Tiru Anniyur Temple, also known as Aabatsakayeswarar Temple, is a beautiful shrine situated at Needoor, in
Nagapattinam District of
Tamil Nadu. This highly revered
Shivasthalam is located about 4 km from
Mayiladuthurai. The presiding deity is Aabatsakayeswarar along with his consort Periya Nayaki.
Most noteworthy feature of the temple is that, the Sun's rays illuminate the sanctum for 5 days from the 24th day of the month of Panguni (April-May) and hence this shrine is also referred to as ‘Bhaskarastalam’.
Legend has it that, Rati, the wife of Lord Kama worshipped Lord Shiva at this place. It is also believed that Pandavas have visited this shrine. Shiva is also said to have blessed King Harischandra here, hence the name Aabatsakayeswarar.
Tiru Anniyur Temple can be accessed by bus from Poompuhar and Mayiladuthurai.
