ஆபத்சகாயேஸ்வரர் கோயில் (ஆலங்குடி)Apatsahayeswarar Temple, Alangudi

Sthala Mahātmyam

Apatsahayeswarar Temple at Alangudi, in the Valangaiman taluk of Tiruvarur district, is the Navagraha temple of Brihaspati (Guru, Jupiter), preceptor of the gods and the most benefic of the nine planets. Also known as Tiru Irumpoolai, the shrine's name Apatsahayeswarar means 'the Lord who helps in times of distress,' reflecting Jupiter's protective and benevolent nature. Shiva is worshipped as Apatsahayeswarar, represented by the lingam, with his consort Parvati as Elavarkuzhali. Unusually, Guru is venerated here in the form of Dakshinamurthy — Shiva as the supreme south-facing teacher — which makes the temple especially significant for prayers relating to Jupiter, wisdom, education, marriage and prosperity. The temple's greatest occasion is the Guru Peyarchi festival, marking the day Jupiter transits from one zodiac sign to another, when vast crowds gather for worship. Other festivals observed here include Vinayaka Chaturthi, Aadi Pooram, Navaratri, Skanda Sashti, Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Thaipusam, Maasi Magam, Panguni Uttiram and Vaikasi Visakam.