27. AANOOR

ASTHRAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 12kms from Chengulpet and 11kms from Thirukkazhukundram

Shiva: Asthrapureeswarar

Amman: Sowndaryanayaki

Speciality:

The old name for Aanoor is Anniyur, Aadhiyur and Sathya Chadhurvedhi Mangalam.

We come to know that this temple existed in the 3rd Century from the inscriptions found to the west of the temple.

Kootruvanayanaar one of the Nayanmars was born in Ponvilaindha Kalathur a village next to Aanoor. He as worshipped this temple.

Poet Pugazhendhi also lived here. 

Arjunan got the Pasupadha Asthram from lord Shiva here. Hence the name of the Shiva is Asthrapureeswarar.

The hills nearby are known as Asthra Hills.

This temple was built by Vijaya Kamba Varma Pallavan in the 7th Century AD. His son Aparajitha Varman was defeated by Aadhithya Chola the first. This marked the end of the Pallava regime and the beginning of the Chola regime. This temple was patronised by Parantaka Chola, Rajaraja Chola, Kulothunga Chola and Nayakers of the Vijayanagara period. 

Rare musical instruments like Padagam, Karadi Kai, Thimilai, Kalam and Sekandi were played during the rituals and festivals of the temple. These instruments belong to the Chola period. We come to know about this from the inscriptions of Rajaraja Chola in the temple. 

The Moolavar Asthrapureeswarar faces east and Amman Sowndaryanayaki faces south. 

The left leg of the Amman is placed a little before the right leg depicting she is ready to help her devotees who worship her. 

Both the Shiva and Amman can be worshipped at the same time from the Arthamandapam. 

Inscriptions have recorded the name of Shiva as Vamban Kaattu Mahadevar.

The Pallavas have contributed to this temple. The Pallava inscription of the year 893AD marks this.

The inscriptions of the 7th and 8th Century Pallavas, the 9th century Cholas and the 16th century Vijayanagaras are seen on the same wall as they were rearranged by the last renovation of the Vijayanagara period. 

Epigraphy evidence says that during Kulothunga Chola-I reign a sale of land occurred at Aadhiyur (the old name of Aanoor) for the offerings at the temple. The Cholas have contributed Vast lands to collect money from the Vegetation from the land for the maintenance of the temple.

The front portion of the temple had been extended by the Vijayanagaras and they had also generously contributed to this temple. This can be found from the inscriptions. 

We can see the sculpture of the Vijayanagara Ruler in the pillar.

History: