheks are offered to
all idols in the temple. The temple in its dilapidated condition was renovated
by Saint Arutchithar Padagacheri Ramalinga Swamigal and restored to its earlier
glory. Theertha Kulam is on the left side of the eastern entrance.
Lord Agastheeshwarar facing east with one Kalasa and
Chelli Amman with one Kalasa in a separate shrine facing south grace the
devotees. Saints Appar and Thirugnana Sambandar are in the Maha Mandapam facing
north. Lord Nardana Vinayaka is facing east in the Mahamandapam. This hall
has the facility to accommodate 100 devotees. Lord Nandhi and the
Balipeeta are at the entrance. Behind the temple on the left side is the
shrine for Lord Kubera Vinayaka and Lord Muruga on the right with one Kalasa
each.
On the south is Lord Dakshinamurthy while Lord
Lingodhbava is on the west. Mother Durga on the north and Lord Chandikeswara in
the south have their shrines. There are 6 Kalasas in the temple. The
temple has a history of above 1000 years, the new temple had its consecration
celebrated in the year 2014 February 9.
Temple
Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and
from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Tamil New Year Day falling almost on 14th April, Fridays
in Aadi month-July-August, Purattasi Navarathri in September-October,
Fortnightly Pradosha Pujas, New moon days, Margazhi Arudra Darshan in
December-January, Masi Magam and Maha Shivarathri February-March, Panguni
Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Those physically and mentally weary, incurring the wrath
of Mothers pray to Lord for recovery of health. Devotees offer
Nivedhanas with milk porridge (Paal Payasam in Tamil) and blackberry on Mondays
and on full moon days. They perform milk abishek to Lord Agastheeshwarar and
Mother Dharmambal during the Chandra Hora time and also offer garlands of
Marikozhundu flowers.
Contact
Agastheeshwarar Temple,
Kottayur post, Valangaiman Taluk,
Thiruvarur – 614 404
Mobile: +91 9626384387
Connectivity
The Temple is located on Thiruvarur to Thanjavur route
via Needamangalam. The temple is 5 km far from Alangudi Guru Bhagwan Temple. Nearest
Railway Station is located at Needamangalam and Nearest Airport is located at
Trichy.