Alangudi is a beautiful village located in the Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu. It is approximately 17 km away from the main city of Kumbakonam. It is one of the 9 Navagraha sthalas or places in Tamil Nadu.
Alangudi is famous for Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple dedicated to the planet Jupiter (or Lord Brihaspati or Guru).The visitors can reach the temple by bus or taxi from Kumbakonam.
History Of Alangudi
Lord Shiva is the presiding idol of the Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple who is known as Abathsahayeswarar in this holy place. Goddess Parvati is named as Elavarkuzali or Umai Ammai here.
Once upon a time, the Asuras and Devas tried to churn the heavenly ocean famous as “Parkadal”. They employed the celestial snake named “Vasuki” as the cord and a mount named “Mandara” as a rod to get hold of the celestial potion.
The snake spat out toxic poison (Ala Visham) which was gulped down by Lord Shiva to protect the world. Therefore, Lord Shiva is affectionately called “Abathsahayeswarar” which means “rescuer” who devoured the poison and protected the earth, and the place became famous as “Alangudi”.
Apart from worshipping Lord Shiva, people from far and near throng Alangudi to offer worship to Brihaspati or Lord Guru (the planet Jupiter) to get rid of malefic planetary effects and also each year during the transit of Guru, to appease the deity to be showered with auspiciousness and to ward off misfortune.
Nearby Temples – Tourist Places In And Around Alangudi
The other 8 Navagraha Sthalas, Thirunallar (for Saturn or Lord Shani), Kanjanoor (for Venus or Lord Sukra), Suryanar Koil (Sun or Lord Surya), Thiruvenkadu (Mercury or Lord Buddhan), Thirunageswaram (Lord Rahu), Thingalur (for Moon or Lord Chandran), Keezhperumpallam (Lord Kethu), are located in close proximity to Alangudi (which is one among the nine Navagraha Sthalas dedicated to Jupiter or Lord Guru).
How To Reach Alangudi
Kumbakonam is the main railway station located around 18 km away from Alangudi. Pilgrims can reach Alangudi by bus or taxi from Kumbakonam.
Alangudi Weather
The climate is on the warmer side in Alangudi.