Ayyanar / Sastha Worship in Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to the Ayyanar / Sastha sculptures in the temples of Villupuram was a part of Viluppuram Heritage Walk organized by History Trails on 24^th and 25^th July 2021.

Like worshiping Lord Shiva, Maha Vishnu worships Ayyanar worshiping cult that existed from Ancient times ie from the 3^rd Century. “Ayyan” ( Head of the family ) added with “ar” respectable suffix is given and called as Ayyanar. Ayyanar is believed to be the guarding deity and is worshiped as Kula Deivam in many Villages. Usually, Ayyanar will be with his wives Poorna and Pushkala. This Cult of worshiping Ayyanar was absorbed into Jainism and called Brahma Sastha.  The Old Ayyanar Cult in Tamil Nadu, with little modification called Ayyappan worship in Kerala. 

Perangiyur, Sri Chamundeshwari Amman Temple / Sri Samundeeswari Amman Temple / Shri Samundeeshwari Amman Koil at Perangiyur, Villupuram District.

This headless Ayyanar is in the Mukha mandapam of Sri Chamundeshwari Amman Temple at Perangiyur. Ayyanar is in Rajaleelasana sitting posture, keeping the left leg down.  He wears Yagnopaveetha and Uthara Bandham. He is shown with an unidentified object on his right side hip.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Ayyanar Temple, Aviyur, Villupuram District.

This Ayyanar temple is on the left side of the Cuddalore to –Sankarapuram Main road at Aviyur. This Ayyanar is three pieces, buried up to hip level. Ayyanar is in sitting posture in Rajaleelasana (..? ). Ayyanar wears ornaments in the ears, neck, and utharabandaham. A Kattar is shown on the hip. Two devotees are shown on both sides of the Ayyanar of which one devotee is holding a flower tray/basket. A Horse is shown on his right leg. A Horse stone sculpture is in front of this Ayyanar.  The Ayyanar may belong to the Pallava period.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---