Amirthakadeswarar Temple Sakkottai | 7th CE Padal Petra Temple
The Amirthakadeswarar Temple, also known as the Amirthakalasanatha Swamy Temple, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Sakkottai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, a collection of temples revered by the Saivite saints of the 7th-10th centuries. The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and is constructed in the Dravidian architectural style surrounded by a moat.
The sanctum sanctorum of the Amirthakadeswarar Temple houses the image of Amirthakadeswarar, a form of Shiva. The image is in the standing posture and is made of granite. The goddess Parvati is also worshipped in the temple, in the form of Amirtha Valli.
The temple has a number of other shrines dedicated to other deities, including Ganesha, Murugan, Vishnu, and Lakshmi. Amirthakadeswarar Temple also has a number of mandapas, including the Kalyana Mandapam, which is used for weddings.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination and is visited by devotees from all over the world. The temple is also a major tourist attraction.
Amirthakadeswarar Temple is celebrated a number of festivals throughout the year. The most important festival is the Mahaamaham festival, which is celebrated once in 12 years. During this festival, the images of the deities from the Saptasthalam temples are brought to the Mahaamaham tank in Kumbakonam for a holy dip.
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Contents
Legend of Amirthakadeswarar Temple Sakkottai:
The story begins with Lord Shiva, the supreme god of Hinduism. Shiva was once married to the beautiful goddess Parvati. However, their marriage was not always happy. Shiva was often away on his ascetic duties, and Parvati felt lonely and neglected.
One day, Parvati decided to test Shiva’s love for her. She disguised herself as a common woman and approached Shiva, begging for alms. Shiva, not recognizing his wife, gave her a handful of coins. However, Parvati refused to take the coins, saying that she only wanted a place to stay for the night.
Shiva, moved by Parvati’s compassion, took her to Amirthakadeswarar Temple in Sakkottai. He offered her a room to stay in and promised to provide for her needs. Parvati spent the night in the temple, and during the night, she revealed her true identity to Shiva.
Shiva was overjoyed to see his wife again. He embraced her and promised never to leave her side again. The two gods lived happily ever after in Sakkottai, and the temple became a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over India.
The Amirthakadeswarar Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the 108 sacred Shiva temples in India. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and its serene atmosphere.
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Places to visit near Amirthakadeswarar Temple Sakkottai:
Dharasuram Temple: Famous 12th-century Hindu temple featuring Dravidian architecture, ornate carvings & inscriptions. It has a 4.8 star rating on Google Maps.
Nageswaran Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the heart of Kumbakonam and has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps.
Sarangapani Temple: A Hindu temple complex dedicated to Vishnu with ornate, colorful carvings & festivals. It has a 4.7 star rating on Google Maps.
Kumbakonam Temples: A group of Hindu temples located in Kumbakonam. It has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps.
Shri Brahma Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. It is one of the most important temples in Kumbakonam. It has a 4.6 star rating on Google Maps.
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How to reach Amirthakadeswarar Temple Sakkottai:
By Road:
- Private Vehicle or Taxi:
- The most convenient way is to hire a taxi or drive a private vehicle. You can use navigation apps like Google Maps to find the best route based on real-time traffic conditions.
- Bus:
- Public buses may also connect Kumbakonam to Sakkottai. You can inquire at the Kumbakonam bus station about the available bus services and their schedules.
By Train:
- Sakkottai may not have its own railway station. The nearest major railway station is likely to be Kumbakonam itself. From there, you would need to arrange for local transportation to reach Sakkottai.
By Air:
- The nearest airport is likely to be Tiruchirapalli International Airport (IATA: TRZ), which is approximately 90 kilometers from Kumbakonam. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other local transportation to reach Kumbakonam and then proceed to Sakkottai.
