Agastheeswarar Temple, Kiliyanur
Location: Killiyannavur (Now known as Kiliyanur)
Deity known as: Agastheeswarar
Female Deity: Akilandeswari
Pathikam: Tirugyanasambandhar - 1
Gallery - Agastheeswarar Temple
How to Reach
Kiliyanur is located about 18 km from Tindivanam on the Tindivanam–Pondicherry route. The temple is well-connected by road and can be easily reached from the major towns in the region.
Near by temples
| 1 | Tiru-Arasili - 8 kms | |
| 2 | Irumbai Maakalam - 14 kms |
Location Map
Temple Address
Kiliyanur
Tindivanam Taluk
Vizhuppuram District
PIN - 604001
Temple hours
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Evening: 5:30 - 7:00
Contact : Harihara Kurukkal : 99764 40754. Call in advance before visiting.
Temple Legend
This is the 23rd Paadal Petra Shivasthalam in Nadu Naadu, revered by Sage Agasthya. The presiding deity here is known as Agastheeswarar. It is believed that on the sacred night of Mahashivarathri, Nandikeswara himself offers worship to Goddess Akhilandeswari.
According to the Sthala Purana, Sage Sukhabrahma Maharishi worshipped the presiding deity of this temple to seek relief from severe stomach pain. It is also believed that Adisesha, the divine serpent, offered his worship here.
Temple Layout
Historical Significance
The temple, which dates back nearly 1500 years, is believed to have been built by the Chola kings. The names of the early Chola rulers often carried the prefix or suffix “Killi” (as in Nedunkilli, Killivalavan), and it is believed that the name Killiyanur may have originated from this royal lineage.
Temple Complex
This temple does not have a Rajagopuram or a Dwajasthambam in the outer prakaram. However, the presence of two adjacent sannidhis — one for Krodhana Bhairavar and the other for Kaala Bhairavar — in the outer prakaram is quite noteworthy. Sage Agasthya also has a dedicated sannidhi within the temple complex.
Sanctum Sanctorum
Dwarapalakas guard the entrance to the sanctum of the presiding deity, Agastheeswarar. On the walls surrounding the sanctum (goshta), Dakshinamurthy and Goddess Durga are enshrined as Goshta Murtis.
Inner Prakaram
There are sannidhis for Vinayaka, Goddess Gajalakshmi, Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Navagrahas, and the planetary deities Surya and Chandra (the Sun and Moon) situated along the pathway of the inner prakaram. A separate sannidhi is dedicated to Goddess Akhilandeswari, the divine consort.
Sthala Vruksham
The Vanni tree is the Sthala Vruksham (sacred tree) of this temple.
Pathikam
The Pathikam composed by Saint Thirugnana Sambandar in praise of the deity is featured in the Third Thirumurai.
Gallery - More Temple Images
