Azhagiyanayanaar Temple, Tiru Aamaathur

Azhagiyanathar Temple, Tiru Aamaathur

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Location of the temple	Tiru Aamaathur
Deity known as	Aamatheeswarar, Azhagiyanathar, Abhirameswarar
Female deity known as	Muthaambikai
Pathigam	Sambandar - 2 Thirunavukarasar - 2 Sundarar -1
How to reach	This sivasthalam temple is located 7 Kms north-west of Villupuram on the Villupuram - Tiruvannamalai road. Villupuram is 160 Kms from Chennai.
Temple address	Arulmighu Abhirameswarar Temple Tiru Aamaathur Tiru Aamaathur Post Villupuram Taluk Villupuram District PIN 605402

Route Map from Villupuram to Tiru Aamaathur temple
Map courtesy by: Google Maps

Temple Legend - In ancient times, cows were initially without horns. To protect themselves from potential threats posed by lions, tigers, and other predatory animals, the divine cow Kamadhenu and other cattle sought the intervention of Nandi through prayers. They requested the gift of horns for protection. Nandi acknowledged the validity of their request and advised them to worship the deity Abhirameswarar (God Shiva), who resides as Swayambumurthi in a forest abundant with 'vanni' trees along the river Pampa. Following Nandi's advice, the cows engaged in rigorous penance for several days and were granted horns. The name Aamathur originated from the worship of 'Aa' (Tamil alphabet meaning cow) in this location. According to the Sthala Purana, anyone who praises or listens to praises about this sacred place will receive blessings. The Shiva temple within the premises is renowned for its three aspects - sthalam (site), Murthi (idol), and Theertham (water body).

Sage Bhringi had a unique practice of worshipping only God Shiva and not showing reverence to Parvathi, Shiva's consort. Even when Shiva and Parvathy merged to form the composite deity Ardhanarishvara, the sage transformed himself into a female beetle (Bhringi). Through a hole, he attempted to encircle only Shiva's half, disregarding Parvathy. As a consequence, Parvathy, also known as Uma Devi, cursed him to transform into a Vanni tree. However, the sage sought redemption by worshipping the Goddess, and through her benevolence, he was freed from the curse. Consequently, the Vanni tree became associated as the sacred tree of this location.

Temple Layout - Positioned on opposite sides of the road, the temple of the God and Goddess stand distinctly apart from each other. The God's temple showcases a magnificent 7-tier tower that faces east, surrounded by a well-constructed compound wall. In contrast, the Goddess temple features a tower with 5 tiers, facing west. As we enter the Swamy temple through the Rajagopuram, we are greeted by a grand Statue of Nandhi. The main deity's abode within the temple consists of two praharas. Among those who played a significant role in renovating this temple, Achutharayar stands out as the foremost. Positioned in the northeast corner of the outer prahara, his statue serves as a testament to his contribution. Furthermore, the outer prahara houses shrines dedicated to Siddhi Vinayaka, Shanmuka, and Esanya Lingeswara, which are truly worth visiting.

After completing the circumambulation of the outer prahara, one can access the inner prahara by ascending the steps located near the Siddhi Vinayaka shrine. Positioned right at the landing of the steps is the Nataraja Sabha, facing south. Within the inner prahara, are the shrines for 63 Nayanmars, Kalabhairava, Dakshinamurthy, along with Sages Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumaradhi in the Deva Goshta, saptha Madhas, and Vinayaka engaged in Shiva Puja. The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by a trench, while the colorful sculpted Dwarapalakas stand on either side. The deity worshipped in this sacred place is also known as Abhirameswarar or Azhagiyanathar, believed to be self-manifested. The Swayambu Linga bears the imprints of the cow's hooves, which are curved like the crescent moon, symbolizing the reverence offered by these sacred animals. This leaves a subtle leftward inclination on the Linga. In the second prahara, there are dedicated shrines for Rama, Muruga, and Goddess Lakshmi. The presiding deity, Abhiramesar, acquired this name because Rama himself worshipped at this sacred place. Within the temple premises, there is a theertham or water body created by Sage Matanga. It is believed that even just sprinkling the water from this theertham can bestow divine virtue (punniya).

Upon entering the gateway of the temple dedicated to the Goddess, which is conveniently situated across the road, visitors will immediately be drawn to the prominent flag post, balipeeta, and lion. While the outer prahara does not house any shrines, the inner gateway is adorned with striking figures of Dvarapalakis, crafted from vibrant colored stucco. Facing west and emanating blessings upon the devotees is Devi Muthambikai, renowned for her ability to bestow boons. Adjacent to the entrance of the Ambal shrine, one will find the sanctum sanctorum of Vattaparai Amman, which currently houses a sacred Shivalinga.

Located on the southern side of the circumambulating path encircling the sanctum sanctorum of Devi Muthambikai, lies a circular rock known as Vatta paarai, accompanied by a Linga. According to legend, this rock holds great significance as it was the site where Ram and Sugriv made a solemn agreement, with Hanuman as their witness, before slaying Vali. In the village, it is customary for individuals to resolve their disputes by taking an oath upon this sacred circular rock. Regarded as a shrine, it is believed that those who dare to deceive or lie before it will endure irreversible suffering.

There is a history related to the Circular rock shrine.

Circular Rock - The Circular rock shrine holds a significant historical background. It revolves around a tale of betrayal and justice-seeking between two brothers. The younger brother, upon discovering that his elder brother had deceitfully taken his property, confronted him and demanded its return. However, the elder brother stubbornly refused to comply. In order to seek justice, the younger brother turned to a panchayat for resolution.

The panchayat, acting as a governing body, instructed the elder brother to take an oath within the sacred sanctum of the Circular rock shrine, known as Vattaparai Ambal. Crafty and determined to deceive, the elder brother devised a cunning plan. He gathered the value of his younger brother's assets in gold and concealed it within the decorative knob of his walking cane. Carrying the cane, he presented himself before the panchayat and his brother. He then handed over the cane to the younger brother and solemnly declared with both hands that he possessed none of his sibling's property. Instead, he claimed that it was in the possession of the younger brother.

Unaware of the elder brother's deceit, the assembled villagers and panchayat had no choice but to dismiss the younger brother's claims. The elder brother, triumphant in his deception, reclaimed the cane from his younger brother and embarked on a journey of approximately 9 kilometers to the Thumbur Nagamman temple. Upon reaching the temple, he proudly boasted about how the divine power of the Goddess had no effect on him.

According to historical accounts, it was at this precise moment that a venomous black snake emerged and fatally bit the elder brother. On the location, a statue of a snake now stands as a testament to the incident. Additionally, an impression of a serpent's tail can still be observed on the chest of Devi Muthambigai, serving as tangible evidence of the occurrence. Devotees seeking confirmation of this can seek the guidance of the Sivachariya.

There are 5 pathikams (by Tirugyanasambandar - 2, by Tirunavukkarasar - 2, by sundarar - 1 )sung in praise of the presiding deity Abhirameshwara. Irattai pulavargal (Twin brothers) too have sung a 'kalambakam' (a form of poetry) praising the presiding deity.