Agastheeswarar, Melathanyam
God
Aagstheeswarar, facing east
Goddess
Thayyalnayagi, facing east
Other Deities
Vinayaka, Muruga with consorts, Nandi
Agastheeswarar, Melathanyam is an old temple that has been dilapidated a lot. Renovation work was ongoing during our visit in 2024 and the temple is set to regain some of its old magnificence. The Lingam is a tall and slender one. There is a temple pond on the north east side of the temple. Outside the there is a small stone idol which has the rough form of a Vinayaka and is said to be a swayambu (self occurred).
Holy Water – Temple tank
Holy Tree – No information
History
Agastheeswarar, Melathanyam is an ancient temple and there are several inscriptions found all around the base and walls of the sanctum sanctorum. The details of the inscriptions are not available as of now. However we came to know that a mention of this temple is in one of the inscriptions and the legend of the Tiruvannamalai Shiva Temple.
Legend
Sage Agastya is believed to have installed the lingam here at Agastheeswarar, Melathanyam.
Directions
At Kaikatty Junction on the Trichy Madurai Highway, take a right and drive via Valanadu, Pallakurichi and Oliamangalam to reach Melathanyam. The temple is off the main road.
Food and Stay
None locally. The closest place for food and stay would be Trichy and Pudukottai.