Abayavaradarajar Temple, Alangudi, Thiruvarur
Abayavaradarajar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Vishnu located at Alangudi in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding
Deity is called as Abayavaradarajar and Mother is called as Perundevi Thaayar.
This Temple has been renovated by the Chola Kings in the past and its age is
estimated to be the same as the nearby Padal Petra Sthalam Thirupperuvelur
Abathsahayeswarar Temple.
Legends
Guru, Surya and Chandran are believed to have received
the Darshan of the lord in his wedding grandeur. During the wedding of Lord
Vishnu, Surya and Chandra hesitated to come together lest the world should be
engulfed in darkness. But the lord made them come and lit up the world with his
light. Grateful, the two of them requested the lord to stay here.
The
Temple
This Temple is an old and beautiful temple although the
surroundings are not so pleasant or clean. The entrance is through a built-up
gateway for this spacious temple. There are a lot of trees inside including
Amla and Pavizhamalli. Presiding Deity is called as Abayavaradarajar and is
facing east. The 7 feet tall main deity of the lord is with his Prayoga Chakra
(Chakra ready to use posture for the protection of devotees).
is called as Perundevi Thaayar and is facing east.
Shrines for Kalyana Lakshmi Narasimhar, Garudan, Chakkarathalwar, Anjaneya,
Yoga Narasimhar, Surya and Chandran can be found in the prakaram. Theertham
associated with this Temple is Aayar Theertham. Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) is
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus).
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 36 Kms from Thiruvarur,
22 Kms from Mannargudi, 8 Kms from Needamangalam, 40 Kms from Thanjavur, 18 Kms
from Kumbakonam and 95 Kms from Trichy. It can be reached from Kumbakonam and
Thiruvarur. Bus facilities are available at both ends. Nearest Railway Station
is located at Needamangalam and Kumbakonam. Nearest Airport is located at
Trichy.