Information Courtesy: www.hindudevotionalblog.com
Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Alangudi, one of the Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu, is about 17 km from Kumbakonam on the way to Needamangalam, in Tiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. The main deities are Lord Abathsahayeswarar or Aranyeswara, accompanied by his consort, Ezhavarkuzhali or Umai Ammai. The temple is regarded as a Guru Sthalam (the temple of Planet Jupiter) where Lord Dakshinamurthy (The Guru or teacher form of Lord Shiva) is held in great reverence. A special feature is that Lord Guru or Brihaspati (or Brahmanaspati) is engraved on the wall and is not in the form of separate idol, reunited with Shiva. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya and Sage Agastya had worshipped Lord Guru at Tiruvirumpoolai Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Alangudi.
Temple Architecture / Features
Located on the south of the river Cauvery, the Alangudi Temple occupies a large area surrounded by lofty walls. There are around 15 theerthams in this temple and the one which is located inside the temple is referred to as Amrita Pushkarini. Abathsahayeswarar Temple abodes shrines of Lord Surya, Gurumoksheswarar, Somanathar, Saptarishi nathar, Someswarar, Vishnunathar and Bhrameesar, Kaasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi. The inscriptions that date back to the period of Vikrama Chola (1131) refer Alankudi as Jananatha saruppedimangalam. The details of the Chidambaram Natarajar temple are also seen here. The Poolaivala River, which runs east of the temple, is an added attraction.
Poojas and Worship for Lord Guru
Thursday is auspicious to Lord Brihaspati. Yellow color garment and chick pea (konda kadalai) are offered to bring happiness to a Guru devotee. It is believed that students, in order to excel in education, can offer kondakadalai garland (chick pea is soaked in water and made as a garland) to Lord Guru. Large numbers of devotees throng here during Guru Peyarchi, that is when Jupiter transits between zodiac signs.
New Moon Day (Ammavasai), Full Moon Day (pournami), Guruhorai, Days falling on stars like punarpoosam, Visagam and Pooratathi are very auspicious for Sri Guru Bhagavan. Offering prayers on these days are more special.
Four worship services are offered daily. The temple opens daily from 5:30 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 8 pm.
Temple Festivals
Annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai. Also Hindu festival including Navaratri, Skanda Sashti, Aadi Puram, Arudra Darisanam, Kartikai Deepam, Thai Poosam and Pankuni Uththiram are celebrated here with much religious fervor. Guru Peyarchi, the transit of Guru (Planet Jupiter) from one zodiac sign to another, is another major festival celebrated in the temple.
How to reach Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Alangudi
Alangudi is about 35 km from Tiruvarur which serves as the nearest railway station. Nidamangalam Railway Station, on the Thanjavur-Tiruvarur rail route, is the nearest railhead.