Agneeswarar Temple, Thirukattupalli, Thanjavur
Agneeswarar
Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirukattupalli
in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is located on the Southern bank
of the river Kudamurutti. Presiding Deity is called as Agneeswarar /
Theeyaadiyappar and Mother is called as Vaarkonda Mulaiyammai / Soundara Nayaki
/ Azhagammai. The Sanctum is 4 steps below the ground level and the
entrance is too small. It is believed that this was the first temple where
Brahma was installed in a separate shrine.
This Temple is the 126th Devaram Paadal Petra
Shiva Sthalam and 9th Sthalam on the north side of river Cauvery of
Chozha Nadu. There is another place which is also called as Thirukkattupalli.
This is located adjacent to Poompuhar and Thiruvenkadu is known as
Keezhtirukkaattuppalli to distinguish it from Melaittirukkattuppalli.
Keezhtirukkaattuppalli is considered to be the 12th in the series of
Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams on the northern banks of the river Kaveri
in the Chola region of Tamil Nadu.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
This temple is believed to be in existence for nearly
1500 years and all the major kings including Cholas and Pandyas, did extensive
work here. The Temple was renovated by Aditya Chola I. The temple was also
renovated during the rule of Uthama Chola. Uthama Chola was one of the major contributors
and this is revealed from the inscriptions in this temple. The epigraphy
has mention of Sundara Pandian and Konerinmaikondan.
Inscriptions also say that one of the Generals of Rajaraja
Chola I named Krishnan-Raman alias Mummadi-Chola-Brammarayan hailed from the nearby
Village called Palamaneri. Brahmins belonging to a particular sect of Iyers called Brahatcharanam regard themselves as the descendants of
Krishnan-Raman. A fort was constructed next the Shiva Temple during the Thanjavur
Nayaks period which was captured by the
forces of the British East India Company in 1771; it was recaptured by Hyder
Ali in 1781.
Since the name of the place ends in Palli, some of the
scholars opined that this place might have seen a dominant Jain community in
the past. As per Historians, a statue of one of the Thirthankars was
unearthed from this place. The consecration of the temple (Kumbabishekam) was
performed in the year 1983. There is some belief that the subway may
connect Agneeswara Temple to Thanjai Brihadeeswarar Temple.
The
Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple
Opening Time
The temple remains open from 06.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
and 04.00 p.m. to 08.30 p.m.
Festivals
Four worship services are offered each day. Masi Magam
in February-March, Panguni Uthira Peruvizha (Brahmmotsavam) in March-April,
Shivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and
Margazhi Tiruvadhirai are the festivals celebrated in the temple. There is a
peculiar festival celebrated in this temple during the Tamil month of Masi
(Feb-Mar) when the Lord goes to a nearby village of Nagatchi which is around 5
Kms from this temple. That place is believed to be the birth place
of Ambal Soundaranayagi. He stays overnight there and when he
returns to his abode the next day, Kattusadam (food for the travel) is sent
with him to last the journey. This practice is in vogue in Brahmin marriages
even today when the groom’s side departs for their house.
Literary
Mention
This Temple is considered as one of the 276 Thevara
Paadal Petra Sthalams. Thiru Gyana Sambandhar and Thiru Navukarasar sang Hymns
on Lord Siva of this temple. This is the 126th Devaram Paadal Petra
Shiva Sthalam and 9th Sthalam on the north side of river Cauvery of
Chozha Nadu. There is another place which is also called as Thirukkattupalli.
This is located adjacent to Poompuhar and Thiruvenkadu is known as
Keezhtirukkaattuppalli to distinguish it from Melaittirukkattuppalli. Keezhtirukkaattuppalli
is considered to be the 12th in the series of Devaram Paadal Petra
Shiva Sthalams on the northern banks of the river Kaveri in the Chola region of
Tamil Nadu.
Prayers
Devotees pray for removal of obstacles in marriage
talks, excellence in education and prosperity. Devotees perform abishek to the
Lord with Vastras-clothing. They bathe on Sundays in the month of Karthikai
(November-December) in Agni theertha and on Masi Magam (February-March),
Panguni Uthiram (March-April) and Vaikasi Visakam (May-June).
Contact
Agneeswarar Temple,
Tirukattupalli Post – 613 104,
Thanjavur District
Phone: +91 94423 47433
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Thirukattupalli
Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Poondi, 8 Kms from Budalur Railway Station, 9 Kms from Koviladi,
12 Kms from Anbil, 14 Kms from Pullambadi Railway Station, 17 Kms from Kallanai,
19 Kms from Thiruvaiyaru, 19 Kms from Thirukkandiyur, 26 Kms from Thanjavur and
40 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is located to the west
of Thiruvaiyaru to Kallanai route, on the south bank of River Kudamurutti.
This Temple is located very close to Thirukkattupalli Bus Stand. This Temple
can be reached from Trichy, Thanjavur, Thirukkandiyur, Thiruvaiyaru and
Kallanai and buses are available from all these places. The temple is near
Koviladi (Thiruper Nagar Divya Desam). Lots of town buses are available from
Thanjavur. Nearest Railway Station is Budalur, located in the Thanjavur – Trichy
Rail Route. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.
