Athulyanathar Temple, TiruArayaninallur

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Location of the temple	TiruAraiyaninallur (Now known as Arakandanallur)
Deity known as	Athulya Nathar, Oppillaadha Eswarar, Oppillaadha Nayanaar
Female deity known as	Azhagiya Ponnammai, Soundarya Kanakaambikai
Pathigam	Sambandar - 1
How to reach	This sivasthalam temple is located near Tirukkovilur. Arakandanallur, located on the north bank of Pennar river, can be reached from Tirukkovilur by crossing the Pennar river. Frequent bus services from Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai are available to reach Tirukkovilur.
Temple address	Arulmighu Oppillaadha Eswarar Temple Arakandanallur Arakandanallur Post Tirukkovilur Taluk Villupuram District PIN 605752

Route Map from Tirukovilur to Arakandanallur
May courtesy by: Google Maps

Temple Layout - The Rajagopuram, the main tower of this temple, is constructed on a large rock and consists of seven tiers. Upon entering the gateway of the primary tower, one can find Valampuri Vinayakar in the corridor. This Vinayakar is also the 'Sthala' Vinayakar, associated with this temple. Adjacent to the Valampuri Vinayaka is Viswanatha Lingam. There is a moat-like structure surrounding the sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity, Athulyanathar. Within the corridor, surrounding the sanctum sanctorum, there are shrines dedicated to Navagraha, Bhairava, a stone-carved Narayana, Narthana Ganapathy, and Mahavishnu in a standing posture holding his Sudharshan Chakra. The idols of Saptha Mathas, carved out of stone, are aligned in a row. The presiding deity, Athulyanatheswarar, faces west. Additionally, there is a Nataraja sabha within the sanctum sanctorum. In the outer corridor, surrounding the sanctum sanctorum, there is a shrine for Annamalaiyar.

In a separate temple, Devi Sri Soundra Kanakambika appears in a standing form with four hands, facing south. Lord Muruga in this temple is depicted with one face and six hands, holding weapons, accompanied by his consorts Valli and Deivayanai, facing north.

Outside the temple, between the rocks, there is a tank (water body) named after Bheema from the Mahabharata. According to historical accounts, Bheema created this water body for Panchali to bathe in. At the base of the Rajagopuram, there are five cavernous structures, which are believed to have been used by the Pancha Pandavas during their exile. Currently, these structures are empty. It is also believed that after their coronation at the end of the 18-day Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas visited this temple again to worship Athulyanathar and Sri Soundra Kankambika. Just as they regained their lost kingdom and possessions through the grace of Athulyanathar, It is believed that, those who worship at this temple will also have their lost positions and belongings restored, by the grace of Athulyanathar and Sri Soundra Kankambika.

Thirugnana Sambandar composed a hymn or pathikam for this place, which is mentioned in the third Trimurai. In his Pathikam, Sambandar describes Athulyanathar as the one who will alleviate our predicaments, remove the sins of those who remember Him with love, and grant them access to Shivaloka.