Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple is in Thirukkadaiyur, which is 21 km east of Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu. This is a Hindu Temple devoted to Lord Shiva as “Kalantaka” or “Destroyer of Death,” along with his wife Parvati as “Abhirami” or “Lovely One”. Out of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, this temple is one of them. Here the most respected Appar, Navanars, Tirugnana Sambhandar, and Suntharar have sung the temple’s glories.

Legend

Legend says that during ‘amritmanthan’, asuras and devas forgot to worship Lord Ganesha when they churned the Ocean of Milk to produce “amrita”. According to Hindu religion, before starting any big work, one has to worship Lord Ganesha. This incident left Lord Ganesha hurt. He was offended and stole the pot of “Amrita”. He hid it at Tirukkadaiyur.

Lord Ganesha worshipped the Shiva Lingam with “Amrita”. So, the Shiva Lingam at this temple is called Amritaghateswarar. “Amrita” means “nectar,” while “Ghata” means “pot”.

Legend also says that Lord Shiva saved his devotee Markandeya from Yama on his death day at Thirukkadaiyur. This is also the place where Abirami Pattar, a devotee, sang Abirami Antati, which is a hundred praises of Mother Abirami. Impressed by this, the Divine Mother appeared before the devotee and saved him from his death day.

History

It is not certain yet which king constructed Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple. However, temple inscriptions imply that the temple is in existence since the beginning of 11th century, during the dynasty of Raja Raja Chola.

Architecture

Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple exhibits architecture of the Chola Dynasty. It is sprawled in 11 acres. It has five courtyards, many grand towers, plus big and roomy ‘mandapas’.

Brick walls of the temple were substituted with stone walls during the period of Kulothunga Chola I (1075-1120). During this time the mandapam was also built. The front entrance of the temple features pictures made from mortar. They depict different legends related to this temple.

The temple has three tanks or ‘teerthams’. They are called “Amrita Pushkarini”, “Maarkandeya Theertham” and “Kaala Theertham”. Separate shrines are devoted to Abirami and Markandeva.

Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple is Lord Shiva temple, yet it features an ancient Vaishnava temple, which harbors deities like Amrita Narayana (Vishnu) and Amrita Valli (Lakshmi), his consort.

Temple Festivals

At Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple worship is offered six times every day. Almost each day in this temple starts with a celebration.

According to the legend of Markandeya, it is believed that couples who have completed 60 years or 81 years of their lives can attain longevity by worshipping at this temple.

To celebrate husband’s 60th or 81st birthday, a service known as Sashtiaptha Poorthi or “completion of 60 years” or Sadhabishegam Poorthi or “completion of 81 years”, respectively, is conducted.

The month of Chithirai (April to May) sees the celebration of annual Brahmotsavam. The month of Kartikai (November to December) sees the festival of the Divine Mother, Shankha-abhisheka. Other festivals include Navratri and Aadi Pooram, which is a festival that celebrates the day when Abirami got her menarche.

Best Time to Visit

Months from November to March are the best months to come here. The place welcomes tourists all year round though.