Sri
Abathsahayeswarar Temple, the sthalam of Guru Bhagavan is at Alangudi. The
presiding deity here is Abathsahayeswarar and His consort is Elavarkuzhali
Ammai or Umayammai. The Shiva Lingam here is a Swayambhu [self- manifested].
Dakshinamurthy in the praharam [circumambulatory path] around Shiva’s shrine
is worshipped as Guru Bhagavan here.
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In all
Shiva temples the main deities are Shiva and Parvati. Other deities like
Pillayar Murugar, Dakshinamurthy, the Navagrahas, and Chandikeswarar are also
present in the praharam (circumabulatory path). As defined in the temple
Vaasthu Shastra, the deities are placed in a particular position and facing a
particular direction. There is a group of temples around Kumbakonam whose
deities form a big temple. This group of temples is called the Parivara
Sthalam
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The story
of the Devas and Asuras churning the celestial ocean or the parkadal is
associated with many temples. During this churning, Vasuki spat out deadly
poison. Lord Shiva consumed that poison here to save the world. Hence the
name Alangudi: Ala meaning poison. The Lord himself came to be known as
Abathsahayeswarar [one who helps in crisis] as he saved the world from
impending danger. Lord Ganesha defeated Gajamuhasuran here, to save the Devas
from the asura’s atrocities
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Ganesha is
worshipped here as “Kalangamal Kaaththa Vinayakar”. This place is also known
as Thirumana Mangalam as Ambal undertook penance to marry Lord Shiva.
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Lord Shiva
in the guise of a boatman had helped Sundarar to cross the Vettaru which was
in spate. It is believed that Sundarar had received his Gnanopadesam from
Dakshinamurthy at this temple. Gu in Sanskrit means darkness and ru means the
destroyer of that. Hence Guru means one who destroys darkness or one who
enlightens. Thus Guru is one who leads you from the darkness of ignorance to
the light of knowledge.
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Alangudi is
the most popular Parihara sthalam for Guru. The other ones that readily come
to mind are Thittai and Padi in Madras. Poolai is the sthala vriksham.
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Pooja
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Guru is
attributed to luck, favor and fortune. The unfavourable position in the
horoscope can cause skin problems, arthritis, heart related problems, worry
& uneasiness. Guru blesses his devotees with progeny, good education,
valour, long life and cure from diseases. Devotees light 24 ghee lamps and do
pradharshanam [circumambulation] of Shiva’s shrine 24 times
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Offerings
of yellow cloth, konda kadalai [chick pea] and vella mullai [a type of
Jasmine] are made to Guru here. The transit of Guru, known as Guru Peyarchi
which happens every year, is an important festival in this temple. Thursdays
being the day of Guru is very important. Fasting or eating only once [oru
pozhudhu] on Thursdays is recommended. Banana and salt is to be avoided on
these days.
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Recite the
following mantra facing North East to get over the malefic effects and
benefit from his benevolence.
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Guru Moola
Mantra: Aum gram grim graum sah gurave namah
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Guru
Gayathri: Rishabadhwajaya vidhmahe gruni hasthaya dhimahi thanno Guru
prachodhayath
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Temple
Timings: 6 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 8.30 PM.
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Location: Alangudi is 17.5 kms from Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam - Needamangalam - Mannargudi road in Tiruvarur district.
Temple
Address
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Arulmigu
Abathsahayeswarar Temple,
Alangudi – 612801 Valangaiman Taluk Thiruvarur District Telephone Number: 04374 – 269407 |
Unravelling the beauty of Ancient Temples, and dedicated to pure Divinity, I hope that my pages would serve as an alternative to quench the thirst (or form a base) for visiting these temples and other historical places in India. Hoping to bring blissfulness to the mind and the soul to all my readers. You as an important critic, I would really appreciate your valuable comments that will improve the quality of my write-ups on Temples and their Sthala puranams. Thank you for visiting my pages.
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