Sri Akshayapureeswarar Temple

Overview

The Akshayapureeswarar temple at Vilankulam in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and an art of the work achieved by Cholas in Tamil architecture Built in 1335 AD to 1365 AD by Parakrama Pandyan in Vilankulam, it turned 700 years old.

About the Temple

A first rectangular surrounding wall marks the outer boundary. The main temple is in the center of the spacious quadrangle composed of a sanctuary, a Nandi, a pillared hall and an assembly hall (mandapas), and many sub-shrines. The most important part of the temple is the inner mandapa which is surrounded by massive walls that are divided into levels by sharply cut sculptures and pilasters providing deep bays and recesses. Each side of the sanctuary has a bay emphasizing the principle cult icons. The Karuvarai, a Tamil word meaning the interior of the sanctum sanctorum, is the inner most sanctum and focus of the temple where an image of the primary deity, Shiva, resides. Inside is a huge stone linga. The word Karuvarai means "womb chamber" from Tamil word karu for foetus. Only priests are allowed to enter this inner-most chamber. Sri Akshayapureeswarar Temple is one of the Abhimana Kshetram of Lord Shiva.

About The Deity

The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called Sri Akshayapureeswarar. His consort is known as Goddess Sri Abivruddha Nayaki.

Legend and Stories

The place is closely associated with Planet Saturn. His son, Yama the God of Death hit Him on His leg and was lamed. Saturn began a pilgrimage to all Shiva temples for remedy. When He came here, he fell down struck by the roots of Vila tree. It was a Saturday (Sani’s own day) combined with Poosam star and Akshaya Thrithiya indicating prosperity. As He fell, the spring Poosa Gnanavavi, hidden till then, rose with force and took Him up. Lord Akshaya Pureeswara granted darshan to Him and blessed Sani with wedding. His leg became straight.
Combined with the names of Vila tree and the Gnanavari spring, the place came to be known as Vilankulam. Kulam-spring. A Siddha, Poosa Marungar by name, living in Saneeswara Loka (world), used to spill the Sanivari theertha on the springs of Shiva temples. Saneeswara has importance in such temples. The Siddha has a rare power of visiting the world of Sun and the world of the Pithrus (departed ancestors) and is the Guru of the crows. It is believed that the Siddha is visiting the temple for worship daily.

Festivals

Mahasivarathri in February-March, Tirukarthikai in November-December and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Thanks Giving

Poosam starrers are advised to perform abishek to Sani Bhagwan (planet Saturn) with eight objects as oil, panchamirtham, punugu a cosmetic paste, green coconut, milk, curd etc. They also have to circumambulate the shrine eight times.

Significance

Besides those belonging to Poosam star praying for removal of planetary afflictions, those handicapped and those suffering from leg pain and those facing obstacles in wedding proposals throng the temple for remedy. If Poosam Nakshatra people visit this temple during Saturdays along with poosam star day and Akshaya Tritiya and offering Abhishekam to Sani Bhagawan all their sorrows will disperse in air.

Nearby Place To Visit

Andalakkum Aiyan Temple
Padikasu Nathar Temple
Gajendra Varadhan Temple
Hara Shaba Vimochana Perumal Temple
Appakudathan Temple
Adhivaraha Perumal Temple

Accessibility

The temple is 2 km from Vilankulam Vilakku. Vilankulam can also be reached from Pudukkottai via Peravoorani. The closest railway station is in Peravoorani, and airport is in Trichy.

Temple Address

Sri Akshaya Pureeswarar Temple,
Vilankulam
Peravurani Taluk,
Thanjavur District
Pincode – 614 612.