Asthrapureeswarar Anoor

Asthrapureeswarar, Anoor

Saivite Temples, Thirukazhukundram Taluk

God

Asthrapureeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Soundaravalli, facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, Naagar, Dakshinamurthy, Durga

Asthrapureeswarar Anoor is an old east facing temple which is being renovated (2018). The temple’s old and dilapidated gateway is to be pulled down and a new Rajagopuram is coming up. Asthrapureeswarar Anoor has a single Prakaram housing all the shrines. The compound wall has fallen down mostly and a new wall is planned. The stone Dwajasthambam in the east has carvings of Vinayaka, Muruga on two sides. The temple has an Arthamantapa and Mukha Mantapa which are also being renovated. The renovation is being spearheaded by Reach Foundation and is being done with Lime and Mortar following traditional practices. Stone inscriptions are found around the sanctum sanctorum outer walls. Many of the idols here were stolen, we were told. There is a temple tank in the east opposite the gateway.

Holy Water (Theertham) ā€“ Temple Pond

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) ā€“ No information

History

Asthrapureeswarar Anoor was originally built by Pallava King Vijaya Kamba Varman (Nandivarman III?, 7th Century CE) and father of Aparajitha Varman, the last ruler of the Pallava Dynasty. After the Pallavas, Asthrapureeswarar Anoor received the patronage and support of Chola, Nayak, and Vijayanagara Kings. An inscription on the lintel over the entrance mentions that during Kulottunga Chola Iā€™s reign, there was a sale of land by the village assembly of Adiyur (ancient name for Aanur) for a perpetual lamp and for offerings at the temple. The Inscriptions also indicate that the Asthrapureeswarar Anoor temple received patronage from Paranthaka Chola, Raja Raja Chola, Kulottunga Chola I, and Raja Raja III. There are inscriptions on the sanctum wall belonging to the 6th to 7th Century CE Pallavas, 9th Century CE Cholas, and 16th Century CE Vijayanagara periods. One of the inscriptions of the Rajaraja Chola period mentions the contributions of musical instruments and the playing of the same here at Asthrapureeswarar Anoor.

Legend

Arjuna of Mahabaratha is believed to have received the Pasupatha Asthra from the lord here at Asthrapureeswarar Anoor and hence his name.

Directions

Asthrapureeswarar Anoor is about 15 kilometers south-west of Thirukazhukundram and about 13 kilometers from Chingleput via Pon Vilaindha Kalathoor.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Chingleput and Thirukazhukundram for food.

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