Athanur Divya Desam

Aandalakkum Aiyan is seen in a handsome Anantha Sayanam posture with a wooden measuring bowl, a writing pad made of leaf and a pen

Located about 10kms from Kumbakonam off Swami Malai on the Thiru Vaikavur Road are two ancient Divya Desams next to each other – Pullam Bhoothangudi that dates back to Ramayana - Jatayu Moksham episode and Thiru Athanur that is said to pre-date Srirangam Ranganatha temple and one that finds a reference in the Brahmanda Purana.

Thirumangai Azhvaar's Trip to Athanur

The story goes that Thirumangai Azhvar was short on materials and funds to complete the construction of the big walls at the Srirangam temple. He was directed to Thiru Athanur for help. Once here, he found a business man coming towards him with an empty Marakkal (a measuring bowl) in his hand.

When asked why he was carrying an empty measuring bowl with him, the business man answered that he was a messenger of Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam and that he would get what he wanted if he held the empty bowl in his hand and recited thrice the name of his favourite Lord.

Thirumangai Azhvaar agreed and asked for wages for all those working here. The business man laid a condition. For all those who worked sincerely here, the sand would turn to Gold. For those who were lazy and insincere, the sand would remain as is.

To Thirumangai Azhvaar's shock, a majority of the sand that was measured with the empty bowl remained sand and did not turn to gold. Wondering who this person was, he gave him a chase (as the man had begun to leave). After a long chase, he found in front of him his very Lord providing him darshan with the Marakkal.

Lord Aandalakkum Aiyan is seen in an Anantha Sayanam posture with Marakkal on his right side, a writing pad made of leaf on his left and with a writing pen. Along side him are Brighu Rishi, Agni (Lord of Fire) and Kamadhenu

Brighu Rishi and Athanur Temple

Brighu Rishi, who made a trip to Vaikuntam, was given a flower garland by Goddess Lakshmi.Taking this to the abode of Indra, he handed it to him, who gave this to his elephant Iravathan.

Much to the Rishi’s ire, he found that the elephant crushed the garland under his feet. An angry rishi cursed Indra to lose all his wealth. Repenting for his unreasonable act and seeking liberation from the Rishi’s curse, Indra undertook penance at Aadanur. Indra was liberated from the curse when Goddess Lakshmi, who was born here as Bhargavi, Brighu Rishi’s daughter, married Lord Vishnu and provided darshan to him.

Brighu Rishi is believed to have installed the idol.

Another story goes that Shiva, who had Brahmahathi Dosham, looked up to Agni to liberate him from the curse. However, he only managed to pass on this Dosham to Agni too who then undertook penance here and invoked the blessing of Vishnu to get liberated from this.

Kamadhenu’s penance- Special position inside the sanctum

Seeking presence in Vaikuntam, Kamadhenu undertook penance here at Aadhanur. Hence, one finds the idols of Kamadhenu and daughter Nandini at this Divya Desam.

Thirumangai Azhvaar’s Paasuram
In the Periya Thirumadal, Thirumangai Azhvaar refers to the Lord of Thiru Moozhikalam along side Aandalukku Aiyan.

என்னை மனம்கவர்ந்த ஈசனை , வானவர்தம்
முன்னவனை மூழிகளது விளக்கினை
அன்னவனை ஆதனூர் ஆண்டாளுக்கு ஐயனை …

Special Pillars
Thiru Athanur is one of the only two divya desams (the other being Srirangam) where one finds the special Thirumana Pillar on either side of the Lord inside the sanctum.

Ahobila Mutt

The temple is under the administration of Ahobila Mutt.

Festivals
10 day Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi
3 day Pavitrotsavam in Avani
Aadi Pooram- Andal Perumal Procession
Aadi and Thai Friday- Ranganayaki Thaayar procession

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Aandalakkum Aiyan East Facing Anantha Sayanam
Thayar     : Kamalasini (Ranganayaki/Bhargavi) Thaayar
Utsavar : Ranganatha (Azhagiya Manavalan)
Azhvaar : Thiru Mangai Azhvaar (1Paasuram)

The temple is open from 730am-1230pm and 530pm-830pm. Contact Seshadri Bhattachar @ 0435-2455165 / Mei Kavalar @ 96592 38838

Address :Adhanur Divya Desam
Via Pullabhoothangudi , Papanasam Taluk 612 301

How to reach Adhanur
Auto from Sarangapani Koil and back to Kumbakonam will cost Rs.400/-. Buses ply every half hour from Kumbakonam and Swami Malai to Thiruvaikavur.