Agastheeswarar Temple, Alathur, Chengalpattu

Agastheeswarar Temple, Alathur, Chengalpattu

Agastheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Alathur Village near Thiruporur Town in Thiruporur Taluk in Chengalpattu District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Agastheeswarar and Mother is called as Akhilandeshwari. This temple is believed to be built in 17^th century CE.

Legends

As per legend, Sage Agastya installed Shiva Lingas and worshipped Lord Shiva at several places. This temple is considered one among them. Hence, Lord Shiva of this temple came to be called as Agastheeswarar.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. The temple was once enclosed within a granite compound. The remains of the ancient compound wall can be seen around the temple. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found facing towards the sanctum. The temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. Presiding deity is called as Agastheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam. There are no niche idols located around the sanctum walls.

The vimana over the sanctum follows vesara style of architecture and is of two tiers. Mother is called as Akhilandeshwari. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated on the right side. Shrines of Vinayaga, Bhairavar, Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena and Chandikeswarar can be seen in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam Tree. There is a large temple tank situated in front of the temple.

Festivals

Masi Soora Samharam (Feb-Mar) is the most famous festival celebrated here. It is celebrated on the same day of Soora Samharam celebrations of Thiruporur Kandaswamy Temple. Utsava idol, Muthukumara Swamy of Thiruporur Kandaswamy Temple visit this temple during the Samharam day. Masi Shivarathri (Feb-Mar), Panguni Uthiram (Mar-Apr) and Karthigai Somavaram (Nov-Dec) are the other festivals celebrated here.

Contact

Agastheeswarar Temple,

Alathur – 603 105

Thiruporur Taluk,

Chengalpattu District

Mobile: +91 81240 04808 / 86808 95761 / 94447 99023

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 500 metres from Alathur Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Thiruporur Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Thiruporur, 12 Kms from Mamallapuram, 28 Kms from Chengalpattu, 30 Kms from Chengalpattu Junction Railway Station, 45 Kms from Chennai Airport and 49 Kms from Chennai. The temple is situated on Thiruporur to Mamallapuram (OMR) route. All buses going to Mamallapuram in OMR passes through this village.

Location