Orathur Agasteeswarar Temple

Originally Ooraththur, now diluted as Orathur, is a village near Padappai. It has a beautiful Chola-era Gajaprshtha temple named Agasteeswara. This article is written with the intention of promoting this unknown ancient temple.

The east-facing temple was built probably during the later Chola period. Later, it was renovated and extended during the Vijayanagara rule.

The inscription of Achyuta Deva Raya dated 1529 CE (A.R.E. 256 of 1910), which records a gift of a hamlet to the temple, mentions that Ooraththur was part of Sengattu kottam alias Irandayira veliparru in Jayankonda Chola mandalam. The deity is referred to as Tiruvagatteeswaramudaiya Tambiran.

The current structure of the temple with all its sub-shrines and mandapas, belong to the early 19th century CE. As per a Telugu inscription dated 1813 CE found on a slab (A.R.E. 257 of 1910), Avanigaddala Pattabhiramudu, a wealthy person, rebuilt and expanded the temple. The stone images were also made by him. 

The presiding deity, Agasteeswara Shiva Lingam, is big in size. It is about five feet high. As per the legend, it is one of 108 Shiva Lingas installed in the Tondai region by the sage Agastya.

The locations of sub-shrines are unusual. Ganesha's shrine is situated in the southeast instead of his usual southwest corner. He is named Manakkula Vinayaka.

Instead, the presiding Goddess Kamakshi's shrine is located in southwest corner. She is found in the standing posture and she has four arms. A four-pillared Oonjal mandapa is found in front of her shrine. 

Subramanya, with his two consorts, is found in the shrine right behind the main shrine. 

On the northwest corner, Kasi Viswanatha and Visalakshi are enshrined. This Linga is literally tiny in size. 

Bhairava, Chandikeswara and Navagrahas are too found in the temple.

The old Nandi's sculpture is placed before Kasi Vishwanatha. The one that is found in front of the main shrine is installed in the recent past. Nandi faces the entrance and not Shiva, which is unusual.

Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Devas.

Bhairava, Chandikeswara and Navagrahas are too found in the temple.

The old Nandi's sculpture is place before Kasi Vishwanatha. The one that is found infront of the main shrine is installed in the recent past. 

Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Devas.

There is a tunnel on the northeast corner, which is reportedly connected to Vallakottai Murugan temple.

The Maha mandapa has pillars studded with interesting sculptures.

As the narrow prakara is congested with many shrines, we get significantly less space to view and appreciate the beauty of Gajaprshtha (apsidal) vimana, the typical style of Pallavas/Cholas.

A big and beautiful lotus tank adjoins the temple complex.

Happy travelling.