Agastheeshwarar Temple, Kiliyanur, Villupuram

{Agastheeshwarar Temple, Kiliyanur, Villupuram

Architecture

This temple is around 1500 years old and was built in the Chola period. “Killi” is the surname of Chola kings and there are historical references to kings from the Chola period like King Nedunkilli and King Killivalavan. It is possible that this place’s name “Kiliyanur” might have been derived from its connection to the Chola dynasty. As per the stone inscriptions in the temple, it can be deduced that this temple was first built using bricks and later reconstructed using granite during King Paranthakan Chola-I’s period.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 08.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 05.30 PM to 07.30 PM.

Festivals

Amongst others, Maha Shivaratri, Annabishekam, Thiruvathirai are some of the main festivals celebrated here.

Prayers

Devotees visit this temple and worship the lord here to seek remedies for obstacles in marriage proposals and to seek the lord’s blessing for good education. It is also believed that worshiping Lord Shiva here will grant the boon of childbirth to childless couples. It is a common belief that drinking the abishekam milk (milk that has been poured on the lingam) at this temple can cure illness, especially stomach ailments. Since Adhiseshan is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here, this temple is considered as a parikara Sthalam for Rahu-Kedu Dosham.

Legend / Local stories

Sage Kalava Maharishi visit to this place:

It is said that Sage Kalava Maharishi came to this place and stayed here for a long time with his two daughters who were suffering from some critical illness. They prayed to Lord Shiva here. Impressed by their devotion, Lord Shiva blessed the Sage’s daughters and cured them of their ailments.

Agastheeshwarar:

It is said that the lingam (Moolavar) was installed and worshiped by Sage Agasthiyar, so the lord is named Agastheeshwarar.

Nandhi Devar is worshiping Ambal during Maha Shiva Rathri:

It is also said that Nandi Devar (the bull which serves as the mount of Lord Shiva), who is in front of Goddess Akilandeswari is performing poojas and worshiping her on Maha Shivaratri days. Some inscriptions about this are also available in this temple.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Moolavar was installed by Agasthiyar and worshiped by Sukar, Aadhishesahan, Kalava Maharishi.

Sukha Brahmma Maharishi worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is also believed that the parrot-faced Sage Sukhabrahmma Maharishi visited and worshipped Lord Shiva here to seek relief from his stomach ailments. As Rishi is parrot (Kili) faced, the village is named as Kiliyanur after his name.

Adhiseshan worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Adhiseshan (the serpent on whom Sri Mahavishnu rests) is also believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Therefore, this temple is Rahu Kethu Parihara Sthalam.

Connection to early Cholas:

The name Kili refers to Chola Kings like Nedunkilli and Killivalavan. Therefore, it is considered to be connected to Cholas.

Photo Gallery

How to Reach:

The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Irumbai, 19 Kms from Tindivanam, 19 Kms from Mailam, 25 Kms from Puducherry, 48 Kms from Villupuram and 150 Kms from Chennai. The village Kiliyanur is situated on the Thindivanam to Pondicherry bus route. This temple can be reached either from Thindivanam or Puducherry. The place is located at about 2 Kms from the highway 66 (Thindivanam to Puducherry passing via Kiliyanur). There are no direct buses to the temple. Auto facility is available from a nearby place called Tiruchitrambalam Koot road which can be reached by bus from Thindivanam. Nearest Railway Stations are located at Thindivanam and Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Chennai.

Contact Details

Agastheeshwarar Temple,
Thiru Kiliyanur, Thindivanam Taluk,
Villupuram District – 604001
Phone: +91 9976440754