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16. Anbilalanturai

அன்பிலாலந்துறை 

Location: Anbil near Lalgudi.
(Chola Naadu, North of Kaveri)
Shiva: Satyavageeswarar
Ambal: Soundara Nayaki
Vriksham: Aalamaram
Theertham: Gayatri Theertham
Patikam : Sambandar,Appar
Travel Base:Tiruchirappalli
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Description: This Shivastalam  is located near Lalgudi, near Tiruchirappalli. It is considered to be the 57th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located north of the river Kaveri.

Legend has it that   Bhrama (from Satyalokam) and Vaageesamuni worshipped here, hence the name Satyavageeswarar or Bhramapureeswarar. It is believed that Sambandar sang the praises of Anbil, from across the Kollidam river which was in spate, and that Ganapati  leaned forward to hear it (Sevi Saaitta Vinayakar). (The image above is that of the Sundarar, Appar, Sambandar and Manikkavacakar).

The Temple: A five tiered Raja Gopuram, and two prakarams, the outer one with a Nandavanam, and the inner one with the mandapams are the structural elements of this temple. The sanctum faces east and so does the Ambal shrine. There is a niche image of Vishnu flanked by Surya and Chandra in the space normally occupied by Lingodbhavar.

There are stone images portraying legends associated with the temple on the exterior walls. Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola and Hoysala periods are seen in this temple. This temple is believed to have been rebuilt during the time of Parantaka Chola prior to which period it is believed to have been a two tiered temple. There are interesting pieces of sculpture in the mandapam in front of the sanctum.

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