Abathsahayanathar temple, ThenKurangaduthurai
Location: Thenkurangaduthurai (known as Aduthurai)
Deity known as: Abathsahayanathar
Female Deity: Pavalakkodiammai
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1, Tirunavukarasar - 1
Gallery - ThenKurangaduthurai
How to Reach
This shiva temple is situated at Aduthurai on the Kumbakonam–Mayiladuthurai road, approximately 13 km from Kumbakonam and about 20 km from Mayiladuthurai.
Temple Address
Thenkurangaduthurai (Aduthurai)
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur district
Tamil Nadu
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Near by temples
| 1 | Tiru-Vidaimarudur - 4 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Neelakudi - 4 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Vaikal Maadakoil - 9 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Nallam - 12.4 kms | |
| 5 | Tiru-Kozhambam - 6.6 kms | |
| 6 | Tiruvavaduthurai - 8 kms |
Temple Significance
The temple known as Then-Kurangaduthurai, or South-Kurangaduthurai, derives its distinctive name from a confluence of geographical positioning and historical association. Specifically, its location to the south of the sacred River Cauvery contributes to the 'Then' (south) prefix, while its appellation is further rooted in the Puranic tradition, referencing the worship of the presiding deity by Sugreeva, a prominent figure in the epic Ramayana.
Historical Background
Beyond its etymology, the temple holds significant architectural and historical value, having been rebuilt in granite by the esteemed Chola queen Sembian Mahadevi, a patron renowned for her extensive temple renovations during the imperial Chola period.
Temple Architecture
Architecturally, the complex presents an east-facing entrance, a common orientation in Hindu temple design, which leads into an expansive layout encompassing two distinct prakarams, facilitating ritual circumambulation for devotees.
Temple Layout
Outer Prakaram
Upon entering through the gateway, you will first encounter the Kodimara Vinayaka, the Bali Peetam, and Nandi housed within a small mandapa. Walking clockwise through the wide outer prakaram and moving further inside, the Mani Mandapa comes into view. On the southern wall of this mandapa, you can see stone inscriptions featuring the sacred Thevaram hymns and Thiruppugazh verses associated with this temple.
The outer prakaram houses several sannidhis, including those dedicated to Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Vinayaka, Surya, Chandra, the Navagrahas, and Muruga. The shrine of Goddess Pavalakodi Ammai is also situated in this outer enclosure, near the second gateway, and faces south.
Second Gateway
Proceeding further through the second gateway, one reaches a mandapa whose upper façade features a stucco depiction of Sugriva worshipping Abath Sahayeswarar. Another panel illustrates the sacred temple legend, where Sugriva is transformed into a swan and his consort into the divine Parijatha (Pavalamalligai) tree.
Inner Prakaram
The third and innermost gateway leads into the inner prakaram that encircles the sanctum of the presiding deity, the 'Swayambhu Linga' of Abath-Sahayeswarar. A Nandi and a Balipeetam directly face the sanctum. A moat-like structure surrounds the sanctum, and the entrance is guarded by two majestic Dwarapalakas.
The Goshta murthas include Narthana Vinayaka, Agasthya, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodhbhava, Brahma, and Durga. There is also a sculptural depiction of Sembian Madevi worshipping Shiva.
The inner prakaram houses a sannidhi for Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai, as well as a separate sannidhi for Goddess Gajalakshmi. In an other north-facing sanctum, Goddess Durga majestically manifests with eight divine arms, radiating her benevolent grace. Close by are the idols of Ganga Visarjana Murti and Bhairava Murti, and adjacent to them stands Vishnu Durga.
Other Special Features
Historical Sculptures
When one circumambulates the sannidhi of Goddess Pavala Kodiyamman, two beautiful bas-relief sculptures can be seen on the rear wall – one depicting Sugriva performing Shiva worship and the other showing Queen Sembian Madevi in reverence to Lord Shiva.
Vruksham and theertham
The sacred tree (Sthala Vriksha) of this temple is the Parijatha. The temple has two associated water bodies – the Sakaya Theertham and, directly opposite the temple, the Surya Theertham.
Solar Light Phenomenon
Every year, on the 5th, 6th, and 7th days of the Tamil month of Chithirai, the sun's rays reflect upon the Surya Theertham and directly fall upon the main deity inside the sanctum.
Parihara Worship
Devotees believe that offering special worship to Surya and Shani Bhagavan on Sundays and Saturdays helps resolve conflicts between father and son. It is also believed that sincere prayers here bring prosperity in career and finances. On Pournami (Full Moon), it is said that offering sandal paste and herbal oils to Sage Agastya brings fulfillment of one's wishes.
Nearby Vaippu Sthalam
The ancient inscriptions of this temple mention the nearby village of Maruthuvakudi, located close to Then Kurankadu Thurai (Aaduthurai). This Maruthuvakudi is the Tiru Idai Kulam temple, revered as a thevara Vaippu Sthalam.
Tirugyana Sambandar declares in his hymn that those who worship the deity of this sacred place will attain the glory of dwelling with the celestial beings.
Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) states in his hymn that worshipping the deity of this temple will remove all karmic afflictions and sins.
Gallery - ThenKurangaduthurai
