Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Mela Agastheeswarar Temple, Andimadam, Ariyalur

Mela Agastheeswarar Temple, Andimadam, Ariyalur
Mela Agastheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Andimadam Town in Udayarpalayam Taluk in Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeswarar and Mother is called as Dharmasamvardhini. This Temple is considered as one among the Pancha Bhooda Sthalams located around Andimadam. The Temple is believed to be built during 11th Century by Chola Kings.





Legends
Pancha Bhoodha Sthalams around Andimadam:
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;

Vilandhai:
The place was abounded with Vilwa trees. Hence, the place came to be called as Vilandhai.
Andimadam:
Sage Agastya stayed and ran a Madam here. Hence, the place came to be called as Andimadam.
The Temple
The Temple is facing towards east with five tiered Rajagopuram. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after Rajagopuram facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. Shrines of Vinayaga and Muruga can be found a he entrance of the Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.






Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Dharmasamvardhini. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in Maha Mandapam. There are shrines for Garudazhwar, Srinivasa Perumal, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Vinayaga and Murugan in the temple premises. The Temple Pond is situated in front of the temple.





Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Andimadam Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Srimushnam, 15 Kms from Jayamkondan, 16 Kms from Kaduvetti, 23 Kms from Udayarpalayam, 24 Kms from Gangaikonda Cholapuram, 24 Kms from Virudhachalam, 26 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 50 Kms from Ariyalur and 147 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Andimadam to Kaduvetti Route.