the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

Though it is no match to the grand old Chola temples in size, the style of construction with the gaja-brashta-vimana - resembling the shape of an elephant's behind - and the stone inscription in the temple point to the fact that the temple belongs to 12 AD. The temple is managed by a hereditary trustee who hails from the family of the Vellala Mudaliyar by whose efforts it was constructed.

The shrine is said to have been visited by sage Agastya. Traditionally, it is said that all the shrines visited by the sage are known as Agastheeswaram and hence the Lord is known by the name Agastheeswarar. Another important feature of the temple is the shrine for Sani that it houses. The Sani shrine of Pozhichchalur is considered to be next to Thirunallar. And it is due to this reason that the temple tank is known as Nallar Tank. The temple management conducts Laksharchana on the occasion of Sani Peyarchi. It is a common sight to see hundreds of devotees going in circumambulation around the shrine of Sani on Saturdays and lighting lamps with gingili oil (oil extracted from sesame seed).
Apart from the above shrines, the shrine for Durga is one of the most preferred destinations for devotees who perform rahu-kala puja on Fridays and Sundays. Pozhichchalur is also known for its Rahu - Kethu shrine, which is also housed in the Agastheeswarar temple complex.

The important festivals celebrated here are Arudhra Dharshan, Maha Shivarathiri, Annabishekam, Karthigai Deepam, Sani Payirchi, Guru Payirchi, Pradhosham, Chadurthi & Purnami. It is believed that if we worship the Lord here on Pradhosham, Saturday or Thursday at Dhyana stage, we will get all good thing in our life.