Alangudi Guru Bhagavan Temple, Kumbakonam - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 17 km from Kumbakonam, and 37 km from Thanjavur, Apatsahayeswarar Temple, or Guru Sthalam or Tiru Irum Poolai is a Hindu temple located in the village of Alangudi near Kumbokanam. It is one of the significant places to visit during your Kumbakonam tour packages.

Apatsahayeswarar Temple is dedicated to Shiva, who is worshipped here as Apatsahayeswarar, the one who consumed the poison of Vasuki Nag to protect humanity during samudra manthan.His consort Parvati is depicted as Elavarkuzhali in this temple. Originally built by the Cholas, the current structure dates back to the Nayak period in the 16th century. The temple is revered as Paadal Petra Sthalam by the Nayanmars in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram.

Alangudi Temple is also known for being the holy abode of the planet Jupiter or Brihaspati, Often referred to as the 'Guru Sthalam', this is one of the Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu where Lord Guru is worshipped as Sri Dakshinamurthy. Thousands of devotees visit Alangudi, especially during Jupiter's transit, seeking protection from Guru Bhagavan.

Spanning over two acres, Apatsahayeswarar Temple is surrounded by three holy rivers namely, Cauvery, Kolidam, and Vennaru. The temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram surrounded by two prakarams. The main deity, Apatsahayesvarar, is in the form of Lingam and is believed to be Swayambulinga. Alangudi Temple is unique for its layout symbolizing the philosophy 'Matha Pitha Guru', with Goddess Parvathi (Matha), Lord Shiva (Pitha), and Lord Dakshinamoorthy (Guru). The temple has 15 Theerthams, including the Chakra Theertham and Amrita Pushkarani.

The Gurupeyarchi festival, the transition of Jupiter from one zodiac to another's constellation, is celebrated here as a big festival. Other festivals like Thai Poosam and Chithhtirai Purnima, Panguni Uthiram and the chariot festival of Lord Dakshinamurthy are all celebrated here with much pomp and devotion.

Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM & 6 PM - 9 PM

Entry: Free