Aayeeswarar Temple, Thondamanatham, Puducherry

Aayeeswarar Temple, Thondamanatham, Puducherry

Aayeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thondamanatham Village in Villianur Commune in Union Territory of Puducherry, India. Presiding Deity is called as Aayeeswarar and Mother is called as Akhilandeshwari. This Temple is believed to be one of the oldest Temples in Thondamanatham Area.

Legends

As per Hindu Mythology, Chandra married Daksha's 27 daughters (i.e. 27 stars). Maham star felt that Aayilya star was very close with Chandran. Hence, Maham star placed a curse on Aayilya star. Aayilya star lost her beauty and strength and became very weak due to the curse. To overcome the curse, she was advised to come to this place and worship Lord Shiva here. She created a pond and worshipped Lord Shiva here. She regained her beauty and strength by the grace of Lord Shiva. Hence, Lord Shiva of this Temple came to be called as Aayilya Eswarar. Later got corrupted to Aayeeswarar.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Aayeeswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of big Lingam. Lord Shiva is Swayambhu Moorthy (Self-manifested). Only, the Lingam in the temple seems to be from ancient period, rest all the other idols are of recent origin. Mother is called as Akhilandeshwari. She is housed in a separate south shrine. There are shrines and idols of Vinayaga, Murugan and Chandikeswarar in the temple premises. Theertham associated with this Temple is Aayilya Theertham.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Pathukkannu Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Osudu Lake, 14 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 15 Kms from Puducherry Airport, 145 Kms from Chennai Airport and 166 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated on Pondicherry Bus Stand to Vazhudavur Bus Route.

Devotees can get down at Pathukannu Bus Stop. The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Pathukkannu Bus Stop. PRTC Bus 18 A and 12 A is plying between Pondicherry Bus Stand to Thirukanur and Pathukannu will stop at Pathukannu Bus Stop. All the other private buses running in this route also stops here. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this Temple from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Location