Apatsahayesvarar temple in Alangudi is one the most famous Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Apatsahayesvarar and his wife Parvati as Elavarkuzhali. The presiding deity was admired in the 7th century by the Tamil poet Nayanmars. They wrote about Shiva in their work Tevaram.
As per this canonical work, the temple is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. This temple is devoted to Brihaspati or Guru (Jupiter) the second largest in the solar system and Lord Shiva is personified as Lord Guru so this place is known as the Guru sthalam.
Sri Kalangamar Katha Vinayagar (Ganapati), Lord Subramanyam (Murugan) with his wife and Goddess Lakshmi are the other Deities seen in this temple. Apart from the three rivers the temple is surrounded by 15 theerthams, Amrita Pushkarni being one of the famous theertham and Chakra theertham which was created by the Vishnu Chakra is in the front of the temple.
The temple is situated in the Cauvery belt, in a Village of Alangudi, Valangaiman taluk of Tiruvarur district in Tamil Nadu. The village is surrounded by three holy rivers Cauvey, Kolidam and Vennaru.
Guru (Jupiter) is called ‘Zeus’ in Greek and Ammon by the people of Egypt.
The Apatsahayesvarar temple is one of the temples in which one of the Sapta Vigraha Moorthis are located. The Sapta Vigraha Moorthis are the seven consorts of Lord Shiva. They are present in the form of Dakshinamoorthy in the temple.
This temple is one of the most visited Navagraha temple because it is known to eradicate all hurdles as Lord Shiva takes all the problems of the devotees upon himself. People visit this temple to offer their prayers for prosperity, knowledge, achievement in business, career, child boon and for a happy married life. It is believed that Guru was the advisor of all Gods. It is considered very auspicious to offer prayers on Thursday.
Morning hours 6:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Evening hours 4:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
There are 6 daily rituals that happen in the temple
Kaala Shanti Puja 8:00 A M. to 8:30 A.M.
Uchikalam Puja 12:30 P.M. to 1.00 P.M.
Saayaratchi Puja 5.00 P.M. to 6.00 P.M.
Arthasaamam Puja 8.30 P.M to 9.00 P.M.
Guru abhishekam happens daily in the morning 6:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M.
This temple was initially built by Chola’s, but in the 16th century Nayak restructured the temple and that is what we see today. Deity of Guru is also known as Dakshinamurthy who guided the Devas during the effects of the poison that came from the churning of the sea. Rebirth of Parvati happened on the banks of Amrita Pushkarini and later Shiva Parvati were reunified.
The temple has a grand 5 tier rajagopuram which is surrounded by 2 Parkarams. It is constructed in the Dravidian style and one of the special thing about its structure is that the Deity is placed in order of Mata – Pita – Guru (Parvati, Shiva and Guru). It has many shrines with that of Apatsahyesvarar and his consort Elavarkuzhali, being the main shrine.
By Air:
Trichy airport is at 98 km
By Rail:
Kumbakonam railway station at 16 km and Needamangalam at 7 km
By Road:
There are frequent bus facility available from Kumbakonam bus terminals which is at 18 km
Hotel Green Park – Kumbakonam
Qulity Inn VIHA – Kumbakonam
Lee Grden – Kumbakonam
There are many more places to stay in and around the temple.
There are many festivals celebrated in this temple on monthly basis like
Amavasi (new moon day)
Poornami (full moon day)
Vinayaka chaturthi
Navaratri
Brahmotsavam is one of the main festivals of this temple. The procession of Deity is taken out to the village in the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-June).
Another festival celebrated here is Guru Peyarchi, which means the transit of Guru from one zodiac to another.
This is one of the most visited temples of South India. Being a Guru Sthalam, People with Guru in the unfavorable position in their horoscope can offer prayers, white lotus and cloth to the Deity can get benefits in many aspects of life. Prayers are also done for good health, wealth and wisdom. Lord saves the devotees from all the tough times of life. Lighting of 24 ghee diyas and 24 pradakshina around Lord Shiva is very auspicious.
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