Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple, Kumbakonam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple

At a distance of 17 Km from Kumbakonam, and 37 Km from Thanjavur, Apatsahayeswarar Temple, or Guru Sthalam or Tiru Irum Poolai is a Hindu temple located in the village of Alangudi near Kumbokanam. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu, and among the most significant places to visit during your Kumbakonam tour. The temple is also known for being the home of Devguru Brihaspati or the planet Jupiter. The temple is revered as Paadal Petra Sthalam by the Nayanmars in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram. This temple is also one of the five Pancha Aranya Sthalams, often referred to as Poolai vanam, which translates to a forest of Silk Cotton trees.

History of Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple

The exact date of the temple's establishment cannot be determined from historical records or documents. It is thought that the original temple complex was constructed by the Chola dynasty, whereas the current masonry structure was erected by the Nayaks of Thanjavur in the 16th century. Today, the temple is managed and overseen by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu Government.

Mythology of Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple

The Apatsahayeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered here as Apatsahayeswarar, the deity who consumed the poison of Vasuki to safeguard humanity during the churning of the ocean. According to mythology, the gods and demons collaborated to churn the cosmic ocean in search of the elixir of immortality, known as Amrutha. During this process, the serpent king Vasuki released deadly toxic fumes (Alam). In response to the crisis, the gods and demons turned to Lord Shiva, who selflessly consumed the poison, thereby protecting the three realms from its harmful effects. The location where Shiva drank the poison became known as Alangudi, a name derived from 'Alam' (poison) and 'Kudi' (to drink). Lord Shiva is honored as 'Apatsahayeswarar,' meaning the rescuer, for his role in shielding the three worlds from the poison's danger.

Architecture of Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple

Covering an area of over two acres, the Apatsahayeswarar Temple is encircled by three sacred rivers: the Cauvery, Kolidam, and Vennaru. The temple features a five-tiered rajagopuram and is flanked by two prakarams. The principal deity, Apatsahayeswarar, is represented in the form of a Lingam and is regarded as Swayambu linga. His consort, Parvati, is portrayed as Elavarkuzhali within this temple. The Alangudi Temple is distinctive for its design, which embodies the philosophy of 'Matha Pitha Guru', representing Goddess Parvathi (Matha), Lord Shiva (Pitha), and Lord Dakshinamoorthy (Guru). The temple is home to 15 Theerthams, including the Chakra Theertham and Amrita Pushkarani.

This temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu and features the image of Guru (Jupiter). In the Abathsahayeswarar Temple of Alangudi, Lord Shiva is revered as the master of supreme knowledge, Guru Bhagwan. The term Guru means teacher, and this aspect of Shiva is viewed as the instructor of music, wisdom, yoga, and textual knowledge, among other disciplines. In this regard, the temple is considered the residence of the Guru graha Brihaspati, or Jupiter, who is acknowledged as the Guru of the deities.

Devotees visit this sacred site to pay homage to the all-knowing deity, seeking blessings for education, longevity, prosperity, and courage in life. A customary practice involves offering yellow garments and yellow lentils to Guru Bhagavan. Additionally, devotees light 24 ghee lamps and perform pradakshina around the Shiva shrine 24 times. Thursdays, known as the days of Guru, tend to attract large crowds.

Festivals of Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple

The Gurupeyarchi festival, marking the movement of Jupiter from one zodiac sign to another, is a significant celebration at the Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple. Additionally, other festivals such as Thai Poosam, Chithirai Purnima, Panguni Uthiram, and the chariot festival dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy are also observed here with great enthusiasm and reverence.

Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

When planning a visit to the Alangudi Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM

Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 100

Best Time to Visit Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple

The best time to visit Apatsahayeswarar Temple is from October to March, while the peak season is from November to February. The Gurupeyarchi festival, Thai Poosam and Chithirai Purnima offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse oneself in the temple's lively ambiance, drawing thousands of devotees. It is advisable to avoid visiting the temple in the peak summer months from April to June, as temperatures can rise significantly, complicating outdoor activities.

How to Reach Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple

Trichy Airport serves as the closest airport, located approximately 96 kilometers from Alangudi. About 17 Km & 37 Km, the Kumbakonam Railway Station & Thanjavur Railway stations are the nearest major rail heads that offer extensive train connectivity to various cities, including Chennai, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, Pondicherry, Mysore, Mayiladuthurai, Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Bangalore, and Thirunelveli. Additionally, bus services, as well as private taxis are available to Alangudi from Kumbakonam, and Thanjavur.