Anniyur
Abathsahayeswarar Temple – Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu
Introduction
The
Anniyur Abathsahayeswarar Temple, located at Ponnur (ancient Tiru
Anniyur) in Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu, is one of the
revered 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised in the sacred Tevaram hymns
by Saint Tirugnanasambandar and Saint Tirunavukkarasar (Appar). Dedicated to
Lord Shiva as Abathsahayeswarar, this ancient temple has been a center
of devotion for more than a thousand years.
The
name Abathsahayeswarar means “The Lord who comes to the rescue during
times of danger and distress.” Devotees visit this shrine seeking relief
from fear, illness, curses, legal troubles, and obstacles in life.
History
- Known
historically as Tiru Anniyur, the temple has been a Shaivite
pilgrimage center since the Chola period.
- Mentioned in
the Tevaram hymns, it holds immense spiritual significance.
- The temple’s
architecture reflects medieval Chola grandeur, with later additions
by subsequent rulers.
Sthala
Puranam (Temple Legends)
- Agni Deva:
Freed from Veerabhadra’s curse after worshipping Lord Shiva here.
- Surya Deva:
Regained brilliance after Rathi’s curse was lifted through penance at
Anniyur.
- Kamadeva
& Rathi: Kamadeva was restored to life here,
though visible only to Rathi.
- Pandavas:
Believed to have worshipped Lord Abathsahayeswarar during their exile.
Presiding
Deities
- Lord
Abathsahayeswarar (Shiva): Worshipped as a Swayambhu
Lingam, believed to remove fear, illness, curses, and obstacles.
- Goddess
Periyanayaki Amman: Enshrined in a south-facing
sanctum, blessing devotees with peace, prosperity, and family harmony.
Temple
Architecture
- Raja Gopuram
and spacious Maha Mandapam.
- Artha
Mandapam and Nandi Mandapam.
- Intricately
carved Vimanas and ancient stone sculptures.
- Sacred
Varuna/Agni Theertham opposite the temple.
- Sthala
Vriksham: Sacred Lemon Tree.
- Unique
iconography: Lord Muruga with circular ear ornaments.
Sub
Shrines
- Lord Vinayaka
- Lord Muruga
with Valli & Deivanai
- Nataraja with
Shivakami
- Goddess Durga
- Chandrashekarar
- Navagrahas
- Bhairava
- Chandikeswarar
Daily
Rituals
- Suprabhata
Puja
- Kala Santhi
Puja
- Uchikala Puja
- Sayaraksha
Puja
- Arthajama
Puja
- Special
abhishekams with milk, curd, honey, sandal paste, vibhuti, and holy water.
Offerings
include curd rice, lemons, vastras, flowers, coconuts, and ghee lamps.
Major
Festivals
- Maha
Shivaratri
- Panguni
Uthiram
- Arudra
Darshan
- Pradosham
(fortnightly)
- Karthigai
Deepam
- Navaratri
- Tamil New
Year
- Monthly
Amavasya & Pournami Pujas
Darshan
Timings
|
Session |
Timings |
|
Morning |
6:00
AM – 12:00 PM |
|
Evening |
4:00
PM – 8:00 PM |
(Timings
may vary during festivals.)
How
to Reach
- By Road:
- Mayiladuthurai
– 8 km via Ponnur.
- Kumbakonam –
~35 km.
- Chennai –
~250 km via NH32/NH36.
- By Train:
Nearest station – Mayiladuthurai Junction (8 km).
- By Air:
Tiruchirapalli Airport (~150 km), Chennai Airport (~250 km).
Spiritual
Significance
Devotees
believe Lord Abathsahayeswarar grants:
- Protection
from danger
- Relief from
fear and anxiety
- Freedom from
curses
- Success in
legal matters
- Recovery from
illness
- Family
welfare and harmony
- Spiritual
growth
FAQs
- Where is the
temple located? Ponnur (Tiru Anniyur),
Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu.
- Why is it
famous? As a Paadal Petra Sthalam and for
Lord Abathsahayeswarar’s protective blessings.
- Presiding
deities? Lord Abathsahayeswarar (Shiva) and
Goddess Periyanayaki Amman.
- Temple
timings? 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM –
8:00 PM.
- Sthala
Vriksham? Lemon Tree.
- Saints who
sang here? Tirugnanasambandar and
Tirunavukkarasar (Appar).
Conclusion
The
Anniyur Abathsahayeswarar Temple is a sacred jewel of Tamil Nadu’s
Shaivite tradition. Revered as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, it combines
ancient history, divine legends, and stunning Dravidian architecture. For
devotees seeking protection, relief from suffering, and spiritual growth, this
temple offers a deeply enriching experience in the heart of Mayiladuthurai’s
temple heritage.