TIRUVANNAMALAI - ABHIDAKUSUMAMBIGAI TEMPLE

Reckoned as one of the Pancha bhuthasthalas, where Tejolinga is worshipped since time immemorial, this divya kshetra adorned several pages in almost all genres of literature. And in many languages at it. The temple one of the biggest that our Punya Bharat is proud of enjoyed royal patronage munificently. It occupies 25 acres of land and serves a royal banquet to the eyes with its tall gopuras, broad prakaras, vast mahadwaras and sculptural adornments that defy description. There are scores of mini-shrines adorned with several adorable deities like Muruga, Vinayaka, Bhairava to speak a few. The Lord goes by other popular names of Arunagirinathar and Annamaliar. Worship is made to an imposing black linga called Tejo linga. The sports he played and miracles demonstrated fill several volumes that could overflow big racks set apart for religious literature.

To the left of Annamalinathar's shrine lies the Mother's shrine which is equally huge in dimensions and rich and superb in sculptural embellishments. Vastness in every thing greets the eyes and lifts the souls of the visitors. The Mother's icon about 3 feet in height is made of black granite. The rustling silk dress and dazzling jewels together with colourful garlands heighten the mesmerizing charms of the Mother and they raise the hands of the visitors in veneration sooner than coming into her sight. Elaborate agamic prayer services are offered along with several festivals celebrated on a grand scale periodically. The word goes that she is extravagant in granting boons and confers mukti instantly, if she is satisfied with unalloyed bhakti. There are many mini-shrines inside her sannidhi, like Navagraha mandapam etc.

This is a rail head on Villupuram-Katpadi southern railway and is accessible by four wheelers from many towns nearby.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]