Anniyur
Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Mayiladuthurai
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 from across
Tamil Nadu visit this sacred shrine seeking relief from fear, illness, legal
troubles, curses, and obstacles in life. The temple is also renowned for its
peaceful atmosphere, sacred theertham, and unique legends associated with Agni
Deva, Surya, Rathi, Kamadeva, and the Pandavas.
Quick
Facts Table
|
Particular |
Details |
|
Temple
Name |
Anniyur
Abathsahayeswarar Temple |
|
Location |
Ponnur
(Tiru Anniyur), Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu |
|
Presiding
Deity |
Lord
Shiva (Abathsahayeswarar) |
|
Goddess |
Periyanayaki
Amman |
|
Temple
Type |
Paadal
Petra Sthalam |
|
Sacred
Tree |
Lemon
Tree |
|
Sacred
Tank |
Varuna
Theertham / Agni Theertham |
|
Temple
Age |
Over
1,000 Years |
|
Famous
For |
Relief
from fear, danger, curses, legal issues, and health problems |
|
Temple
Timings |
6:00
AM–12:00 PM & 4:00 PM–8:00 PM |
History
Anniyur,
historically known as Tiru Anniyur, has been an important Shaivite
pilgrimage center since the Chola period. The temple finds mention in the Tevaram,
making it one of the most sacred Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu.
The
temple's spiritual prominence comes from its association with numerous divine
legends and saints. Over the centuries, devotees have worshipped Lord
Abathsahayeswarar believing that He removes all forms of suffering and grants
courage during difficult times.
The
temple's architecture reflects the grandeur of the medieval Chola dynasty, with
later additions by subsequent rulers.
Sthala
Puranam
Several
fascinating legends are associated with this sacred temple.
According
to one legend, Agni Deva incurred the wrath of Veerabhadra during
the destruction of Daksha's Yajna and was cursed. Seeking redemption, Agni
worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple and was freed from his affliction.
Another
legend narrates that Surya Deva was cursed by Rathi, causing him
to lose his brilliance. Performing penance at Tiru Anniyur, Surya regained his
radiance through Lord Shiva's blessings.
The
temple is also closely connected with Kamadeva. After Lord Shiva reduced
Kamadeva to ashes with His third eye, Rathi prayed fervently here. Lord Shiva
restored Kamadeva to life, although he remained visible only to Rathi.
It
is also believed that the Pandavas worshipped Lord Abathsahayeswarar
during their exile, seeking divine protection and strength.
Presiding
Deity
Lord
Abathsahayeswarar
The
presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Abathsahayeswarar,
in the form of a Swayambhu Lingam (self-manifested Shiva Lingam).
Devotees
believe that sincere prayers to the Lord remove:
- Fear and
anxiety
- Negative
energies
- Legal
disputes
- Chronic
illnesses
- Planetary
afflictions
- Obstacles in
personal and professional life
Goddess
Periyanayaki
The
divine consort Periyanayaki Amman is enshrined in a separate south-facing
sanctum within the Maha Mandapam. She blesses devotees with peace,
prosperity, family harmony, and good health.
Temple
Architecture
The
temple showcases the elegance of traditional Dravidian architecture.
Highlights
include:
- Beautiful
Raja Gopuram
- Spacious Maha
Mandapam
- Artha
Mandapam
- Nandi
Mandapam
- Intricately
carved Vimanas
- Ancient stone
sculptures
- Sacred
Varuna/Agni Theertham opposite the temple
- Sacred Lemon
Tree (Sthala Vriksham)
One
of the unique features is the image of Lord Muruga adorned with circular ear
ornaments, a rare iconographic representation.
The
temple also houses the Adi Moola Lingam, believed to have been installed
for Agni Deva's worship.
Sub
Shrines
Apart
from the main sanctums, devotees can worship several deities within the temple
complex:
- Lord Vinayaka
- Lord Muruga
with Valli and Deivanai
- Nataraja with
Shivakami
- Goddess Durga
- Chandrashekarar
- Navagrahas
- Bhairava
- Chandikeswarar
These
shrines make the temple a complete spiritual destination for Shaivite devotees.
Daily
Rituals
Daily
worship is conducted according to traditional Agama practices.
Major
rituals include:
- Suprabhata
Puja
- Kala Santhi
Puja
- Uchikala Puja
- Sayaraksha
Puja
- Arthajama
Puja
Special
abhishekams are performed using milk, curd, honey, sandal paste,
vibhuti, and holy water.
Devotees
commonly offer:
- Curd rice
- Lemons
- Vastras
- Flowers
- Coconut
- Ghee lamps
Major
Festivals
The
temple celebrates numerous Shaivite festivals with great devotion.
Major
festivals include:
- Maha
Shivaratri
- Panguni
Uthiram
- Arudra
Darshan
- Pradosham
- Karthigai
Deepam
- Navaratri
- Tamil New
Year
- Monthly
Pournami and Amavasya Pujas
Pradosham
days witness a large gathering of devotees seeking Lord Shiva's blessings.
Darshan
Timings
|
Session |
Timings |
|
Morning |
6:00
AM – 12:00 PM |
|
Evening |
4:00
PM – 8:00 PM |
Temple
timings may vary during major festivals and special occasions.
How
to Reach
By
Road
- Mayiladuthurai:
8 km via Ponnur.
- Frequent
buses towards Pandur and Namashivayapuram stop near the temple.
- Auto-rickshaws
are easily available from Mayiladuthurai Bus Stand.
- Kumbakonam:
Approximately 35 km via Needur or Sembanarkoil.
- Chennai:
Around 250 km through NH32 and NH36.
By
Train
Nearest
Railway Station:
Mayiladuthurai Junction (8 km)
The
station is well connected to Chennai, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Coimbatore, and
other major cities.
By
Air
- Tiruchirapalli
International Airport – Approximately 150 km
- Chennai
International Airport – Approximately 250 km
Spiritual
Significance
Anniyur
Abathsahayeswarar Temple is regarded as one of the most powerful temples for
overcoming life's difficulties.
Devotees
visit this shrine to seek blessings for:
- Protection
from danger
- Relief from
fear and anxiety
- Freedom from
curses
- Success in
legal matters
- Recovery from
illness
- Family
welfare
- Spiritual
growth
- Removal of
obstacles
Many
devotees also pray before beginning important life events, believing Lord
Abathsahayeswarar guides and protects them.
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.
Where is Anniyur Abathsahayeswarar Temple located?
The
temple is located at Ponnur (Tiru Anniyur) in Mayiladuthurai
district, Tamil Nadu, about 8 km from Mayiladuthurai town.
2.
Why is the temple famous?
It
is famous as a Paadal Petra Sthalam and for Lord Abathsahayeswarar's
blessings in protecting devotees from fear, danger, illness, and obstacles.
3.
Who are the presiding deities?
The
temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Abathsahayeswarar and Goddess
Periyanayaki Amman.
4.
What are the temple timings?
The
temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
5.
What is the Sthala Vriksham?
The
sacred tree of the temple is the Lemon Tree.
6.
Which saints sang about this temple?
The
temple was glorified by Saint Tirugnanasambandar and Saint
Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) in the Tevaram hymns.
7.
What offerings are commonly made?
Devotees
offer lemons, curd rice, vastras, flowers, coconuts, and perform special
abhishekams to seek divine blessings.
Conclusion
The
Anniyur Abathsahayeswarar Temple stands as one of Tamil Nadu's most
revered Shaivite shrines, combining ancient history, sacred legends, remarkable
Dravidian architecture, and profound spiritual significance. Revered as a Paadal
Petra Sthalam, the temple continues to attract devotees seeking protection
from danger, relief from suffering, and divine grace. Whether you are a
pilgrim, history enthusiast, or spiritual seeker, a visit to this sacred temple
offers a deeply enriching and peaceful experience in the heart of
Mayiladuthurai's rich temple heritage.