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.