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.