Alangudi Guru Temple - Apatsahayesvarar Temple (Navagraha Temple)

Abathsahayeswarar Temple (Apatsahayesvarar Temple) is located in Alangudi, dedicated to planet God Dakshinamurthy. The presiding deity is mentioned in the 7th century Tamil Saivite work ‘Thevaram’ and one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams. As per Hindu mythology, once upon a time, Devas (divine souls) and demons tried to churn the cosmic ocean in order to obtain ‘Amirta’, which is considered as the nectar for immortal life at the suggestion of lord Vishnu. For a churning pole they use Mount Mandara and use the serpent king Vasuki. As the Devas and demons churned the sea, a terrible poison emerged out of the sea which spread over the universe. Unable to control this, they approached lord Shiva, who took the poison and swallowed it.

As Lord Shiva saved the World from the poison the lord here is called ‘Abathsahayeswarar’ (saver from tough times). Once, a Chola king wanted to take this idol with him to Thiruvarur, as he was admired by its beauty. On learning this, temple priests at Alangudi become panic stricken. They disguised the idol as a child affected by chickenpox, hid it inside a swing and kept it safely. The traces of Chicken-pox can still be seen on this shrine. The temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture with a 5 tiered rajagopuram adorned with rich intricate carvings. The vast halls and decorative pillars proclaims the artisanship of the past. People facing adverse effects of Jupiter star come to get blessings in this temple.