Alangudi Abathsahayeswarar Temple – A Must Visit Temple For Punarpoosam Nakshathira Starers !!

The temple that is known to be special for the people who are born in Punarpoosam Nakshathira is Sri Elavarkuzhali Sametha Abathsahayeswarar Temple. The temple is located in a place called Alangudi in Valangaiman Taluk, Thiruvarur District. Punarpoosam Nakshathira is also called Punarvasu and the people who are born on this star are said to be more religiously oriented and sincere in their efforts. They normally have a strong mind but they are also prone to frequent illnesses. In order to overcome this, it is strongly advised that they have to visit the Abathsahayeshwarar temple at least once in a year or on their birth star days.

Lord Shiva is in the form of a Suyambu Linga in this temple and he is known by the name Abathsahayeshwarar meaning the one who helps us during the hard times. It is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalam as it has been praised by the Nayanmars (Thirugnanasambandar and Appar) in the Thevaram Hymns. The temple was believed to have been constructed by an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva named Amuthokar. He was the minister of a King Masukuntha Chakravarti.The king once asked the minister to give half of his Punya to Him. When Amuthokar refused to do, the King beheaded him. When he died, the shrine of Lord Shiva reverberated with the sound ‘Amuthokar’.  The king got frightened with this constant echo and he realized his mistake. Then he worshiped Lord Shiva with ardent devotion for getting relieved from all his Doshas of killing a Shiva Devotee.

As per the Sthala Purana, when Devas and Asuras were churning the Paarkadal (Cosmic Ocean) for the Amrutha, a deadly poison (Alakala Vesham) emerged out of the ocean and it enveloped the universe. When the Devas and Asuras approached Lord Shiva, He took the Poison into his throat and swallowed it. Since the Lord saved the Universe from the effect of the Poison, the Lord is known by the name ‘Abathsahayeswarar’. Also, the place is known as Alangudi (Alam – Poison, Kudi – Drink).

Apart from these significances, we do have other significances related to the deities of Lord Ganesha and Lord Dakshinamoorthy. It is said that the Lord Ganesha defeated the Demon Gajamukhasura here and protected the Devas from his atrocities. Hence he is known by the name ‘Kalangamal Katha Vinayakar’. It is also believed that once the Saint Sundarar was caught in the floods while coming to Alangudi and Lord Shiva Himself came to his rescue in a boat. Then Lord Vinayak also protected the boat from sinking and so he is known as ‘Kalangamal Katha Vinayakar’ (Lord who protected from the fear of sinking Boat).

We have an idol of the Saint Sundarar in this temple. The idol is small and it appears a little damaged. Once a Chola King, who ruled over this place was very much fascinated by the idol of Sundaramurthy in this temple. He wished to have it installed at Thiruvarur temple. On knowing this, the priest got panicked and tried to bring it back to Alangudi. To escape from the Kingsmen on the way, the priest wrapped the idol with the clothes and told them that he was carrying a child suffering from Chicken Pox. He somehow brought the idol back to Alangudi safely. When the priest unwrapped the idol, he could see the traces of chicken pox on the idol. (What a Miracle!!) . These traces of chicken pox can still be seen on the Idol of the Saint Sundarar.

This temple is one of the Navagraha Temples that is dedicated to the planet Jupiter (Guru). Lord Dakshinamoorthy, who is considered as the authority of the planet Jupiter is worshiped devotionally here. Hence it’s called a Guru Sthalam. The adverse effect caused by the planetary position of the Guru can be reduced by worshipping the Lord Dakshinamoorthy here. It is strongly believed that the Lord graces His blessings if they light 24 lamps and do 24 rounds of Pradakshina (coming around the temple). It is also considered auspicious to offer Yellow Cloth, Chick Pea (Konda Kadalai) and White Jasmine (Vella Mullai) to the Guru Bhagawan on Thursdays.

This temple in Alangudi is considered as a ‘Panch Aranya Sthalam’ meaning a place covered by 5 forests. Moreover, Alangudi is covered by 3 Holy rivers namely Cauvery, Kollidam, and Vennaru. The temple is surrounded by 15 Theerthams (Holy Water). Among which the Amrita Pushkarani and Chakra Theertham are the famous.

Last but not the Least, another significance of this temple is its structure. The structure reminds of the famous Philosophy ‘Matha Pitha Guru‘. On entering the temple, we will first meet the Goddess (Matha) followed by Lord Shiva (Pitha) and the Lord Dakshinamoorthy (Guru).