Alangudi Guru Koil

8/10/2019 Alangudi Guru Koil

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Alangudi Guru Koil

Lord Guru Bagawan is the only Navagraham to bless us all with only

good things Suba Graham. Financial improvements, money flow,

prosperity, marriage, children are all controlled by Him. The

beautiful old temple at Alangudi near Kumbakonam and Mannargudi

in Tamil Nadu is very famous as a perfect Guru Parihara Sthalam.Temple information

The word 'Guru' is of Sanskrit in origin: 'Gu' means

'darkness' and 'Ru' means 'dispeller' thus arriving at the meaning as the dispeller of darkness. Lord Guru is one

of the important Planets in Jyotish Shastra and gives the people financial gains, family unity, marriage

opportunities and children. In a persons birth chart i.e. Jathagam or Kundli, if Lord Guru is placed in an

excellent positions they will lead a very peaceful and prosperous life, if not they would suffer all along their life.

Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar temple at Alangudi is famous as a Parihara Sthalam for Lord Guru Bagawan or

Lord Dakshinamurthy, one of the "Navagrahas" and is referred to the planet Jupiter as per Jyotish Shastra.Kasi Aranyam, Thiru Erumpoolai, Jananatha Saruppedimangalam and Alangudi are the names by which this

holy place is known.

The great Divine poet, Thirugnana Sambandar has described this temple as beautiful place filled with beautiful

flowers. Alangudi is also known as 'Thirumana Mangalam' as Goddess Parvati after a sincere penance sought

the hand of the Lord Shiva in marriage in Alangudi.

Another significance of the temple is attributed to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as 'Kalangaamal kaatha

Vinayagar' (the Lord who was steadfast in saving the devotees) for having killed the vicious 'Gajamuhasura'


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who was a great threat to the Devas. Lord Shiva is fondly hailed as 'Aaabathsagayeswara', meaning 'saviour'

for having consumed the poison (Aalakala Visham) and the place came to be known as 'Alangudi'.

Temple Festivals

The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai i.e. April may. The temple also

celebrates the important festivals like Thai Poosam, Aadi Puram, Navaratri, Skanda Sashti, Karthikai Deepam,

Arudra Darisanam and Panguni Uththiram.

Worship of the Lord during Gurupeyarchi (Transit of the planet 'Guru' every year) and festivals associated with

Gurupeyarchi like Grand Abhishekam, Laksharchanai are celebrated in a grand manner. Millions of people

throng the temple in these periods.

There is special Puja on the day of Masi Maham, (i.e. the day of the star makha, in the solar month of

Aquaris between 12 February and 14 March), (Masi Mah Guruvara dharshan (i.e.) The Month of Masi 3rd

Thursday).

Regular worship on Thursdays, 1008 Conch(Sangu) Abisheka festival, Chitra Poornima and the Car festival are

the important events celebrated with the view to gain the blessings of Lord Dakshinamurthy, in this temple

every year.

Location

Alangudi is a small town in the Cauvery delta

region, situated in the Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu, around 17 km south of Kumbakonam, on the way to

Mannargudi, and 7 km north of Needamangalam. Kumbakonam is the nearest major town to reach Alangudi.

There are many buses plying from Kumbakonam to Mannargudi which stops at Alangudi town. The temple is

just half a Kilometer from the bus stand. There are also plenty of taxis available from Kumbakonam which can

be hired for half a day.


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The temple was built by Amuthohar, Minister of

the King Musukundachakravarthy who ruled Thiruvarur. The Minister was asked to share with the King the

Punniya he earned by being a Lord Shivas devotee. He refused to do so and was beheaded. The King got rid

of the "dosha" he thus got by worshipping Abath Sahayeswara Swamy at Alangudi.

The name of the Goddess Parvathy in this temple is Yelavarkuzhali. The temple has separate shrine for

goddess Sri Yelavarkuzhali.There are small separate shrines for Lord Bhrameesar, Gurumoksheswarar, Kasi

Viswanathar and Kasi Visalakshi, Saptarishi nathar, Somanathar, Someswarar, Surya, and Vishnunathar in this

temple.

Lord Guru or Lord Dhakshina Moorthy

Devotees can have dharshan of Lord Guru or Lord Dhakshina Moorthy, located at the southern

circumambulatory path (prakaram) of the Sanctum Santorum of Sri Abath Sahayeswarar. Lord Guru, the divine

teacher for the Devas, is held in high esteem in the temple. Lord Guru Bagawan is mounted on his vehicle, the

Elephant. His consorts are Goddess Thara and Goddess Sangini. His gemstone is yellow sapphire; metal gold;

flower mullai; grain channa dhal; color of the robe yellow.

He is found seated under the canopy of stony banyan tree (kal -alamaram). Lord Dakshinamurthy is regarded

as destroyer of ignorance. The Lord demonstrates this by resting His right leg on an Asura called Muyalagan

(the monster is a symbol of ignorance).

He also enlightens His devotees with Gnana Mudra and symbolically preaching wisdom, yoga and music to His

disciples called the Sanakathi sages. They are seated at the Lord's feet and performing penance. TheAbhaya Mudra shows Lord's grace over His devotees. The snake (being used as rosary) held at the hand

indicates the Tantric knowledge. The fire at the other hand used to illuminate world and to drive away

darkness.

Specialty


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There are about 15 Theerthams (water bodies) in and

around the temple. Alangudi is surrounded by three holy rivers. They are Cauvery, Kollidam and Vennaru.

Among the three Theerthams the Amrita Pushkarani encircling the temple is very famous. Chakra Theertham is

in front of the temple. It is said that this Theertham, was created by Maha Vishnus Chakra (Disc).

Dark Colored Poolai (Botanical Name: Aerva lanata - Amaranthaceae)a Shrub is the Sthala Viruksham( the tree

associated with the temple ). The Lord and the Goddess of this temple have been worshiped by Lord Brahma,

Goddess Lakshmi, Garudan, Veerabhadrar and Sundarar on various occasions as per the Sthala Puranam of

this temple.

Sage Sukha, Rishi Viswamithra, Sage Agastya, Adisankara and several other saints and sages have worshipped

at this shrine. This temple is the Parivara Sthalam for Madhyarjuna Mahalinga Peruman. This is the fourth

amongst the Panchavarunya Sthalams. The five temples which collectively make the Pancha Aranya Sthalams

are Thirukkarugavur, Alangudi, Avalivanallur, Haridwaramangalam and Thirukollambudhoor.

The divine Saint Poets Contribution

It is one among the 274 "Padal Petra Sthalams" in Chola Nadu. Appar, Sundarar and Thirugnana Sambandar,

the three important Nayanmars have sung in praise of the Lord Shiva of Alangudi. Thirugnana Sambandar hassung many great hymns in praise of the Lord here and is the 98th temple among the 127 temples located on

the southern bank of Cauvery.

A special feature is that Lord Guru or Brihaspati (or Brahmanaspati) is engraved on the wall and is not in the

form of separate idol, reunited with Shiva. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya and Sage Agastya had

worshipped Lord Guru at Tiruvirumpoolai Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Alangudi.


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Guru Pariharam

According to Vedic Hindu astrology Lord Guru

(Jupiter) is also called as Brihaspathi and Devaguru. Guru is considered as the most benefic planet. Guru rules

the moon signs Dhanusu rasi (Sagittarius) and Meena rasi(Pisces). He is exalted or powerful at Kataka

rasi (Cancer) and debilitated or powerless at Makara Rasi (Capricorn). Guru is the lord of fortune. Guru is

the watery (kapa) planet. He rules the north east direction.

The persons whose Birth star sign is Punarvasu Nakshatra , Visakam and Poorattathy which all are Lord Gurus

Stars should visit Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar temple - Alangudi in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or at least

once in an year.

Every person should consult a good astrologer with their birth chart or Janma kundli to know about the

position of Lord Guru as per astrology. If Lord Guru or planet Jupiter is placed in a good place in the Jathagam,

He blesses them with good financial flow, healthy physique, affectionate wife and children, excellent education

and prosperous carrier.

On the other hand if the placement of Lord Guru is not good in the Jathagam as per Jyotish Shastra, He may

delay the person getting good education, finding a perfect fianc, selecting a good carrier and lead a peaceful

less life with lot of financial up and downs.

Often youngsters are affected due to the bad placements of Lord Guru in the course of education and later for

getting married. This is because Lord Guru is the major influencing plane t in a persons prosperous life. He is

the main contributor of favorable aspects as per astrology.

How to offer prayers

Alangudi is the most popular 'Parihara Sthalam' (Temple for remedies) for getting the blessings of Guru

Bhagavan for malefic effects of the planet Guru or Jupiter and other Jupiter related issues in one's horoscope.


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Worshipping Guru and Lord Siva at this temple can cure one from physical illness and yield children, good

education, courage and longevity of life.

The worship of Dakshinamurthy in this shrine would confer longevity, progeny, fame and wealth on the

worshipper. As per Jyotish Shastra, Lord Gurus aspect is very important as it clears all the malefic effects of all

other planets. Thursday is auspicious for Lord Guru.

Devotees should stay in the temple or premises for one day or at least one Lagnam i.e. two and half hours togain the blessings of Lord Guru. It is better to visit this Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatras of the Lord

Guru i.e. visit the temple on Punarvasu Nakshatra , Visakam and Poorattathy.

Students in order to excel in education can offer konda kadalai to Lord Guru. It is preferable to make on your

own instead of buying from a shop. The pea must be soaked in water at least for 5 hours and then with a

needle and thread add one by one as a garland chanting Omh! Sri Guruvey Namaha! One hundred and eight

peas can be preferable.

New Moon Day (Ammavasai), Full Moon Day (Pournami), Days falling on stars like Punarpoosam, Visagam and

Pooratathi and at the time of Guru Horai is very auspicious for Sri Guru Bagawan. Offering prayers on these

days are more special.

The simple way of worshipping in this temple is to light 24 lamps with ghee and circumambulate the temple 24times. Donating yellow colored Clothes (Dhotis or towels of yellow color) and chick peas (Channa dhal) is

believed to bring happiness to his devotees.

Simple Procedure inside the temple to be followed:

First Lord Vinayaka is to be worshipped as a prelude to any

deitys worship, in the small shrine in the entrance of the temple.

Pray Lord Dwaja Ganapathy, whose small idol is in the

Dhwajasthanbam (the flag mast).

Go near the Karuvarai (Sanctum Sanctorum) and do prayers and

Archana to Lord Shiva called as Lord Abathsagayeswarar in this

temple (the main deity). After the Archana make a round clockwise and come to Lord

Dhakshina Moorthys shrine on the South prakaram. Offer yellow

colored clothes like Dhotis and towels, garlands with Mullai

Flower with other Archana items like coconut, agarbathi and

camphor to the preist and pray to Lord Guru Dakshinamurthy.

Then make a further clockwise rotation and pray other Gods and

the deities Somaskanda, Karthikeya, Mahalakshmi, Durga,

Chandikeshwara, Navagrahas and Festival Idol Lord Gurumurthy,

who are in the prakaras.

Then, Lord Sani and Goddess Elavarkuzhali Ammai (Consort of

the Main Deity) have to be worshipped.

Finally, prostration before the flagmast facing your head

towards North side is to be done, with our body touching the

ground.

Devotees can make Pradhakshinams (going around the

Karuvarai) for 11 times around the Karuvarai chanting the Moola

Mantras of Lord Guru.


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Lord Gurus gayathri Mantram:

Ohm! Vrishaba Dhwajaya Vithnahe Kruni Hasthaya Dheemahi

Thanno Guru: Prachodhayath!

Lord Gurus Dhyana Mantram:

Dhevanamsa Risheenamsa Gurum Kanchana SannibamVandhaneeyam Thrilokanaam Tham Namami Brahaspathim!

Temple Stories

Once in a Vedic period all Devas lost their powers

due to curse from a saint. They went and prayed the three gods Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. As

per their advices they started to churn the Great Milky Ocean called Thirupparkadal.

They used the snake called Vasuki as the rope and the Mount called Mantara malai as the mast or spindle.

LordVishnu took His Avatar in the form of tortoise Koorma Avatar and mounted himself as the bearing at the

bottom most. As the Devas were not able to rotate the mast they joined with the Asuras as partners.

The churning stared vigorously for days and days. Because of heavy pressure the snake could not tolerate the

pain and stared to emit its poison. The poison started to get accumulated all over the surface and everybody

fainted.

Lord Shiva came to the rescue and swallowed the poison himself. The poison is ca lled as Ala Kala Visham.

The temple at Lord Guru Alangudi Navagraha Temple is the place this incident happened thus giving rise to the

name Alangudi to this Sthalam and the Lord was known as "Aabathsagayeshwarar" (One who defends from

the danger).

Sundaramurthy Nayanar and Alangudi temple:


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Collecting Ala Kala Visham the poison: Sundarar was born as Nambi Arurar to Sadaiyanar and Isaignani in

Thirunavalur village. The ruler of the local kingdom (Thirumunaipadi-Nadu), Narasingamunaiarayar, adopted

him and brought up as his own son.

Sundarar was widely known as "Halala Sundarar". Asuras and Dhevas wanted to have the holy Amritam the

nectar that would make one live long avoiding death. The Amrita was in the milky ocean and required churning

the huge ocean to get out the nectar.They came together to collectively churn the big ocean. They churned the milk ocean with Mandhara Mountain

as the stem and serpent Vasuki as the rope. In the process, due to the pain serpent Vasuki emitted the poison

Ala Kala Visham (meaning destructive). Lord Shiva sent Sundarar to collect the Poison which emerged from the

Ocean. Lord Shiva as Boatman:

Once Sundarar was on the way to the Alangudi Apath sakayeswarar temple in quest of seeing the God and

worshipping Him with his great Poems. When he was just near the village there was heavy flow of water in the

river called Vettaru, a branch of river Cauvery, and 3 km away from Alangudi, which was in between to reach

this place. Nobody was there in the vicinity and Sundarar prayed for a solution to Lord Shiva.

Lord Siva as a ferryman (boatman) helped Sundaramurthy Swamigal to cross the river Vettaru. The boat

capsized hitting a rock, on the way. Lord Siva seated on his Rishaba Vahana helped him reach the sthalam

safely.

Sundarar received his Gnana Upadesam after his darshanam of Dakshinamurthy in this Lord Guru Alangudi

Navagraha Temple. Thiru Gnanasambandar has sung in praise of the Lord here and is the 98th temple among

the 127 temples located on the southern bank of Cauvery. It is one among the 274 "Padal Petra Sthalams" in

Chola Dynasty. The Chicken Pox to and idol:

Once upon a time, a Chola Raja who ruled over Thiruvarur was fascinated by the idol of Sundaramurthy

Nayanar in the Lord Guru Alangudi Navagraha Temple. He desired to have it installed at Thiruvarur for

worship. On learning this, temple priest at Alangudi become panic stricken.

He disguised the idol as a child affected with chicken-pox, hid it inside a swing and brought it back safely to

Alangudi. The traces of Chicken-pox can still be seen on this image.

Guru Peyarchi


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Lord Guru moves his position in the zodiac almost

every year. If he comes to 1st, 3rd, 4th, sixth, eighth, tenth and twelfth positions from ones birth Rasi, it is

said that the person might have lot of sufferings. There is a poem in Jyotish Shastra that explains the Lord

Gurus Transit effects as below:

When Planet Jupiter (counting from ones birth rashi) comes to:

1st place: Lord Rama was in the Forest and Goddess Seetha was abducted by Asura King Ravana.

3rd place: Asura King Ravana lost his battle with Lord Rama and all his warriors died in the war.

4th place; The King Yudhishtra of Mahabaratha went to forest leaving his country with his wife and brothers.

6th place: Sathya Mamuny, a great saint was ordered to be prisoned for none of his mistakes.

8th Place: The Monkey King Vali lost his country and disappeared in the forest.

10th place: Lord Shiva begged for food with a Thiruvodu(skull) in His hand.

12th place: Ravana died in the war.

Dasa and Bukthi periods of Lord Guru:

Dasa and Bukthi periods for people are calculated as per the birth star of a person. Planet Guru rules for 16

years in a life time. The stars Punarvasu , Visakam and Poorattathy are the Lord Gurus star. People born in

these stars start their life with Guru Maha dasa as per Vimshothri dasa calculations.

In every Dasa certain period is allotted for Lord Gurus ruling. For example in Shukra Dasa, two years eight

months are allotted after Rahu Bukthi and is called Guru Bukthi. All the devotees having the Lord Guru dasa

and Bukthi and when this planets co0me to above said unfavorable places on transit should visit Lord Guru

Alangudi Navagraha Temple without fail to avoid sufferings.


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The young children who perform poor in exams and bachelors whose marriage proposals are getting delayed

should visit this temple to gain the blessings of Lord Guru. Also this temple is very good for couples who have

delays or troubles in becoming parents for blessing from Lord Guru is a must for giving birth to children.

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Alangudi Guru Koil