The visit to this Sri Agastheeswarar Temple at Arungulam near Tiruttani was a part of
Gajaprishta Vimana Temples Visit- Part 4, on 28th May 2023. Didn’t
know this Shiva temple, during my previous Visit to the Jain temple in the same
Village.
Moolavar :
Sri Agastheeswarar
Consort :
Sri Kamkshi Amman
Some of the salient features of this temple are….
The temple faces east with an entrance gate on
the south side. A Mandapam is in front of the outside entrance to the ardha mandapam. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam base, and Rishabam
are on the east side of the temple. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the sanctum
sanctorum. Dakshinamurthy and Durgai are in the Koshtam. A Siddhar / Agasthiyar
with a Rishabam, Chandikeswarar and Chandran are in the paraharam. Ambal
Kamakshi is in a separate sannidhi facing south in the ardha mandapam.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala,
ardha mandapam, and a Mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is of Gajaprishta
style without the usual adhistanam. From Base to prastaram the sanctum was built
with stone. An ekatala brick Gajaprishta vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum.
The stupi was also constructed with stucco, which is partially damaged.
There is a huge crack observed on the Vimanam and
trees are grown. A Chozha period Dwarapalaka panel is kept slanting position
near Dakshinamurthy koshtam.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
It is believed that the original temple may have been constructed during the Pallava period and the same was reconstructed during the Chozha period. The mukha mandapam was
built during Vijayanagara period. Only the Chandikeswarar and Chandran are proof, that this temple belongs to the Chozha period.
Chandikeswara
Chandra
LEGENDS
During the celestial
wedding of Shiva and Parvati, all the Devas, Rishis, and Munis assembled at
Mount Kailash to witness the marriage. Due to this the earth, the South side rose up and the North side went down. Shiva asked Agasthiyar to go to the South to balance
it. On the way to Podhigai, Agasthiyar installed and worshipped Shiva Lingas at
many places. It is believed that the moolavar of this temple was also installed
and worshiped by Agasthyar. hence Moolavar is called as Agastheeswarar.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas special poojas are
conducted on pradosham, Chathurti, Kiruthigai, Amavasya, Pournami, Arudra
Darshan, etc. During Arudra darshan days, Manickavasagar and Sri Natarajar with
Ambal are taken in procession.
PC: Website
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept open during morning pooja
hours and the time is unpredictable.
HOW TO REACH
Arungulam is about 13 KM from Tiruttani, ( Mini
buses are available ), 22.7 KM from Arakkonam,
23 KM from Thiruvalangadu, and 81.00 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway station is Tiruttani
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Durgai & Chandran
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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