Alangudi is the divine place, where Lord Guru can be propitiated in the form of Sri Dakshinamurthy. This sacred shrine of Jupiter is renowned for its tri-glories,Moorthy , sthalam and theertham . Lakhs of people throng his place, particularly on the day of Jupiters transit to the next sign.
Shrine’s History
274 Sthalams of erstwhile Chola Country have been sung in Devaram and Alangudi is one among the 127 Sthalams, situated on the southern banks of Cauvery river. Sage Sukha, Rishi Viswamithra, Sage Agastya, Adisankara and several other hoy men have worshipped at this shrine. The Lord of this Sthalam is Swayumbhu . Hence, the period of this temple could not be fixed accurately. The temple is existing from ancient times. This temple was believed to be constructed by an ardent of Lord Shiva. Amuthokar, the minister of the King Masukuntha Chakravarti. He was beheaded by the Chakravarti, as he refused to give half of his Punya, to the King.
On his death, the sthalam reverberated with the sound Amuthokar. The King got frightened at this constant diabolic echo, realises his mistake and worshipped the Lord Abadsahayeswarar with ardent devotion. Then, he was relieved from all Doshas.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Legend is that Siva consumed deadly poison, giving rise to the name Alangudi and deity being termed Apatsahayesvarar, indicating saviour during hard times.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The temple has a 5-tier Rajagopuram surrounded by two prakarams closed precincts of a temple.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Alangudi is 40 km from Tiruvarur on the Mannargudi route. It can be reached from Kumbakonam also. Bus facilities are available at both ends.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Alangudi Guru Temple is Kumbakonam railway station Junction which is 14 KM away from Alangudi Guru Temple.
By Air
The nearest airport is Trichy.
Shrine Timings
06.00AM to 01.00PM and 04.00PM to 08.30PM
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Thiruvizhhakkal,Transit day of planet Jupiter from one zodiac sign to the next with special pujas, Poornima day or Full moon day in the month of Chithirai , Thai poosam in January-February, Panguni Uthiram in March-April and Car festival for Lord Dakshinamurthy are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Extra Information About this Shrine
The temple is counted as one of the Navagraha Temples for planet Guru .Tirugnana Sambandar, a 7th-century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Apathsaheswarar in ten verses in Tevaram, compiled as the First Tirumurai. Appar, a contemporary of Sambandar, also venerated Annamalaiyar in 10 verses in Tevaram, compiled as the Fifth Tirumurai. As the temple is revered in Tevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon. The temple is one of the most visited temples in the district.