Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple, Akkur

Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in Akkur, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding god is Shiva. He is known as Thanthondriappar. His consort is named Valnedunkanni. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, or Shiva Sthalams, commemorated in early medieval Tevaram poetry by Tamil Saivite Nayanars Tirugnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar. This is the 46th Shiva Sthalam on the southern bank of the Cauveri River in Chozha Nadu. Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifesting) at this temple.

This is the birthplace of Sirappuli Nayanar, one of the famed 63 Nayanmars. This temple is one of the 70 Maadak Koils constructed by King Kochengat Cholan. Theertham (“holy water”): Kumudha Theertham Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Sarakondrai, Vilva, and Paakku

Puranic Significance

Legend has it that King Kochengat Cholan became ill while building this temple. He prayed to Lord Shiva for healing. It is said that at this juncture, the Lord’s supernatural voice instructed the King to feed 1000 people for 48 days (“Annadhanam”). Following the Lord’s directions, the King began feeding 1000 people per day. However, for 47 days, he saw that only 999 persons attended the meal.

He prayed to Lord Shiva again, this time informing him of the one-person deficiency. To appease the King, it is said that on the last day, the Lord appeared in the guise of an older man clutching a stick in his hand, completing the count of one thousand persons. As a result, the ruler here is called “Aayirathil Oruvar” (one of a thousand in Tamil). Since the King had never seen the older man before, he inquired about his location. Rather than responding directly to the King, the old man asked, “Place?” “Whose place?” (“Yarukku Oor?” in Tamil) and vanished into an anthill.

The King knew the man was Lord Shiva himself. When they dismantled the anthill, they discovered a Shivalingam inside. During its extraction, a cut was made on the top of the lingam, which is still visible. A stunning sculpture commemorating this event may also be found in the temple. This temple is also thought to be one of the locations where Lord Shiva performed his wedding dharisanam to Sage Agasthiyar. As a result, Goddess Parvathy’s shrine is situated to the right of Lord Shiva’s shrine (similar to their wedding stance).

Beliefs

It is said that persons seeking “santhana prapthi” (child blessing) might pray to the Lord here. Devotees also believe that worshipping the Lord here will remove impediments to their marriage proposals.

Akkur Thanthondreeswarar Temple Special Features

In this temple, both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy’s temples face east. King Kochengat Chola is thought to have constructed approximately 70 “Madakkoils”. A Madakkoil distinguishes itself by being difficult for elephants to approach. He built these temples at an elevation, and there are a few steps to climb before meeting the Lord. Also, the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum (Karpagragam) is so narrow that no elephant can enter. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Saraswathi here.

Lord Murugan’s shrine is shaped like a chariot and is quite magnificent. In his temple song, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar lauded the learned Brahmins and faithful devotees of Aakkur village. This is the birthplace of Sirappuli Nayanar, one of the famed 63 Nayanmars. He is said to have always offered food to followers without saying “no” to anyone or at any moment. It is believed that he found salvation here. Saint Arunagirinadhar sang hymns in favour of Lord Murugan of this temple in his famous Thirupugazh.

Poojas and Celebrations

Aside from regular poojas, special poojas are held on Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month Avani (Aug – Sept), Thiru Karthigai in the month Karthigai (Nov – Dec), Thiruvathirai in the month Margazhi (Dec – Jan), Makar Sankranti, 108 Conch abhishekams on Somavaram / Mondays, Sirappuli Nayanar Guru pooja in the month Thai (Jan – Feb), Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi (Feb – March), Full moon days, and monthly pradoshams.

In addition to the Thirukalyanam above of Lord Shiva with Parvati in Panguni month, Vasantha Navaratri day, Thiruvathirai, and Natarajar Utsavam in Margazhi month are all celebrated in magnificent style each year.

Akkur Thanthondreeswarar Temple Timings

The temple will be open from 08.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

How to reach

• This place, Akkur, is on the route from Mayiladuthurai to Porayar. Town buses from Mayiladuthurai to Sirkazhi travel through Akkur.
• Akkur is around 12 km from Porayar, 16 km from Mayiladuthurai, 20 km from Sirkazhi, 41 km from Chidambaram, 50 km from Kumbakonam, and 258 km from Chennai.
• The nearest railway station is Mayiladuthurai.

Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple Location

Aakkoor Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple, Aakkoor , Tharangambadi Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu – 609301. TheTemple in Tamilnaduis accessible via the motorable Ghat road. This road leads up to the temple and is accessible to both two- and four-wheelers.