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Agasthiyar Munivar Temple
- Papanasam,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Agasthiyar Munivar Temple is located very close to Agasthiyar Falls at Papanasam in Thirunelveli, Tamilnadu. The temple is situated above the waterfalls; attached to the rocky walls of the mountain. An idol of Saint Agasthiyar Munivar is installed here. This is the place where Agasthiyar Munivar had meditated, during the wedding of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi, to balance the world on the south. Later, Lord Shiva appeared to him and blessed him.
Sage Agasthiyar is also known as Kurumuni. His contributions towards Nadi Jodhidam and Siddha are immense. There are seven great recognized Sages and they are known as Saptharishis. Sage Agasthiyar is one among them.
About The Temple
This is a small Temple dedicated to Agasthiyar at the top of the waterfalls. One has to trek to that place from Agasthiyar Falls or Papanasam Falls. Whenever the water level and flow is high the officials close the trek to this place. The statues of Agastya and his wife Lopamudra installed on a rock near the stream look very attractive. It is believed that he is said to have meditated in this place during the time of wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This temple was washed away during the 1980s flood and only the base of the temple remains now. It is situated near Kalyani Theertham.
Legend and Stories
The celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on the northern side. Hence all the people reached the northern side to see that auspicious ceremony. Since all of them reached the north the southern side raised. To balance this Lord Shiva asked Sage Agasthiyar to move towards South. As directed by the Lord, Sage Agasthiyar reached southern side and the world got balanced. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gave darshan to the sage at this place and a temple had been constructed here for the Sage Agasthiyar. Devotees take bath at the falls and worship this lord. They believed that their sins will then be absolved.
How To Reach Agasthiyar Munivar Temple, Papanasam
Airport
The Nearest Airports are at Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.
Railways
The Nearest Railway Station is at Ambasamudram Railway Station.
Road
The Temple is located at about 4 kms from Papanasam on the hilly terrain near Agasthiyar falls. One can reach the Agasthiyar falls and temple by trekking a distance of 3 Kms. Papanasam is around 52 Kms from Thirunelveli, 16 Kms from Ambasamudram, 34 Kms from Tenkasi, 215 Kms from Madurai and 140 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram.
Temple Address
Agasthiyar Munivar Temple,
Agasthiyar Falls, Papanasam, Karayar-Papanasam Road,
Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, Pincode – 627425.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Positive thinking
Shlokas
Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha
Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.
Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi
Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.
Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam
Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).
Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te
Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.
Timings
The temple is open from 6 A.M to 9 P.M