Abhathsahayeswarar Temple of Anniyur


Picture Courtesy: Tamilnadu Tourism

Today we will read about Abathsahayeswarar temple which is located in Ponnur, Mayiladuthrai district, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva in the form of Abathsahayeswarar who is also referred to as Agnipureeswarar and His consort is Devi Perianayaki.

The temple has been constructed such that for five days during Panguni Utharam (the day when Lord Shiva married Devi Parvathi, also the day when Lord Ayappa manifested on earth), the rays of the sun fall on the deity of the temple. 

Legend has it that a demon named Taraka was wreaking havoc on earth. The Devas sought the help of Lord Shiva. However the Lord was deep into meditation and did not respond to their pleas. To stir the Lord, the Devas told Manmatha to strike the Lord with his arrow which could induce passion in any being. When Manmatha, the messenger of love, shot his arrow on Lord Shiva, the Lord opened his eyes and such was the power in them that Manmatha was burnt to ashes. His wife Rathi lamented over his death and requested the Lord to grant her husband a new life. Rathi performed severe penance and pleased the Lord who revived Manmatha to life. The grateful couple worshipped Lord Shiva's manifestation as a swayambhu-lingam. This temple is believed to be the place where this event occurred. This event is celebrated in the temple in the month of Kartikai. 

Lord Shiva is believed to represent the fire element here, and is also referred to as Agnipureeswarar. 

There are two deities of Lord Dakshinamurthy in this temple. Lord Muruga has a shrine here for Himself, along with His consorts Devyani and Valli. 

Lord Varuna, the god of the seas and King Harishchandra, who is well-known for his honesty and commitment are believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. 

Om Namaha Shivaaya! Om Devyai Namaha!

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