kn0222, Anniyur Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Nagapattinam
kn0222, Anniyur Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Nagapattinam

Anniyur Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Nagapattinam

Date built:
Deity:Anniyur Abathsahayeswarar
Architectural style:Dravidian architecture
Major festivals
Locale:Nagapattinam
District::Nagapattinam
Address:Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple,Ponnur, Pandur Post – 609 203,
Via Needur, Mayiladuthurai Taluk,Nagapattinam District
Phone+91 4364 250 758, 250 755

Anniyur Abathsahayeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Ponnur in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. The historical name of the place is Tiru Anniyur. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Abathsahayeswarar. His consort is known as Perianayaki. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanars Sambandar and Tirunavukkarasar.

This Shivastalam is located at a distance of 4 km from Mayiladuthurai. Tiruneedur, another Shivastalam is located nearby. There is a temple to Kariyamanicka Perumal in the vicinity of this temple. Kurukkai Veerattam, where Shiva is said to have consumed Manmathan, is also located close by. The sun’s rays illuminate the sanctum for 5 days from the 24th day of the month of Pisces (Panguni) & hence this shrine is referred to as a Bhaskara Stalam. Three worship services are offered each day here.

Architecture

Legend / Local stories

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.

Shiva is said to have appeared before Agni under the lemon tree which is the stala Vriksham here & hence the name Vikucharanyeswarar. The Pandavas are also believed to have visited this shrine. Shiva is also said to have blessed Harichandra here & hence the name Aabatsakayeswarar.

Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthy in the temple. Lord is also praised as Agnipureeswarar. The rays of Sun fall on the Lord for five days in the month of Panguni-March-April. 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. Sun’s rays fall directly on the Shivalingam for 5 days from the 24th day to 28th day of the Tamil month Panguni. 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. The event of Rathi the wife of Manmatha worshipping Lord is observed in Karthikai month (November-December) with special pujas.

Lord Muruga with his consorts graces majestically in a different form wearing Kuzhai a circle shape design ear rings. Sun’s rays fall directly on the Shivalingam for 5 days from the 24th day to 28th day of the Tamil month Panguni. 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. 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.

Temple Opening Time

The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Festivals

Maha Shivrathri in February-March; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Prayers

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. Devotees perform special abishek and pujas to Lord and Mother offering vastras and curd rice nivedhana.

Photo Gallery

How to Reach:

This Temple is located at a distance of 5 Kms from Mayiladuthurai in the north-west direction. Town bus facilities are available from Mayiladuthurai. Buses are available only at specific hours. The temple is very near the bus stop. Nearest Railway Station is located at Mayiladuthurai and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.

Another Paadal Petra Sthalam Needur is located nearby in the east direction. One can reach Tiru Anniyur from Needur also. Tirukkurukkai Veerattam, another Paadal Petra Shivasthalam is also located close by in the north direction from Tiru Anniyur.

Contact Details

Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple,
Ponnur, Pandur Post – 609 203,
Via Needur, Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam District
Phone: +91 4364 250 758, 250 755

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