- January 23, 2026
| Shiva Temple Name | Arulmigu Namapureeswarar Temple, Alangudi |
|---|---|
| Presiding Deity (Moolavar) | Namapureeswarar |
| Goddess | Aram Valartha Nayaki (Dharmasamvardhini) |
| Town | Alangudi |
| District | Pudukkottai |
Thennādudaiya Sivanē Pōtri
Ennāttavarkkum Iraivā Pōtri
Located in the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu, Arulmigu Namapureeswarar Temple with Goddess Dharmasamvardhini is a unique and powerful Shaiva shrine. Similar to the famous Guru Sthalam Alangudi in Thiruvarur district, this temple is revered as the “Second Guru Sthalam.” As the sacred Nama (tilak mark) is present on the forehead of Nandi, the presiding deity here is worshipped as Namapureeswarar.
This temple is very ancient. When Manikkavachagar traveled from Thiruvathavur to Avudaiyarkoil, he worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess at this sacred place on his way. It is believed that, as a mark of this event, a Dakshinamurthy shrine was established here.
The Nandi here is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu (Mal Vidai). Since Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of Nandi, the sacred Nama can still be seen on Nandi’s forehead even today.
The temple faces east, with Lord Namapureeswarar blessing devotees in the form of a Shiva Lingam. Goddess Aram Valartha Nayaki resides in a separate shrine.
The Medha Dakshinamurthy found here is very special. Generally, Dakshinamurthy is depicted with four sages beneath Him, but in this temple, He appears with only two sages, seated on Rishabha Vahana (the bull).
The Navagraha arrangement in this temple is also unique. Unlike other temples where both the Sun and Moon are present, only the Sun (Surya) is found here. To the right of Surya stands Kala Bhairava, and to the left is Surya’s son Lord Shani, appearing in child form as Bala Saneeswarar.
🌞 Surya Pooja
Every year from Margazhi 25 to Thai 10, between 6:30 AM and 6:45 AM, the rays of the Sun fall directly on the main deity, performing a natural Surya Pooja.
🟢 Budhan Pradosham
While Shani Pradosham is widely observed elsewhere, Budhan (Mercury) Pradosham is considered very special at this temple. Since Budhan is the lord of education, worship on this day is believed to greatly benefit students and learners.
🟡 Second Guru Sthalam
The chickpeas (kondai kadalai) offered to Guru Bhagavan are distributed from this temple across Tamil Nadu, which is considered an additional glory of this sacred place.
If a child is believed to suffer from health issues or longevity-related doshas based on horoscope calculations, parents follow a unique ritual of symbolically offering the child to the Lord.
The parents hand over the child to the priest, who places the child at the feet of the main deity and then returns the child to a close relative (maternal uncle or grandfather). It is believed that during the child’s marriage, the parents must return to the temple and offer coconut saplings to formally reclaim the child from the Lord.
Maha Shivaratri, Budhan Pradosham, Shani Pradosham. Guru Peyarchi (Jupiter Transit), Shani Peyarchi (Saturn Transit).
Morning: 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The temple remains open for devotees during these hours.
Alangudi is located about 20 km from Pudukkottai. While traveling on the Pudukkottai – Rameswaram Road, get down at Vadakadumukam Bus Stop, from where the temple is very close by.
Arulmigu Namapureeswarar Temple,
Alangudi, Pudukkottai District – 622301
📞 Contact Number: +91 99767 92377
