Amriteshwarar Athipakkam

Amriteshwarar, Athipakkam

Saivite Temples, Thiruvannamalai District

God

Amriteshwarar, facing east

Goddess

Amirthasundari, facing south

Other Deities

Sanctum Niches – Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara

Amriteshwarar Athipakkam is a small east-facing temple with a large entrance gate on the south side. There is a small gate at the east but it is not approachable. The temple is situated in a single beautiful prakaram with a large ficus tree behind surrounded by a platform. The Lingam is considered a self-occurring one as it was discovered buried under the tree behind.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Kal Athi (Ficus mollis)

History

Amriteshwarar Athipakkam is an old temple as is evident from the details in an inscription found here. This inscription mentions land donations made by Kulasekhara Sambuvarayar (14th Century CE) in Athipakkam Village for the maintenance of the temple. It also mentions the arrangements made to conduct a festival called ‘Cheyyaru Vendran Thirunal’ in the Amriteshwarar Athipakkam temple. The temple is said to have been buried in the earth and the lingam was discovered by one Mr.T.V.Bhoopala Krishnan who lives nearby. His efforts have borne fruit and the temple has been rebuilt recently with contributions by several well-wishers.

Legend

A disciple of Idaikattu Sidhdhar is believed to have lived here at Amriteshwarar Athipakkam and the lingam was installed over his grave.

Directions

Amriteshwarar Athipakkam is about 20 kilometers northwest of Tindivanam off the road going towards Vandavasi via Thellar.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest for food would be Tindivanam or Vandavasi.

Saivite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples