The navagraha temples in Tamilnadu is spread between Chidambaram and Tanjore You have to travel to each of these temples little inside and you will miss the mid-day as the temples will be closed. You can start going early morning to reach at 6.30 a.m. and break for couple of hours somewhere and proceed to other temples between 4 to 8.00pm. This way even if you go by your vehicle it will take a minimum of 2 to 3 days and in one day it is not at all possible. The details of temples are given below -
Suriyan (Sun) – Wheat – Suryanar Koil
Chandiran (Moon) - Paddy – Thingalur
Chevvai (Mars) - Tuvarai (Toor) - Vaithiswarankoil
Bhudhan (Mercury) - Greengram (Moong) - Tiruvenkadu
Guru (Jupiter) - Chana (Kadalai) - Alankudi
Sukiran (Venus) - White Rajma or Avari kai - Kanjanur
Sani(Saturn) - Black Sesame (Til) - Tirunallar
Rahu – Black gram (Ulundu or Urad) - Thirunageswarm
Kethu – Horse gram (Kollu) - Keezhaperumpallam
The word 'Guru' is of Sanskrit in origin: 'Gu' means 'darkness' and 'Ru' means 'dispeller' thus arriving at the meaning as the dispeller of darkness. Lord Guru is one of the important Planets in Jyotish Shastra and gives the people financial gains, family unity, marriage opportunities and children. In a person’s birth chart i.e. Jathagam or Kundli, if Lord Guru is placed in an excellent positions they will lead a very peaceful and prosperous life, if not they would suffer all along their life.
Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar temple at Alangudi is famous as a Parihara Sthalam for Lord Guru Bagawan or Lord Dakshinamurthy, one of the "Navagrahas" and is referred to the planet Jupiter as per Jyotish Shastra. Kasi Aranyam, Thiru Erumpoolai, Jananatha Saruppedimangalam and Alangudi are the names by which this holy place is known.
The great Divine poet, Thirugnana Sambandar has described this temple as beautiful place filled with beautiful flowers. Alangudi is also known as 'Thirumana Mangalam' as Goddess Parvati after a sincere penance sought the hand of the Lord Shiva in marriage in Alangudi.
Another significance of the temple is attributed to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as 'Kalangaamal kaatha Vinayagar' (the Lord who was steadfast in saving the devotees) for having killed the vicious 'Gajamuhasura' who was a great threat to the Devas. Lord Shiva is fondly hailed as 'Aaabathsagayeswara', meaning 'saviour' for having consumed the poison (Aalakala Visham) and the place came to be known as 'Alangudi'.
The temple was built by Amuthohar, Minister of the King Musukundachakravarthy who ruled Thiruvarur. The Minister was asked to share with the King the Punniya he earned by being a Lord Shiva’s devotee. He refused to do so and was beheaded. The King got rid of the "dosha" he thus got by worshipping Abath Sahayeswara Swamy at Alangudi.
The name of the Goddess Parvathy in this temple is Yelavarkuzhali. The temple has separate shrine for goddess Sri Yelavarkuzhali.There are small separate shrines for Lord Bhrameesar, Gurumoksheswarar, Kasi Viswanathar and Kasi Visalakshi, Saptarishi nathar, Somanathar, Someswarar, Surya, and Vishnunathar in this temple.
Devotees can have dharshan of Lord Guru or Lord Dhakshina Moorthy, located at the southern circumambulatory path (prakaram) of the Sanctum Santorum of Sri Abath Sahayeswarar. Lord Guru, the divine teacher for the Devas, is held in high esteem in the temple. Lord Guru Bagawan is mounted on his vehicle, the Elephant. His consorts are Goddess Thara and Goddess Sangini. His gemstone is yellow sapphire; metal gold; flower mullai; grain channa dhal; color of the robe yellow.
He is found seated under the canopy of stony banyan tree (“kal-alamaram”). Lord Dakshinamurthy is regarded as destroyer of ignorance. The Lord demonstrates this by resting His right leg on an Asura called “Muyalagan” (the monster is a symbol of ignorance).
He also enlightens His devotees with Gnana Mudra and symbolically preaching wisdom, yoga and music to His disciples called the “Sanakathi sages”. They are seated at the Lord's feet and performing penance. The “Abhaya Mudra” shows Lord's grace over His devotees. The snake (being used as rosary) held at the hand indicates the Tantric knowledge. The fire at the other hand used to illuminate world and to drive away darkness.
There are about 15 Theerthams (water bodies) in and around the temple. Alangudi is surrounded by three holy rivers. They are Cauvery, Kollidam and Vennaru. Among the three Theerthams the Amrita Pushkarani encircling the temple is very famous. Chakra Theertham is in front of the temple. It is said that this Theertham, was created by Maha Vishnu’s Chakra (Disc).
Dark Colored Poolai (Botanical Name: Aerva lanata - Amaranthaceae)a Shrub is the Sthala Viruksham( the tree associated with the temple ). The Lord and the Goddess of this temple have been worshiped by Lord Brahma, Goddess Lakshmi, Garudan, Veerabhadrar and Sundarar on various occasions as per the Sthala Puranam of this temple.
Sage Sukha, Rishi Viswamithra, Sage Agastya, Adisankara and several other saints and sages have worshipped at this shrine. This temple is the Parivara Sthalam for Madhyarjuna Mahalinga Peruman. This is the fourth amongst the Panchavarunya Sthalams. The five temples which collectively make the Pancha Aranya Sthalams are Thirukkarugavur, Alangudi, Avalivanallur, Haridwaramangalam and Thirukollambudhoor.
It is one among the 274 "Padal Petra Sthalams" in Chola Nadu. Appar, Sundarar and Thirugnana Sambandar, the three important Nayanmars have sung in praise of the Lord Shiva of Alangudi. Thirugnana Sambandar has sung many great hymns in praise of the Lord here and is the 98th temple among the 127 temples located on the southern bank of Cauvery.
A special feature is that Lord Guru or Brihaspati (or Brahmanaspati) is engraved on the wall and is not in the form of separate idol, reunited with Shiva. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya and Sage Agastya had worshipped Lord Guru at Tiruvirumpoolai Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Alangudi.
According to Vedic Hindu astrology Lord Guru (Jupiter) is also called as Brihaspathi and Devaguru. Guru is considered as the most benefic planet. Guru rules the moon signs “Dhanusu rasi” (Sagittarius) and “Meena rasi”(Pisces). He is exalted or powerful at “Kataka rasi” (Cancer) and debilitated or powerless at “Makara Rasi” (Capricorn). Guru is the lord of fortune. Guru is the watery (kapa) planet. He rules the north east direction.
The persons whose Birth star sign is Punarvasu Nakshatra , Visakam and Poorattathy which all are Lord Guru”s Stars should visit Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar temple - Alangudi in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or at least once in an year.
Every person should consult a good astrologer with their birth chart or Janma kundli to know about the position of Lord Guru as per astrology. If Lord Guru or planet Jupiter is placed in a good place in the Jathagam, He blesses them with good financial flow, healthy physique, affectionate wife and children, excellent education and prosperous carrier.
On the other hand if the placement of Lord Guru is not good in the Jathagam as per Jyotish Shastra, He may delay the person getting good education, finding a perfect fiancé, selecting a good carrier and lead a peaceful less life with lot of financial up and downs.
Often youngsters are affected due to the bad placements of Lord Guru in the course of education and later for getting married. This is because Lord Guru is the major influencing planet in a person’s prosperous life. He is the main contributor of favorable aspects as per astrology.
Alangudi is the most popular 'Parihara Sthalam' (Temple for remedies) for getting the blessings of Guru Bhagavan for malefic effects of the planet Guru or Jupiter and other Jupiter related issues in one's horoscope. Worshipping Guru and Lord Siva at this temple can cure one from physical illness and yield children, good education, courage and longevity of life.
The worship of Dakshinamurthy in this shrine would confer longevity, progeny, fame and wealth on the worshipper. As per Jyotish Shastra, Lord Guru’s aspect is very important as it clears all the malefic effects of all other planets. Thursday is auspicious for Lord Guru.
Devotees should stay in the temple or premises for one day or at least one Lagnam i.e. two and half hours to gain the blessings of Lord Guru. It is better to visit this Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatras of the Lord Guru i.e. visit the temple on Punarvasu Nakshatra , Visakam and Poorattathy.
Students in order to excel in education can offer konda kadalai to Lord Guru. It is preferable to make on your own instead of buying from a shop. The pea must be soaked in water at least for 5 hours and then with a needle and thread add one by one as a garland chanting “Omh! Sri Guruvey Namaha!” One hundred and eight peas can be preferable.
New Moon Day (Ammavasai), Full Moon Day (Pournami), Days falling on stars like Punarpoosam, Visagam and Pooratathi and at the time of Guru Horai is very auspicious for Sri Guru Bagawan. Offering prayers on these days are more special.
The simple way of worshipping in this temple is to light 24 lamps with ghee and circumambulate the temple 24 times. Donating yellow colored Clothes (Dhotis or towels of yellow color) and chick peas (Channa dhal) is believed to bring happiness to his devotees. One of the main remedial ritual is to light 24 clay lamps to the Guru here and one clay lamp to Lord Ganesha to get rid of the afflictions of the debilitated Guru in your Birth Chart.
Simple Procedure inside the temple to be followed:
•First Lord Vinayaka is to be worshipped as a prelude to any deity’s worship, in the small shrine in the entrance of the temple.
•Pray Lord Dwaja Ganapathy, whose small idol is in the Dhwajasthanbam (the flag mast).
•Go near the Karuvarai (Sanctum Sanctorum) and do prayers and Archana to Lord Shiva called as Lord Abathsagayeswarar in this temple (the main deity).
•After the Archana make a round clockwise and come to Lord Dhakshina Moorthy’s shrine on the South prakaram. Offer yellow colored clothes like Dhotis and towels, garlands with “Mullai” Flower with other Archana items like coconut, agarbathi and camphor to the preist and pray to Lord Guru Dakshinamurthy.
•Then make a further clockwise rotation and pray other Gods and the deities Somaskanda, Karthikeya, Mahalakshmi, Durga, Chandikeshwara, Navagrahas and Festival Idol Lord Gurumurthy, who are in the prakaras.
•Then, Lord Sani and Goddess Elavarkuzhali Ammai (Consort of the Main Deity) have to be worshipped.
•Finally, prostration before the flag – mast facing your head towards North side is to be done, with our body touching the ground.
•Devotees can make Pradhakshinams (going around the Karuvarai) for 11 times around the Karuvarai chanting the Moola Mantras of Lord Guru.
They used the snake called “Vasuki” as the rope and the Mount called “Mantara malai” as the mast or spindle. Lord Vishnu took His Avatar in the form of tortoise “Koorma Avatar” and mounted himself as the bearing at the bottom most. As the Devas were not able to rotate the mast they joined with the Asuras as partners.
The churning stared vigorously for days and days. Because of heavy pressure the snake could not tolerate the pain and stared to emit its poison. The poison started to get accumulated all over the surface and everybody fainted.
Lord Shiva came to the rescue and swallowed the poison himself. The poison is called as “Ala Kala Visham”. The temple at Lord Guru Alangudi Navagraha Temple is the place this incident happened thus giving rise to the name Alangudi to this Sthalam and the Lord was known as "Aabathsagayeshwarar" (One who defends from the danger).
Collecting “Ala Kala Visham” the poison: Sundarar was born as Nambi Arurar to Sadaiyanar and Isaignani in Thirunavalur village. The ruler of the local kingdom (Thirumunaipadi-Nadu), Narasingamunaiarayar, adopted him and brought up as his own son.
Sundarar was widely known as "Halala Sundarar". Asuras and Dhevas wanted to have the holy “Amritam” the nectar that would make one live long avoiding death. The Amrita was in the milky ocean and required churning the huge ocean to get out the nectar.
They came together to collectively churn the big ocean. They churned the milk ocean with Mandhara Mountain as the stem and serpent Vasuki as the rope. In the process, due to the pain serpent Vasuki emitted the poison Ala Kala Visham (meaning destructive). Lord Shiva sent Sundarar to collect the Poison which emerged from the Ocean. Lord Shiva as Boatman:
Once Sundarar was on the way to the Alangudi Apath sakayeswarar temple in quest of seeing the God and worshipping Him with his great Poems. When he was just near the village there was heavy flow of water in the river called “Vettaru”, a branch of river Cauvery, and 3 km away from Alangudi, which was in between to reach this place. Nobody was there in the vicinity and Sundarar prayed for a solution to Lord Shiva.
Lord Siva as a ferryman (boatman) helped Sundaramurthy Swamigal to cross the river Vettaru. The boat capsized hitting a rock, on the way. Lord Siva seated on his Rishaba Vahana helped him reach the sthalam safely.
Sundarar received his Gnana Upadesam after his darshanam of Dakshinamurthy in this Lord Guru Alangudi Navagraha Temple. Thiru Gnanasambandar has sung in praise of the Lord here and is the 98th temple among the 127 temples located on the southern bank of Cauvery. It is one among the 274 "Padal Petra Sthalams" in Chola Dynasty. The Chicken Pox to and idol:
Once upon a time, a Chola Raja who ruled over Thiruvarur was fascinated by the idol of Sundaramurthy Nayanar in the Lord Guru Alangudi Navagraha Temple. He desired to have it installed at Thiruvarur for worship. On learning this, temple priest at Alangudi become panic stricken.
He disguised the idol as a child affected with chicken-pox, hid it inside a swing and brought it back safely to Alangudi. The traces of Chicken-pox can still be seen on this image.
Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar Temple,
Alangudi– 612 801,
Valangaiman Taluk, Thiruvarur Dt.
Phone : 04374 - 269407
Suriyan (Sun) – Wheat – Suryanar Koil
Chandiran (Moon) - Paddy – Thingalur
Chevvai (Mars) - Tuvarai (Toor) - Vaithiswarankoil
Bhudhan (Mercury) - Greengram (Moong) - Tiruvenkadu
Guru (Jupiter) - Chana (Kadalai) - Alankudi
Sukiran (Venus) - White Rajma or Avari kai - Kanjanur
Sani(Saturn) - Black Sesame (Til) - Tirunallar
Rahu – Black gram (Ulundu or Urad) - Thirunageswarm
Kethu – Horse gram (Kollu) - Keezhaperumpallam
The word 'Guru' is of Sanskrit in origin: 'Gu' means 'darkness' and 'Ru' means 'dispeller' thus arriving at the meaning as the dispeller of darkness. Lord Guru is one of the important Planets in Jyotish Shastra and gives the people financial gains, family unity, marriage opportunities and children. In a person’s birth chart i.e. Jathagam or Kundli, if Lord Guru is placed in an excellent positions they will lead a very peaceful and prosperous life, if not they would suffer all along their life.
Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar temple at Alangudi is famous as a Parihara Sthalam for Lord Guru Bagawan or Lord Dakshinamurthy, one of the "Navagrahas" and is referred to the planet Jupiter as per Jyotish Shastra. Kasi Aranyam, Thiru Erumpoolai, Jananatha Saruppedimangalam and Alangudi are the names by which this holy place is known.
The great Divine poet, Thirugnana Sambandar has described this temple as beautiful place filled with beautiful flowers. Alangudi is also known as 'Thirumana Mangalam' as Goddess Parvati after a sincere penance sought the hand of the Lord Shiva in marriage in Alangudi.
Another significance of the temple is attributed to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as 'Kalangaamal kaatha Vinayagar' (the Lord who was steadfast in saving the devotees) for having killed the vicious 'Gajamuhasura' who was a great threat to the Devas. Lord Shiva is fondly hailed as 'Aaabathsagayeswara', meaning 'saviour' for having consumed the poison (Aalakala Visham) and the place came to be known as 'Alangudi'.
The temple was built by Amuthohar, Minister of the King Musukundachakravarthy who ruled Thiruvarur. The Minister was asked to share with the King the Punniya he earned by being a Lord Shiva’s devotee. He refused to do so and was beheaded. The King got rid of the "dosha" he thus got by worshipping Abath Sahayeswara Swamy at Alangudi.
The name of the Goddess Parvathy in this temple is Yelavarkuzhali. The temple has separate shrine for goddess Sri Yelavarkuzhali.There are small separate shrines for Lord Bhrameesar, Gurumoksheswarar, Kasi Viswanathar and Kasi Visalakshi, Saptarishi nathar, Somanathar, Someswarar, Surya, and Vishnunathar in this temple.
Devotees can have dharshan of Lord Guru or Lord Dhakshina Moorthy, located at the southern circumambulatory path (prakaram) of the Sanctum Santorum of Sri Abath Sahayeswarar. Lord Guru, the divine teacher for the Devas, is held in high esteem in the temple. Lord Guru Bagawan is mounted on his vehicle, the Elephant. His consorts are Goddess Thara and Goddess Sangini. His gemstone is yellow sapphire; metal gold; flower mullai; grain channa dhal; color of the robe yellow.
He is found seated under the canopy of stony banyan tree (“kal-alamaram”). Lord Dakshinamurthy is regarded as destroyer of ignorance. The Lord demonstrates this by resting His right leg on an Asura called “Muyalagan” (the monster is a symbol of ignorance).
He also enlightens His devotees with Gnana Mudra and symbolically preaching wisdom, yoga and music to His disciples called the “Sanakathi sages”. They are seated at the Lord's feet and performing penance. The “Abhaya Mudra” shows Lord's grace over His devotees. The snake (being used as rosary) held at the hand indicates the Tantric knowledge. The fire at the other hand used to illuminate world and to drive away darkness.
There are about 15 Theerthams (water bodies) in and around the temple. Alangudi is surrounded by three holy rivers. They are Cauvery, Kollidam and Vennaru. Among the three Theerthams the Amrita Pushkarani encircling the temple is very famous. Chakra Theertham is in front of the temple. It is said that this Theertham, was created by Maha Vishnu’s Chakra (Disc).
Dark Colored Poolai (Botanical Name: Aerva lanata - Amaranthaceae)a Shrub is the Sthala Viruksham( the tree associated with the temple ). The Lord and the Goddess of this temple have been worshiped by Lord Brahma, Goddess Lakshmi, Garudan, Veerabhadrar and Sundarar on various occasions as per the Sthala Puranam of this temple.
Sage Sukha, Rishi Viswamithra, Sage Agastya, Adisankara and several other saints and sages have worshipped at this shrine. This temple is the Parivara Sthalam for Madhyarjuna Mahalinga Peruman. This is the fourth amongst the Panchavarunya Sthalams. The five temples which collectively make the Pancha Aranya Sthalams are Thirukkarugavur, Alangudi, Avalivanallur, Haridwaramangalam and Thirukollambudhoor.
It is one among the 274 "Padal Petra Sthalams" in Chola Nadu. Appar, Sundarar and Thirugnana Sambandar, the three important Nayanmars have sung in praise of the Lord Shiva of Alangudi. Thirugnana Sambandar has sung many great hymns in praise of the Lord here and is the 98th temple among the 127 temples located on the southern bank of Cauvery.
A special feature is that Lord Guru or Brihaspati (or Brahmanaspati) is engraved on the wall and is not in the form of separate idol, reunited with Shiva. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya and Sage Agastya had worshipped Lord Guru at Tiruvirumpoolai Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Alangudi.
According to Vedic Hindu astrology Lord Guru (Jupiter) is also called as Brihaspathi and Devaguru. Guru is considered as the most benefic planet. Guru rules the moon signs “Dhanusu rasi” (Sagittarius) and “Meena rasi”(Pisces). He is exalted or powerful at “Kataka rasi” (Cancer) and debilitated or powerless at “Makara Rasi” (Capricorn). Guru is the lord of fortune. Guru is the watery (kapa) planet. He rules the north east direction.
The persons whose Birth star sign is Punarvasu Nakshatra , Visakam and Poorattathy which all are Lord Guru”s Stars should visit Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar temple - Alangudi in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or at least once in an year.
Every person should consult a good astrologer with their birth chart or Janma kundli to know about the position of Lord Guru as per astrology. If Lord Guru or planet Jupiter is placed in a good place in the Jathagam, He blesses them with good financial flow, healthy physique, affectionate wife and children, excellent education and prosperous carrier.
On the other hand if the placement of Lord Guru is not good in the Jathagam as per Jyotish Shastra, He may delay the person getting good education, finding a perfect fiancé, selecting a good carrier and lead a peaceful less life with lot of financial up and downs.
Often youngsters are affected due to the bad placements of Lord Guru in the course of education and later for getting married. This is because Lord Guru is the major influencing planet in a person’s prosperous life. He is the main contributor of favorable aspects as per astrology.
Alangudi is the most popular 'Parihara Sthalam' (Temple for remedies) for getting the blessings of Guru Bhagavan for malefic effects of the planet Guru or Jupiter and other Jupiter related issues in one's horoscope. Worshipping Guru and Lord Siva at this temple can cure one from physical illness and yield children, good education, courage and longevity of life.
The worship of Dakshinamurthy in this shrine would confer longevity, progeny, fame and wealth on the worshipper. As per Jyotish Shastra, Lord Guru’s aspect is very important as it clears all the malefic effects of all other planets. Thursday is auspicious for Lord Guru.
Devotees should stay in the temple or premises for one day or at least one Lagnam i.e. two and half hours to gain the blessings of Lord Guru. It is better to visit this Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatras of the Lord Guru i.e. visit the temple on Punarvasu Nakshatra , Visakam and Poorattathy.
Students in order to excel in education can offer konda kadalai to Lord Guru. It is preferable to make on your own instead of buying from a shop. The pea must be soaked in water at least for 5 hours and then with a needle and thread add one by one as a garland chanting “Omh! Sri Guruvey Namaha!” One hundred and eight peas can be preferable.
New Moon Day (Ammavasai), Full Moon Day (Pournami), Days falling on stars like Punarpoosam, Visagam and Pooratathi and at the time of Guru Horai is very auspicious for Sri Guru Bagawan. Offering prayers on these days are more special.
The simple way of worshipping in this temple is to light 24 lamps with ghee and circumambulate the temple 24 times. Donating yellow colored Clothes (Dhotis or towels of yellow color) and chick peas (Channa dhal) is believed to bring happiness to his devotees. One of the main remedial ritual is to light 24 clay lamps to the Guru here and one clay lamp to Lord Ganesha to get rid of the afflictions of the debilitated Guru in your Birth Chart.
Simple Procedure inside the temple to be followed:
•First Lord Vinayaka is to be worshipped as a prelude to any deity’s worship, in the small shrine in the entrance of the temple.
•Pray Lord Dwaja Ganapathy, whose small idol is in the Dhwajasthanbam (the flag mast).
•Go near the Karuvarai (Sanctum Sanctorum) and do prayers and Archana to Lord Shiva called as Lord Abathsagayeswarar in this temple (the main deity).
•After the Archana make a round clockwise and come to Lord Dhakshina Moorthy’s shrine on the South prakaram. Offer yellow colored clothes like Dhotis and towels, garlands with “Mullai” Flower with other Archana items like coconut, agarbathi and camphor to the preist and pray to Lord Guru Dakshinamurthy.
•Then make a further clockwise rotation and pray other Gods and the deities Somaskanda, Karthikeya, Mahalakshmi, Durga, Chandikeshwara, Navagrahas and Festival Idol Lord Gurumurthy, who are in the prakaras.
•Then, Lord Sani and Goddess Elavarkuzhali Ammai (Consort of the Main Deity) have to be worshipped.
•Finally, prostration before the flag – mast facing your head towards North side is to be done, with our body touching the ground.
•Devotees can make Pradhakshinams (going around the Karuvarai) for 11 times around the Karuvarai chanting the Moola Mantras of Lord Guru.
Temple History:
Once in a Vedic period all Devas lost their powers due to curse from a saint. They went and prayed the three gods Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. As per their advices they started to churn the Great Milky Ocean called “Thirupparkadal.”They used the snake called “Vasuki” as the rope and the Mount called “Mantara malai” as the mast or spindle. Lord Vishnu took His Avatar in the form of tortoise “Koorma Avatar” and mounted himself as the bearing at the bottom most. As the Devas were not able to rotate the mast they joined with the Asuras as partners.
The churning stared vigorously for days and days. Because of heavy pressure the snake could not tolerate the pain and stared to emit its poison. The poison started to get accumulated all over the surface and everybody fainted.
Lord Shiva came to the rescue and swallowed the poison himself. The poison is called as “Ala Kala Visham”. The temple at Lord Guru Alangudi Navagraha Temple is the place this incident happened thus giving rise to the name Alangudi to this Sthalam and the Lord was known as "Aabathsagayeshwarar" (One who defends from the danger).
Collecting “Ala Kala Visham” the poison: Sundarar was born as Nambi Arurar to Sadaiyanar and Isaignani in Thirunavalur village. The ruler of the local kingdom (Thirumunaipadi-Nadu), Narasingamunaiarayar, adopted him and brought up as his own son.
Sundarar was widely known as "Halala Sundarar". Asuras and Dhevas wanted to have the holy “Amritam” the nectar that would make one live long avoiding death. The Amrita was in the milky ocean and required churning the huge ocean to get out the nectar.
They came together to collectively churn the big ocean. They churned the milk ocean with Mandhara Mountain as the stem and serpent Vasuki as the rope. In the process, due to the pain serpent Vasuki emitted the poison Ala Kala Visham (meaning destructive). Lord Shiva sent Sundarar to collect the Poison which emerged from the Ocean. Lord Shiva as Boatman:
Once Sundarar was on the way to the Alangudi Apath sakayeswarar temple in quest of seeing the God and worshipping Him with his great Poems. When he was just near the village there was heavy flow of water in the river called “Vettaru”, a branch of river Cauvery, and 3 km away from Alangudi, which was in between to reach this place. Nobody was there in the vicinity and Sundarar prayed for a solution to Lord Shiva.
Lord Siva as a ferryman (boatman) helped Sundaramurthy Swamigal to cross the river Vettaru. The boat capsized hitting a rock, on the way. Lord Siva seated on his Rishaba Vahana helped him reach the sthalam safely.
Sundarar received his Gnana Upadesam after his darshanam of Dakshinamurthy in this Lord Guru Alangudi Navagraha Temple. Thiru Gnanasambandar has sung in praise of the Lord here and is the 98th temple among the 127 temples located on the southern bank of Cauvery. It is one among the 274 "Padal Petra Sthalams" in Chola Dynasty. The Chicken Pox to and idol:
Once upon a time, a Chola Raja who ruled over Thiruvarur was fascinated by the idol of Sundaramurthy Nayanar in the Lord Guru Alangudi Navagraha Temple. He desired to have it installed at Thiruvarur for worship. On learning this, temple priest at Alangudi become panic stricken.
He disguised the idol as a child affected with chicken-pox, hid it inside a swing and brought it back safely to Alangudi. The traces of Chicken-pox can still be seen on this image.
Temple Timings:
The temple is open from 6 .00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.Location:
Alangudi is a small town in the Cauvery delta region, situated in the Tiruvarur district of TN, around 17 km south of Kumbakonam, enroute to Mannargudi, and 7 km north of Needamangalam. Kumbakonam is nearest major town to reach Alangudi.Temple Address & Contact Info:
Assistant Commissioner / Executive Officer,Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar Temple,
Alangudi– 612 801,
Valangaiman Taluk, Thiruvarur Dt.
Phone : 04374 - 269407
Excellent information. thank you for sharing
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