| Description:
This is a Shivastalam in the vicinity of Tiruppugalur,
Tiruchenkattankudi and Tirumarugal and is located in a hamlet surrounded by lush
coconut groves. It is located 11 km to the east of Nannilam.
It is considered to be the 81st in the series of Tevara Stalams in the
Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.
Legend has it that Bhrama worshipped Shiva here, hence the name
Ayavanti. The large Bhramma Theertham tank is located outside the temple.
History: The Chola King Karikalan is said to have built this temple.
This is a shrine closely associated with Tiruneelakka Nayanar. Sambandar is said to have
arrived here after visiting Tirunallar, along
with Tiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar.
The Temple: This temple covers an area of about an acre and its
entrance is decked with a 5 tiered Rajagopuram.There are two prakarams in this temple
featuring the usual pantheon of parivara Devatas. The outer walls of this temple are
majestic, and the inner sanctum has been built with black stone. All of the verses in
Sambandar's patikam here describe Shiva's manifestation as Ardhanareeswarar. The
Ardhanareeswarar image is to the North of the sanctum.
Festivals: Four worship services are offered each day here.
Aavani Moolam (in the month of Leo) witnesses a lot of festivities here. |
