Sathyavaheesvarar Temple, Anbil – A Spiritual Gem on the Banks of Kollidam

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Location

  • Situated in Anbil village, near Lalgudi, in Tiruchirapalli District, Tamil Nadu
  • Located on the banks of the Kollidam river, offering a serene and spiritually charged setting

Presiding Deities

  • Main Deity: Sathyavaheesvarar (a form of Lord Shiva), also known as Alanthuraiar
  • Consort: Soundaranayagi Amman (a graceful form of Parvati)

Subshrines and Unique Icons

  • Sevi Saitha Vinayagar: A rare form of Ganesha who is depicted with his ear turned toward the direction of Sambandar’s hymns—symbolizing divine listening and poetic devotion
  • Navagraha Shrine: For planetary relief
  • Saptha Mathas, Bikshadanar, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, Bhairavar, and Muruga also have dedicated sannidhis
  • The temple tank is called Chandra Theertham, and the sacred tree (Thala Virutcham) is a Banyan tree

Temple Significance

  • One of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the Tevaram hymns by Thirugnana Sambandar
  • Associated with the legend where Vinayaka bent his ear to listen to Sambandar’s hymns from across the flooded Kollidam river
  • Historically enriched by Chola kings, Thanjavur Nayaks, and Maratha rulers, with inscriptions dating back to the 9th century CE
  • Known for its Dravidian architecture, including a five-tiered gopuram, spacious halls, and three precincts
  • A center for Sama Veda chanting, with Vinayaka also revered as Samaganam Ketta Vinayagar

History

  • The temple dates back to the 9th century CE, originally built during the Chola dynasty, with later expansions by the Thanjavur Nayaks and Maratha rulers.
  • It was once a Maada Kovil, a raised temple structure designed for protection during floods.
  • The temple is mentioned in the Tevaram hymns by Thirugnana Sambandar, making it one of the revered Paadal Petra Sthalams.
  • The region was historically inhabited by Jaimini Brahmins, brought in by Chola kings to promote Sama Veda chanting.

Legend

  • The temple is famous for the story of Sevi Saitha Vinayagar:
    • When Sambandar arrived at the flooded Kollidam river, he couldn’t cross to reach the temple.
    • He sang hymns from the opposite bank, and Vinayaka bent his ear to listen—earning the name Sevi Saitha Vinayagar (the Ganesha who listened).
  • Vinayaka is also called Samaganam Ketta Vinayagar, as he is believed to have listened to daily Sama Veda recitations by local Brahmins.

Architecture

  • Built in Dravidian style, the temple features:
    • A five-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower)
    • Three precincts with spacious mandapams
    • A sacred tank called Chandra Theertham
    • The Thala Virutcham is a Banyan tree
  • The temple houses shrines for:
    • Sathyavaheesvarar (Shiva) and Soundaranayagi (Parvati)
    • Sevi Saitha Vinayagar, Muruga, Bhairavar, Navagrahas, and Saptha Mathas

Rituals

The temple follows traditional Shaiva Agama practices, with four daily poojas performed at specific times:

  • Kalasanthi – Morning (6:30 AM)
  • Uchikalam – Midday
  • Sayaraksha – Evening
  • Arthajama Pooja – Night (around 8:00 PM)

Special rituals include:

  • Abhishekam to Sathyavaheesvarar and Soundaranayagi Amman
  • Vilwa leaf archana and milk offerings
  • Devotees with hearing difficulties offer prayers to Sevi Saitha Vinayagar, the Ganesha who symbolically listens to hymns

Festivals

The temple celebrates several important Shaiva festivals:

  • Margazhi Tiruvadirai (Dec–Jan): Honoring Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance
  • Maha Shivaratri (Feb–Mar): Night-long worship and special abhishekams
  • Panguni Uthiram (Mar–Apr): Celebrating divine marriages
  • Pradosham: Bi-monthly observance with special rituals and circumambulation
  • Vinayaka Chaturthi: Special pujas to Sevi Saitha Vinayagar

During festivals, the temple extends its hours and hosts Veda parayanam, bhajans, and processions.

Beliefs

  • Sevi Saitha Vinayagar is believed to bless devotees with:
    • Relief from hearing disorders
    • Enhanced poetic and musical abilities
    • Divine listening and spiritual receptivity
  • The temple is a Paadal Petra Sthalam, sanctified by Thirugnana Sambandar’s hymns, making it a powerful site for devotional merit
  • Worship here is said to bring:
    • Santana bhagyam (childbirth blessings)
    • Marital harmony
    • Planetary relief, especially through the Navagraha shrine

Temple Hours

  • Morning: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Open daily, with extended hours during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Margazhi Tiruvadirai.

Getting Here

By Train:

  • Nearest Station: Lalgudi Railway Station (~6 km)
  • Well-connected to Tiruchirappalli Junction (Trichy), a major hub with trains from Chennai, Madurai, and Bengaluru.

By Bus:

  • Regular buses from Trichy Central Bus Stand to Lalgudi or Anbil village.
  • From Lalgudi, autos or local taxis are available to reach the temple.

By Air:

  • Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) (~25 km)
  • From the airport, take a taxi or bus to Lalgudi, then proceed to Anbil.

Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or during Pradosham for peaceful darshan
  • Photography: Allowed outside; inside sanctum may be restricted—check with temple staff
  • Offerings: Vilwa leaves, milk, and ghee are commonly offered

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