Alangudi Guru Baghawan Temple

Alangudi Guru Baghawan Temple From Tiruvarur

  • Temple History

Alangudi Temple, also called Kasi Aaranyam and Thiru Erumpoolai, dates back to the Early Chola period. The deity, Lord Aabathsahayeswarar, is self-manifested. The temple was originally built by Amuthokar, a minister to Musukuntha Chola Chakravarthi. After completing the temple, Amuthokar refused to share his merit with the King and was beheaded. The village then echoed with his name, causing the King to repent. He surrendered to Lord Aabathsahayeswarar, who forgave him and relieved him of his sins.

  • Greatness of Temple:

Alangudi Temple, one of the Navagraha Temples, is dedicated to Lord Guru (Jupiter), the deity of knowledge and wisdom. Devotees visit year-round to seek blessings and protection from planetary transitions. Worshippers offer yellow clothes and channa dal as symbols of devotion and a prayer for divine guidance.

  • Temple Specialty

In Alangudi Temple, the deity Lord Aabathsahayeswarar is unique, bearing visible scars of chicken pox, which ties to a historical event. When a Chola King sought to relocate the idol to Thiruvarur, the temple priest cleverly disguised the deity by making it appear as though it had chicken pox, protecting it from the King’s intentions. To this day, the scars can still be seen on the deity’s face, symbolizing Lord Aabathsahayeswarar as the protector of devotees in times of danger. Every two and a half years, the significant transit of Lord Guru (Jupiter) from one zodiac sign to another is observed in this temple. Other major festivals celebrated include Purnima (Full Moon Day) in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April–May), Thai Poosam in January–February, and Panguni Uthiram in March–April. During these occasions, grand car festivals take place, with the deity being taken in procession around the temple and its surrounding streets.

  • Travel
  • Alangudi is very near to the temple town Kumbakonam which is at a distance of 14 kms and 40 kms from Tanjore.
  • The nearest railway station is at Mayiladuthurai. You can prefer to travel by road from either Tanjore or Kumbakonam railheads.
  • The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli. From there, you can reach the temple in less than three and a half hours.