Pancheshti

Pancheshti Agatheeswarar

Sri Agatheeswarar Temple

Sri Agatheeswarar temple is in Panchaseshti or Panchetti as locally called is a small village around 30kms north of Chennai beyond Redhills. Lord Shiva here called as Agatheeswarar is seen here with His consort Anandavalli Thayar

Anandavalli	Agatheeswarar

The history of the temple dates back to more than 1000 years. The legend behind the temple goes like this - Once the three sages Vasishtar,Gauthamar and Kalvar were looking for a place to do their penance. They went to Brahma and requested him to show them such a place. Brahma then made a wheel made of dharba grass and rolled it. It rolled and rested in a place and Brahma indicated that particular place is good for them to perform their penanace. The place indicated by Brahma is beleived to be this Pancheshti

Panch meaning five and ishti means Yagna. As per legends, there was a 'Yatchan' (demon king) called Sukethu, who was cursed by Lord Subramanya to be born as an Asura, for showing his arrogance towards Shiva and Parvathy. Sukethu later married an Asura woman and gave birth to three boys. These boys who came to know about the curse of the father, did a penance towards Goddess Parvathi and became powerful. They then started teasing the devas with their strength. Devas then went and complained to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva directed Sage Agastiyar to teach a lesson to Sukethu. Meanwhile Sukethu after losing a battle with three asuras went and hid under the sea. Sukethu's sons went in search of his father deep into the sea thus destroying the sea lives and creating a lot of commotion. Sage Agastiyar to curb the mischievous sons of Sukethu, drank all the sea thus trapping the three sons and Sukethu in his stomach. The earth became dry and Devas pleaded to restore the sea. Sage Agastya restored the sea by spitting the sea back in its place.He also spat some remaining water in his mouth in Pancheshti and the pond here in the temple is known as 'Agasthya Theertham'.

Sukethu and his sons pleaded to Sage Agasthya to pardon them and releive them of their curse. To get him relieved of the curse, Sage Agasthiyar performed about 5 yagnas called Deva Yaagam, Brahma Yaagam, Bhootha Yaagam, Pithur Yaagam and Manusha Yaagam here. Hence this place got its name Pancha Ishti which later became as Pancheshti and now colloquially called Panchetti.

Inside the temple

The temple though not very big, it is beautifully constructed with a five tier Rajagopuram. This was built during Vijayanagar empire by the Chandragiri clan.

The main deity Agatheeswarar is in Linga form is a Swayambhu (self evolved), which was said to be in existence even before Sage Agasthiyar visited here. As Agasthiyar worshipped here, the Lord here is called as Sri Agatheeswarar. Moolavar Agatheeswarar is seen facing the east.

The Goddess here is ambal Sri Anandhavalli, who is seen in standing posture facing south. She is made of 'Margatham stone' (Emerald) and is three eyed and considered powerful. She has her left foot forward depicting that she is the destroyer of evil 'Chathru Samhaari' . It is beleived that worshipping her eliminates all the evil forces and hurdles in devotees' life.

Sage Agasthiyar had installed a Maha Yantra in front of the Goddess to pacify her anger. Abishekams are performed to this Yantra on Tuesdays and Fridays and also poojas performed during Rahu Kaalams.

Mahavishnu,Brahma,Shiva

Subramanya on his Peacock

Though the main deity is Shiva more importance is given to Ambaal Anandavalli. The sculptures in the Raaja Gopuram face the Ambaal. The Navagrahas sculpted on the other side face towards Ambaal. Lord Saneeshwara is seen with Eagle as his Vahanaa instead of crow.

Ganapathy	Beautifully carved pillar

The walls of Raja Gopuram of this temple, carries numerous sculptures which are beautifully carved.The entire walls of Raja Gopuram, have sculptures connected to incidents from all the four Yugas (Kretha yugam,Thretha yugam,Dwapara yugam and Kali yugam).There are also many sculptures about Vaishnavite Gods and puranas indicating the saiva Vaishnava equality.

Beleifs and special rituals

As per Hindu beleif, any temple facing the South is called Parihaara Sthalam,(remedies your problems and woes). Performing annadhaanam (feeding the poor) here is considered most auspicious and believed that it will give back the lost possessions,positions and will help attain salvation. Lighting the ghee lamp here removes sins.

Temple Festivals

Pradosham,Pournami (full moon),Sivarathiri,Pankuni Uthram,Vaikasi Visakam and Mahasivarathiri in the Krishna Paksha every year on the month of Masi or Phalguna are very auspiciously celeberated.

Temple location It is located 30 kms north of Chennai off Kolkatta highways past Redhills and Karanodai.

Temple Timings The temple is open from 7:00 AM till 12 noon and from 4:00 pm till 8:30 pm

How to reach? The nearest airport is Chennai. Buses, taxis are available to reach this place from Red Hills. Frequent buses from Redhills are 112, 112A, 112B, 131, 131A, 131B, 132, 133M, 90, 58C,58S,58L,58V. The nearest Railhead is Ponneri

Where to Stay?There are no lodging facility available here. You have to stay in Chennai

Contact Kandan Gurukkal 9962570445 or the temple office 93823 16493
E-Mail ID : agatheeswarartemple.panchetti@gmail.com

Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Chennai
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: Tamil,Telugu
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very sultry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 22-28°C
Altitude: Sea level