Azhagiyanathar Temple is a highly revered
Shivasthalam, situated at Tiru Amathur, near
Viluppuram, in
Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of the Pampa River, a branch of the
Pennar River. Dedicated to
Lord Shiva, the temple enshrines Azhagiyanayanar as the presiding deity along with his divine consort Goddess Muthambika.
Azhagiyanathar Temple was originally built by the Pallava rulers, while the Chola rulers made several endowments, as seen in inscriptions from the days of Parantaka, Raja Raja Cholan and Kulottunga Cholan.
The temple has two prakarams which covers an area of about three acres. The temple has an image of Achyuta Raya who is believed to have effected renovations here. As in very few other shrines, the images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are seen facing each other in Updesa form. The Amman gopuram of the shrine is about 80 ft in height.
It is said that Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar had praised the lord in their pathigams.
Uthiram and Skanda Shashti are the major festivals celebrated here amid much religious fervor.
Azhagiyanathar Temple is about 7 km north-west of Viluppuram Railway Station.
