33. SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE THIRU KILIYANUR

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	276th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Thondai Naadu
Thondai Naadu	33rd Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar

HISTORY:

This temple is around 1500 years old and was built in the Chola period. “Killi” is the surname of Chola kings and there are historical references to kings from the Chola period like King Nedungkilli and King Killivalavan. It is possible that this place’s name “Kiliyanur” might have been derived from its connection to the Chola dynasty.

As per the stone inscriptions in the temple, it can be deduced that this temple was first built using bricks and later reconstructed using granite during King Paranthaka Chola-I’s period.

Sri Agastheeswarar:

It is said that the lingam (Moolavar) was installed and worshiped by Sage Agasthiyar, so the lord is named Sri Agastheeswarar.

Nandi Devar:

It is also said that Nandi Devar (the bull which serves as the mount of Lord Shiva), who is in front of Goddess Akilandeswari is performing poojas and worshiping her on Maha Shivratri days. Some inscriptions about this are also available in this temple.

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        It is said that this is the last (276th) Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam that has been identified so far.

·        The procession idols (Urchavars) are kept somewhere else for safety reasons as they have been stolen once and later recovered.

·        This is a Rahu-Kedu parikara Sthalam.

·        It is said that Sage Kalava Maharishi came to this place and stayed here for a long time with his two daughters who were suffering from some critical illness. They prayed to Lord Shiva here. Impressed by their devotion, Lord Shiva blessed the Sage’s daughters and cured them of their ailments.

·        It is also believed that the parrot-faced Sage Sukabrahma Maharishi visited and worshipped Lord Shiva here to seek relief from his stomach ailments.

·        Adisheshan (the serpent on whom Sri Mahavishnu rests) is also believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. 

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Agastheewarar
Ambal	Sri Akilandeswari
Theertham	Agni Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	Vanni

BELIEF:

Devotees visit this temple and worship the lord here to seek remedies for obstacles in marriage proposals and to seek the lord’s blessing for good education. It is also believed that worshiping Lord Shiva here will grant the boon of childbirth to childless couples.

It is a common belief that drinking the abishekam milk (milk that has been poured on the lingam) at this temple can cure illness, especially stomach ailments.

Since Adisheshan is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here, this temple is considered as a parikara Sthalam for Rahu-Kedu Dosham.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Aippasi	Oct–Nov	Annabishekam
Markazhi	Dec-Jan	Thiruvadhirai
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri

HOW TO REACH:

Kiliyanur is at a distance of about 25 kms from Pondicherry on the Pondicherry to Tindivanam route. After crossing Morattandi, there is a small road on the right going to Kiliyanur village. Travel along that road for about 3 kms to reach the temple. The temple is near the village Brammadesam and at a distance of about one km from Kiliyanur bus stand.

Two more Paadal Petra Sthalam, Arisili and Irumbai Maakaalam are located very near to this place.

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Agastheeswarar Temple,

Thiru Kiliyanur,

Thindivanam,

Villupuram,

Tamil Nadu – 604001.

LOCATION: