Agasteeswarar Pennalur

Agasteeswarar, Pennalur

Sriperumbudur Saivite Temples

God

Agasteeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Akilandeswari, facing south

Other Deities

Under installation

Agasteeswarar Pennalur is an ancient temple which has completely dilapidated and restoration work has commenced. The Vimaanam and the Sanctum Sanctorum are in an advanced stage of restoration. The temple faces east and approaches at present are from west and north as there is no compound wall. The original entrance Gateway or maybe the Gopuram is completely collapsed and is in the South. The sanctum sanctorum is approached through a Maha Mantapa, Mukha Mantapa, and Ardha Mantapa. The Sanctum niches which are empty at present (2019) have beautifully carved images on top – Sage Agastya worshiping Shiva, Gajalakshmi, Brahma worshiping Shiva, Narasimha, and Durga. There are some excellent carvings on the pillars, where the fine beads of garlands are visible, steps with carvings and the ceilings.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Agasteeswarar Pennalur is an ancient temple and the main deity has been referred to as Agasteeswaramudayar. There are plenty of stone inscriptions on the southern and eastern walls of the Sanctum Sanctorum and Mantapam.

Legend

Agasteeswarar Pennalur is connected to the legend of Sage Agastya who is believed to have installed several Lingams in South India during his presence here to offset the imbalance created on earth due to the huge congregation of celestials, gods, and others during the wedding of Lord Shiva in the north at Mount Kailash.

Directions

Agasteeswarar Pennalur is 7 kilometers north east of Sriperumbudur in the Chennai Road. It can be reached by taking the right after the large electricity sub station and driving around it. It comes before the Motor Race Track at Irungattukottai.

Stay and Food

None locally. Sriperumbudur is the closest for food and stay.

Saivite Temples

Kancheepuram Temples

Tamilnadu Temples