Airavatheeswarar Athimugam

Airavatheeswarar, Athimugam

Saivite Temples, Krishnagiri District

God

Airavatheeswarar, facing east, Suyambulingam (self occuring)

Goddess

Kamatchiamman, facing south

Other Deities

Azhakeswarar, Akilandeswari, Samhara Dakshinamurthy, Ganesha

Airavatheeswarar Athimugam is an ancient large east facing temple. There are two presiding deities and consorts here – the other one is Azhakeswarar and his consort is Akilandeswari. The Lingam of Airavatheeswarar has the carving of an elephant which is unusual. This is also the reason for the name of the place – Hastimugam (Hasti is elephant in sanskrit) which later got degraded to Athimugam. The Nandi is seen on a side away from the Airavatheeswarar to allow the rays of sunshine to fall on the lord during the months of January and February. There is a large and ancient snake mound here.

Holy Water – Indra Theertham

Holy Tree – No information

History

Airavatheeswarar Athimugam is easily more than several hundred years old. The temple was is in ruins during our visit in 2012.

Legend

Indra on his White Elephant (Airavata) killed Demon Vruddhasura who was harassing the Devas. To overcome the curse (Brahmahathi Dosha) caused by murder, he was advised by a divine voice to install and worship a Shiva Lingam here at Airavatheeswarar Athimugam after which he would be relieved of the sin. Since the elephant Airavata worshiped here the Lord is named Airavatheeswarar. Because of the presence of an ancient Snake mound (Putru), the lord is also called as Puthulingeswara.

Directions

Between Krishnagiri and Hosur is Shoolagiri. Take a right here on the Berigai road and drive for about 5 kilometers to reach Airavatheeswarar Athimugam.

Stay and Food

None locally. Restaurants including Adyar Ananda Bhavan and McDonalds are available near the Shoolagiri Junction in the highway

SaiviteTemples

Tamilnadu Temples