Sri Aabhathsagayeswarar Temple, Thiruanniyur, Ponnur, Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

22. Sri Aabhathsagayeswarar Temple, Thiruanniyur, Ponnur, Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - North of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Aabathsahayeswarar, Sri Virusaaranyeswarar, Sri Agneeswarar, Sri Pandathaveswarar, Sri Ratheswarar
Name of Goddess : Sri Birukandhanayagi, Sri Periyanayagi
Holy water (Theertham) : Agni, Varuna Theerthams.
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Lemon Tree.
Thevaram : Thirunavukarasar - 1 ; Sambandar - 1
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 07:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 05:30 p.m. to 07:00 p.m.

For Complete List of 275 Shiva Temples : Click Here

This is the 22nd sthalam on the northern side of river Cauvery. Saints ThiruganaSambandhar and Appar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Varuna the God of Rain and King Harichandra had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. Planets Sun, Sani Bhagwan and Lord Bhairava are side by side in a shrine. Though Sani Bhagwan, son of Sun is generally considered a malefic planet, He is all good to devotees in the temple. Those facing adverse Sani aspects pray here for relief. Lord Muruga with His consorts graces majestically in a different form wearing Kuzhai a circle shape design ear rings.

History / Legend:

It is believed that Lord Shiva is in the form of Agni in the temple, hence also the name Agnipureeswarar. Those performing rituals for the ancestors pray to Lord Shiva here for Atma Shanti. 5 days during the Panguni month-March-April, the rays of Sun fall on the Lord. The event of Rathi the wife of Manmatha worshipping Lord is observed in Karthikai month (November-December) with special pujas.

Mother Perianayaki is all merciful to devotees from Her shrine. On Aadi Pooram in July-August and Aavani Moola star day, virgins facing delay in marriage, tie bangles to Mother and pray for early auspicious marriage.

There are two Dakshinamurthis side by side. Lord Medha Dakshinamurthy has His shrine. Nandhi is at His feet. People pray for wisdom and excellence in education. Parents admitting their children in schools, perform special pujas to both Dakshinamurthis seeking blessings for good education.

Demon Taraka was harassing the Devas with the boon he obtained from Brahmma. Devas fell at the feet of Lord Shiva for protection. As Lord Shiva was in deep meditation, they could not wake him up. So they engaged cupid-Manmatha the authority to trigger passion in the mind of anyone to shoot the arrow of flowers on Lord. Opening His forehead eye in fury, Lord Shiva reduced Manmatha to ashes. His wife Rathi begged the Lord for her husband. Lord said that she would get him back at an appropriate time. Rathi performed penance on Lord. Manmatha was restored to life and they both jointly worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. Granting darshan to them Lord came in here as a swayambulinga.

Women pray here for longevity of their Sumangali status and from any grievances they may have. For Hindu women, the wealth they aspire for is the wearing of the Mangalsutra the wedding knot, the kumkum tilak, ear rings, bangles and the Metti in their toes till the end of their life. Widowhood is a curse they would not like to incur and endure. They pray to Lord for this prosperity. This is their Sumangali status. For Hindu women, all other wealth is purely secondary.

Location: Located 5 Kms from Mayiladuthurai in the north-west direction. Town bus facilities are available from Mayiladuthurai. Another Paadal Petra Sthalam Needur is located nearby in the east direction. One can reach Tiru Anniyur from Needur also. Tirukurukkai Veerattam, another paadal petra sivathalam, is located close by in the north direction from Tiru Anniyur. Bus from Mayiladuthurai to Manal Medu Passes through this temple.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Arulmighu Aabhathsagayeswarar Temple
Ponnur, Via Needur
Mayiladuthurai Taluk
Nagapattinam District
PIN 609203
Phone: 04364 250758 ; 04364 250755 ; 9786766995.