Virupakshi Easwarar Temple, Athangudi, Thiruvarur
Virupakshi Easwarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva located at Athangudi village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu.
Presiding Deity is called as Virupakshi Easwarar and Mother is called as Akilandeswari.
Urchavar is Sivakami samedha Chandrasekharar. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa and
Theertham is Siva Kulam. The temple is one among the 108 temples built by Chola
kings. Lord Varadaraja Perumal temple adds more importance to the
place. As a temple for Lord Vishnu – Lord Varadaraja Perumal – also exists
nearby the place has the distinction of being Shiva-Vishnu Sthala.
History
Tiruvarur is considered as the capital of Saivite
religion. The temple is one among the 108 temples built by Chola
kings. The devotees of the place took all the pains by removing the wild
bushes around and renovated the temple with contributions from the
public. They had installed new idols. A devotee Siva Subramanian is
presently maintaining the daily pujas etc. An association called
Shiva-Vishnu Shakti Mandram is managing the affairs. It is noteworthy that
there is a sizable number of Muslims also residing in the place. Those who
had migrated to other places and countries visit the temple during festival
days and offer their prayers.
The
Temple
Presiding Deity is called as Virupakshi Easwarar and
Mother is called as Akilandeswari. Urchavar is Sivakami samedha Chandrasekharar.
Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa and Theertham is Siva Kulam. The Mahamandapam of the
temple is vast and spacious. On the eastern entrance, 300 devotees can
have a convenient darshan of the Lord. 100 women can comfortably sit and
perform Deepa Puja both on the right and left side of the Mandapam.
Presiding deity and Mother are facing east and south
respectively and grace the devotees. Sun is on the left of the eastern
entrance, Lord Ganapathy on the Kanni corner in one Kalasa shrine, Lord Lingodhbava
on the plain ground grace the devotees. Mother Maha Saraswathi, Lord
Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Mother Durga on the north and Chandikeswara
in the south side have their own shrines in the temple.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple is open from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from
4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Fortnightly Pradosha pujas occurring on the 13th day of
new moon or full moon days, new moon days (Amavasya), Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in
December-January, Masi Magam and Maha Shivarathri in February-March, Panguni
Uthiram in March-April and all important Shiva related festivals are celebrated
in the temple.
Prayers
Devotees throng the temple for cure from skin problems. They
also pray for prosperity and removal of obstacles in wedding negotiations and
for child boon. It is believed that any evil element preventing a happy and
peaceful life would disappear when a devotee prays in this temple. Those
realizing their wishes are advised to partake in the Annabishekam to Lord.
People offer their prayer commitment depending on their affordability.
Contact
Virupakshi Easwarar Temple,
Jeeva Street, Athankudi Post,
Needamangalam Taluk,
Thiruvarur – 614 103
Mobile: +91 99760 88737
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Koradacherry,
22 Kms from Thiruvarur, 13 Kms from Engan, 5 Kms from Koothanallur, 15 Kms from
Mannargudi and 100 Kms from Trichy. The Temple lies in Thiruvarur to Mannargudi
Route. The devotee must travel further 4 km south from Koradacherry. The travel
continues further 3 km from Lakshmangudi on the Tiruvarur – Mannargudi Road. Nearest
Railway Station is located at Koradacherry and Nearest Airport is located at
Trichy.