Appa Paithiyam Swamy Temple, Gorimedu, Puducherry

Appa Paithiyam Swamy Temple, Gorimedu, Puducherry

Appa Paithiyam Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Siddhar Appa Paithiyam Swamy located at Gorimedu in Puducherry Town in Union Territory of Puducherry. Those who could not visit main Appa Paithiyam Samy Temple in Salem district, can visit this temple to get his blessing at Pondicherry (near Police Ground-Gorimedu). Former Chief Minister of Pondicherry, Mr. Rangasamy is said to have met him and have become his ardent devotee. The Temple is situated very close to JIPMER Hospital.

History

Appa Paithiyam Swamy was born in the Zamin family of Karur Fort in the year 1859. In his 16^th year, he is said to have left home and gone to Palani. While he was roaming around the hills of Palani, he is said to have met his Gnana Guru, Sri Azhukku Swamigal of Vettaikaaran Pudhur. Together they travelled the length and breadth of India. After Azhukku Swamigal attained Samadhi at Pollachi, Sri Appa Paithiyam Swamigal moved to several places like Tiruvannamalai, Thindivanam, Cuddalore, Pondicherry and finally to Salem where he attained Samadhi in the year 2000 when he was 141 years old.

He is called as Appa Paithiyam. Since he was like a father to those who had faith in him, he was lovingly called Appa by his devotees. He often referred to himself as Paithiyam (mad man), and hence came to be known as Appa Paithiyam Swamy. He was also called Beedi Saamiyar, as he was often seen smoking Beedi. Several people who knew and worshipped him during his lifetime used to take the beedi stubs as prasad and keep it in their homes. People also place lemons on the feet of the Swamy's statue and drink the juice to obtain childbirth or be cured of ailments.

During his many years at Pondicherry, the Former Chief Minister of Pondicherry, Mr. Rangasamy is said to have met him and have become his ardent devotee. This connection continued even after the Swamy moved to Salem, and even now Mr. Rangasamy frequents the Samadhi as and when he requires divine guidance from his Guru. This has prompted several people who aspire for a career in politics to visit this temple and seek guidance from this Siddhar.

Throughout his life, Appa Paithiyam Swamy was involved in providing Annadhanam (free meals) to the people who came to him. Even today this system continues and free meals are provided to all those who visit the temple. During his travels, he is said to have repaired and reconstructed several ancient shrines with the support of the local people. Several people suffering from chronic ailments have come here and have been cured with his blessings.

Poojas & Festivals

There is a special pooja on every Saturday 12.00 Noon at this Temple. The birthday of Swamy (28^th day of the Tamil month of Chithirai) and his Guru Pooja on day of Ashwini in the Tamil month of Thai are grandly celebrated here.

Connectivity

The Temple is situated very close to Police Ground and JIPMER Hospital. The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Gorimedu Bus Stop / JIPMER Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 5 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 144 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated on Pondicherry Bus Stand to JIPMER (Gorimedu) Bus Route. Devotee can get down at JIPMER (Gorimedu) Bus Stop. The Temple is located at a walkable distance from this Bus Stop. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this temple from any part of Puducherry. People coming from Chennai via Thindivanam Bypass can get down at JIPMER (Gorimedu) Bus Stop instead of going to Pondicherry Bus Stand. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Location