Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi

Also known as: ஆபத்சகாயேஸ்வரர் கோயில் (ஆலங்குடி) · ఆపత్సహాయేశ్వర ఆలయం, ఆలంగుడి · आपत्सहायेश्वर मंदिर, आलंगुडी (गुरु)

The Jupiter (Guru) temple among the nine Navagraha temples. Shiva is worshipped here as the 'saviour in hard times'.

Deity: Apatsahayesvarar (Aranyeswarar, Shiva), Elavarkuzhali (Parvati), Dakshinamurthy (linked to Guru)
Tradition: Navagraha
Place: Alangudi, Tiruvarur
State: Tamil Nadu
Sacred tank / theertham: Sixteen water bodies are linked with the temple (names not listed here).
Era: The first temple is believed to be Chola. The present stone structure is from the Nayak period (16th century).

Sthala Puranam

Shiva drank a deadly poison here. The village name Alangudi and the title Apatsahayesvarar ('saviour in hard times') are linked to this.

One of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu, for Jupiter (Guru). Dakshinamurthy is the form linked to Guru.
One of the five Pancha Aranya Sthalams, linked to Poolai vanam.
A Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised by Sambandar and Appar.
One of the seven Saptha Vigraha shrines around Thiruvidaimarudur, with Dakshinamurthy as its representative.
Sixteen water bodies are linked with the temple.

By airTiruchirappalli Airport, about 100 km.

By trainKumbakonam Junction or Needamangalam. Check local trains.

By roadIn the Kumbakonam–Needamangalam–Mannargudi area, roughly 15–20 km from Kumbakonam. Buses run from Kumbakonam.

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Location is approximate.

Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
Thursday is the day of Guru and is busy.
Check the distance and time in advance if you plan to visit all nine temples in a day.

Sources

Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.