The Second Visit to this Sri Athmanathar temple at Avudayarkoil alias Thiruperunthurai in Pudukkottai District was a part of Pudukkottai Heritage walk, on 7th and 8th January 2023, organised jointly by Aatrupadai, TTDC and Ula. Thanks to M/s Trichy Parthy, Prabhaharan and Francis Edison. This is an updated post to my previous visit on 23rd and 24th September 2011.
( mandapam arch Stucco images of Shiva teaching to Manickavasagar )
This is one of the Thiruvasagam hymns Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam, sung by Manickavasagar.
திருச்சிற்றம்பலம்
நமச்சிவாய வாஅழ்க நாதன்தாள் வாழ்க
இமைப்பொழுதும் என்நெஞ்சில் நீங்காதான் தாள்வாழ்க
கோகழி யாண்ட குருமணிதன் தாள்வாழ்க
ஆகமம் ஆகிநின் றண்ணிப்பான் தாள்வாழ்க
ஏகன் அநேகன் இறைவ னடிவாழ்க
Moolavar : Sri Athmanatheswarar, Sri Guruswamy,
Sri Paramaswamy, Sri Athmanathar
Consort : Sri Yogambal.
Some of the important features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a Mukha mandapam. The Rajagopuram is of seven tiers, 200 feet high, which is visible from a long distance. There is no Rishabam, Dwajasthambam / Kodimaram, balipeedam, Navagrahas and Chandikeswarar. Only Avudai is in the sanctum sanctorum, in place of Shivalinga, hence called as Avudayarkoil. This signifies Shiva in Aroopa state, who has no beginning and end. In Ambal Shrine also, there is no idol, since Ambal is considered as aroopa state.
ARCHITECTURE
The temple consists of Sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, Maha mandapam and Mukha mandapam. The Pillars of the temples has exquistvely carved sculptures.
This temple is famous for its sculpture and architecture. Kodungai of the mandapams are made of single stone shaped to small thickness and joined together. ( even to day the sculptors used to enter in an agreement for constructing a new temple, “Kodungai will not be similar to Avudaiyarkoil”). Bullet marks by the Britishers can also be seen. It is amazing to see the stone statues on the pillars and the stone chains hanging from the roof.
Front mandapam kodungai ( roof side )
Kodungai
Upanam
adhistanam above Upanam
Some of the Sculptures in the mukha mandapam and temple are, Pichadanar, Natarajar in oorthuva thandavam, Kali, Narashima with Haranyakasibu, Murugan, Shiva as Risbanthigar, Maha Vishnu, Manickavasagar as a Minister and as Sivanadiyar, Manmathan, Rathi, Shiva riding on a Horse, 27 Nakshathra mandala, Paintings on the ceiling, Hanging Chains with mandapam, Pillar sculptures, Udumbu / monitor Lizard, Monkey on the Kodungai, Nayaka Kings in two rows are worth to see.
The Vijayanagara nayakas period paintings are found on the ceilings of 1000 pillar mandapam and Manickavasagar Shrine walls.
27 nakshathra mandala
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
As per Historians, this temple was built during Pandya period and latter expanded by the Vijayanagara nayakas.
LEGENDS
As per the legend, Manickavasagar was a Minister in Pandya Kingdom. The Pandya King gave money to purchase Horse. On the way to fort, Manickavasagar stayed here and constructed Temple for Shiva with the money given for purchase the horses. Shiva taught Manickavasagar as a guru under the kuruntha tree. When the king asked the horses, Manickavasagar prayed to Shiva. Shiva changed the Foxes in to Horses and given to the King. In the night all the Horses changed back to foxes and ran away.
Sthala vruksham is Kurantha Maram, under which Shiva taught Manickavasagar. The specialty of the tree leaves is, they have three different smells.
In another legend, A small king under Pandya rule, forcibly took over the people’s lands. The people complained to the King. When the king asked, the small king told that the lands belongs to him. The people don not have a choice except praying to Shiva. Shiva, to the prayers of the people, took the form of human being and went to the king and the small king was also called. The King asked the type of land and the small king told that the land is a drought land. But Shiva told that it is a fertile land and water will come if you dig. When this was proved, the small king felt shame and return back the lands.
Devotees prays Shiva and Ambal to excel in education, marriage, child boon etc.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Margazhi Utsavam, Arudra Darshan, Karthigai Somavarams,
The naivedyam is boiled rice satham kept on the stone slab in front of the Avudayar. Only steam from the satham is the naivedyam. The vegetables offered in the temple are Bitter guard, spinach / Keerai, which are not offered in any other temples. ( To teach vedam to Anthanar children, Lord Shiva was offered keerai, bitter guard by the Anthanars).
6 Kala Poojas are conducted on Solar and Lunar eclipse days.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS
The land line number +91 4371 233301 and mobile numbers +91 9894731606, +91 9159854014 may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH
Frequent buses available from Aranthangi on Aranthangi ( 14 KM ) to Mimisal.
Buses are available to Aranthangi from Thanjavur, Madurai, Chennai, Karaikudi, Trichy etc.
Nearest Railway junction is Pudukkottai.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Temple entrance arch
Front mandapam with Rajagopuram view
Lord Shiva's oorthava thandavam - Pillar sculpture in front mandapam
Lord Shiva as Rishabanthigar sculpture on the pillar in the front mandapam
Lord Shiva's another posture
Rajagopuram side view
One of the shrine's vimanam
Manickavasagar's image on the Chariot
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
Sir enoda Videos content ku Unga kita photos irunda share pana mudhiyuma, Athmanadha swamy temple photos. My youtube link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCovkLZHqJXBE_cOo8YSTaYg. Thank you....
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