Agneeswarar Temple, Chithur, Pudukottai

Agneeswarar Temple, Chithur, Pudukottai

Agneeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Chithur Village in Ponnamaravathi Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu. This temple is under the control of Archaeological survey of India (ASI).

History

The Temple is believed to be built by Gandaraditya Chola. Chithur was called as Chitrayur in ancient times. There is an inscription dated to the fourth regnal year of Gandaraditya Chola can be seen on the northern wall of the shrine. There is another inscription dated to Rajaraja Chola recording a gift of perpetual lamp to the presiding deity can be seen in the walls of the shrine.

The Temple

The temple is facing towards east and stands over a raised platform. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing towards the sanctum in the platform. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and ardha mandapam. The sanctum is octagonal in shape. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Agneeswarar in the form of Shiva Lingam. Loose sculptures of Brahma, Vishnu, Chandikeswara, Durga, Sapta Matrikas and defaced deities can be seen in the temple premises. Ruins of subsidiary shrines can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Peraiyur, 13 Kms from Pudukkottai, 15 Kms from Pudukkottai Railway Station, 15 Kms from Pudukkottai Bus Stand, 22 Kms from Thirumayam, 27 Kms from Ponnamaravathi, 55 Kms from Trichy Airport and 65 Kms from Trichy. The temple is situated on Pudukottai to Ponnamaravathi route via Peraiyur.

Location