Agastheeshwarar Temple, Poonthottam, Thiruvarur
Agastheeshwarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located at Poonthottam in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding
Diety is called as Agastheeshwarar and Mother is called as Dharmasamvardhini. The
temple is in Mayiladuthurai – Thiruvarur main road itself and is considered as
a "Guru Sthalam".
Legends
The Theertham here is said to have been created by
Varuna (one of the Ashtathik Balagas – Kubera, Vayu, Varuna, Nirudhi,
Mrithyu, Agni, Indra, Brahmasthan) and hence the name is Varuna Theertham.
The
Temple
This is a small and old east facing temple with entrance
on the west. Presiding Diety is called as Agastheeshwarar and is facing east.
Mother is called as Dharmasamvardhini and is facing south. Dakshinamurthy is
seen here sitting on top of the 12 Zodiac signs with his hand on the Rishaba
vaahana. He is called as Mandala Rasi Gurubagavan. Hence this temple is considered
as a Guru Sthalam. Shrines for Ganesha, Muruga, Gajalakshmi, Navagraha, Surya,
Chandran, Durga and Dakshinamurthy can be seen in the prakaram. Theertham
associated with this temple is Varuna Theertham. There is an Ayyanar Temple
adjacent to this Temple.
Festivals
Daily during Guru hora, special poojas are done in this
temple. Thursdays are also very special. Local people says that this temple is
equivalent to Alangudi.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Poonthottam
Railway Station and 1 Km from Poonthottam Bus Stop. Poonthottam is located at
about 40 Kms from Nagapattinam, 20 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 21 Kms from Thiruvarur,
40 Kms from Kumbakonam, 8 Kms from Sirupuliyur, 5 Kms from Thirumeyachur, 11
Kms from Thiruveezhimizhalai, 5 Kms from Mudikondan, 14 Kms from Thiruppugalur,
11 Kms from Thirupampuram, 80 Kms from Thanjavur and 134 Kms from Trichy.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Poonthottam and Nearest Airport is
located at Trichy.
