Navagraha
5. Apatsahayesvarar Temple
History
It is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the village of Alangudi of Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, which was built by the Chola Kings. Shiva is worshipped as Apathsahyesvarar. And Mata Parvati is worshipped here as Elavarkuzhali. It is believed that Lord Shiva after consuming the HalaHalaVisham stayed at this place for some time. The main deity is praised in the 7th century Tamil work Tevaramand classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is a famous stalam of Lord Guru Bhagawan.
Significance
Alangudi is the holy temple of Jupiter and a divine place where one could worship Jupiter (Lord Guru BrahaspatiBhagawan). This sacred shrine of Jupiter is renowned for its tri-glories, i.e. Moorthy (The Presiding Deity), sthalam (Place of divinity) and theertham (The Holy Water). Lakhs of people throng his place, particularly on the day of Jupiter’s transit to the next sign to solicit Jupiter’s protection from afflictions. Lord Jupiter’s benign look (Drishti) can shower a lot of blessings from him. He is Deva guru. He is also known as Brihaspathi, due to his excellence in education and fine arts, possessing supreme intelligence.