Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Azhakeswarar Temple, Azhagapuram, Ariyalur

Azhakeswarar Temple, Azhagapuram, Ariyalur

Azhakeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Azhagapuram Village near Andimadam in Udayarpalayam Taluk in Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Azhakeswarar and Mother is called as Azhagammai. This Temple is considered as one among the Pancha Bhooda Sthalams located around Andimadam.


Legends

It is believed that Sage Agastya installed and worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple. Sage Agastya constructed five Shiva Temples around Andimadam representing Pancha Bhoodas. This Temple is considered as one among them. The Shiva Temples linked to this Pancha Bootha Sthalams are;

·        Thirukodi Vanatheeswarar Temple, Thirukalappur

·        Mela Agastheeswarar Temple, Andimadam

·        Shiva Lingeswarar Temple, Sivalingapuram

·        Vishwanatha Swamy Temple, Koovathur

·        Azhakeswarar Temple, Azhagapuram

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The Temple is built with laterite stones.  Nandi housed in a Mandapam and Balipeedam can be seen facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Azhakeswarar and is east facing. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

The Vimana over the sanctum is of two tiers. Dakshinamoorthy, Brahma, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Kosha idols located around the sanctum walls. Mother is called as Azhagammai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in the Maha Mandapam. There is s shrine for Lord Vinayaga in the north east corner of the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Azhagapuram Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Andimadam Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Andimadam, 12 Kms from Srimushnam, 16 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam, 21 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 22 Kms from Jayamkondam, 31 Kms from Gangaikonda Cholapuram, 47 Kms from Ariyalur and 148 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Jayamkondan to Virudhachalam Route after Andimadam.

Location