Nidhiswarar Annamputhur

Saivite Temples, Villupuram District

God

Nidhiswarar, facing east

Goddess

Kanagathiripurasundari, facing south

Other Deities

Lakshmiganapathi, Sivagurunadar, Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Muruga with consorts, Brahma, Navagraha, Kala Bhairava, Dhanoakarshana Bhairava

Nidhiswarar Annamputhur is a small east facing temple. This ancient temple was completely dilapidated and buried. It has has been recently renovated by locals and people from outside and looks beautiful and well maintained. The priest and his family live in the nearby house. Lord Muruga here is Kalyana Subramania.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Nidhiswarar Annamputhur belongs to the Pallava period. The Shivalingam was jutting out of the mud for some time and locals wisely informed the Archaeological Survey of India. Excavations and study revealed the destroyed old temple and stone inscriptions which mention the contribution of land to burn the Nanda Lamp here by Rajaraja Chola. An ancient Vinayaka Idol revealed the Pallava background and the old collapsed foundation made of bricks and style of construction confirmed the temple’s origin. In the nearby Selliamman temple are found Pallava period idols of seven women, maybe part of Sapthamadar. The inscriptions also mention the name of the lord as Nidhiswarar.

Legend

Kubera, the god of 8 wealths (Padmanidhi, Mahapadmanidhi, Mahanidhi, Kachabanidhi, Mukundanidhi, Kundhanidhi, Neelanidhi, Sanganidhi) is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva here and hence the name of the lord is Nidhiswarar. Brahma who was cursed by Lord Shiva to become a Swan (Annam) came here to worship and get relief from the curse and hence the village is called Annam Puthur. Brahma’s idol has been installed in the nearby ancient Selliamman Temple.

Directions

While going from Chennai take a left in the middle of Tindivinam Bypass at the junction to the Kiliyanoor road. Drive for about 2 kilometers and take a right. Drive for another 3 kilometers to reach Nidhiswarar Annamputhur. Refer map for exact location.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest for food is Tindivanam and the hotels on the highway.

Saivite Temples

Nidhiswarar, Annamputhur