Mother Sundaranayaki is also praised as 'Kadal Partha Nayaki' meaning that the Goddess is facing the sea. The temple is praised in the hymns of Saint Tirugnanasambandar. It is believed that Siddhas are praying in this temple invisibly.
Rudra
Sri Abhayavaradeeswarar Temple, Athirampattinam – 614 701,
Pattukkottai Taluk, Thanjavur district.
Phone: +91 99440 82313,94435 86451
The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Harassed and driven by the demons, the Devas surrendered to Lord Shiva in Tiruvadhirai zone. This is one of the zones where Lord Shiva walks in during Pradosha days (13th day either from new moon or full moon) and on Tiruvadhirai star days. During His stay in this zone, Lord would not let down His devotees. Hence, He is praised as Abhaya Varada Easwarar – protecting those surrendering to Him.
Great Rishis Bhairava and Raivada had worshipped the Lord in this temple. Raivadha means the light emanating from the three eyes of Lord Shiva. The Rishi was born by the power of this light on a Tiruvadhirai day.
This is the temple for the worship of those afflicted with the adverse aspects of planets Rahu and Ketu –the dragon's tail and head and those belonging to Tiruvadhirai nakshtra. The land has the power of Trinetra – the three eyes of Lord Shiva gracing in the temple as Abhaya Varadeeswara. Mother Sundaranayaki is also called Kadal Partha Nayaki meaning She is facing the sea. The temple is adopted in the Thevaram hymns of Sundarar and Gnanasambandar. Next to Tirukadayur for relief from fear of death and longevity, this is the second temple devotees pray. Special rituals as Mrutyanja Homa and Ayush Homa for longevity are performed in this temple.
The marriage of Tiruvadirai girls stalled by any dosha would be settled to the satisfaction of both sides if prayer is submitted to the Lord in this temple. King Adhiveerarama Pandian belonging to Tiruvadhirai was a devotee of Lord Abhaya Varadeeswarar and carried out many renovations in the temple. In early days, the place was known as Tiru Adhirai Pattinam (after the name of the star), changed as Adhi Veera Raman Pattinam (after the name of the king) and came to stay now as Athirampattinam.