Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple

Guru/Jupiter

Alangudi, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu

Folktale & Sacred Story

A local legend tells of a devout minister named Amuthokar in the court of King Masukuntha Chakravarti. Envious of the minister's piety, the king demanded that Amuthokar transfer his accumulated merits to him; when Amuthokar refused, the enraged king had him beheaded. Tradition holds that the very ground of Alangudi echoed with Amuthokar's name afterward, testifying to his innocence and devotion. Realizing his error, the king is said to have repented and built the temple to seek Lord Shiva's forgiveness.

Most Revered Practice

As a Guru Sthalam, Alangudi draws its largest crowds on Thursdays, the day sacred to Brihaspati/Guru, and especially during Guru Peyarchi (Jupiter's transit into a new zodiac sign), when devotees throng the temple in yellow attire and offer chickpeas seeking the planet's blessing and relief from its afflictions.

Prasadam & Offerings

Prasadam details not independently verified — confirm locally.

Temple Speciality

Alangudi is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu's Cauvery-delta pilgrim circuit, the one dedicated to Guru (Jupiter), enshrined here as a subsidiary form, Dakshinamurthy, within an ancient Shiva temple. The temple carries a five-tier rajagopuram and is revered in the 7th-century Tevaram hymns of the Nayanmar saint Tirugnana Sambandar, making it a classified Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Why Pilgrims Visit

Devotees, especially those affected by unfavourable Jupiter placements in their horoscope, visit Alangudi to perform Guru pariharam (astrological remedies) for wisdom, career growth, marriage prospects and prosperity. It is a convenient stop on the popular Navagraha temple circuit near Kumbakonam.

History & Legend

Part of the Navagraha circuit representing Jupiter, an ancient Shiva temple where Guru is enshrined as a subsidiary deity within the larger complex.

Divine Significance

Traditionally visited by devotees seeking wisdom, prosperity and favourable Guru (Jupiter) influence in their horoscope.

Darshan Timings

The temple is generally open on Thursdays from around 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 4:00 PM to about 8:45-9:00 PM, with six daily ritual timings on other days between roughly 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli (~70 km). Nearest railway station: Kumbakonam, then short drive.

Where To Stay

Hotels in nearby Kumbakonam town.

Local Food Nearby

Alangudi itself is a small temple village with little more than basic tea/snack stalls, so most pilgrims travel the short distance to Kumbakonam, which has a full range of vegetarian South Indian restaurants.

Contact & Official Info

Contact Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department.

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (10.83, 79.41028)