Sri Anandavalli - Sri Agastheeswarar temple is located at Nagakudi near Thiruvarur. The temple, which was worshipped by Rishi Agasthya, is currently in a highly dilapidated state with vegetation grown all over. It is very heart wrenching to see the collapsed structures of Rajagopuram and Sannidhis.
The locals say that once this region was occupied by snakes and they used to worship the Lord here. They also mention that this temple was frequented by many devotees until few decades back. Gradually with less devotees praying, the temple started getting dilapidated. From the Rajagopuram to the shrines, the entire temple was built with brick blocks. In the past, this area under Nagapattinam district was ruled by the Nagas. Hence, the town came to be known as Nagakudi. When Rishi Agasthya came to the south, he is said to have installed this Shivalinga here and worshipped it. Hence, the Lord here is known as Sri Agastheeswarar. It is also said that Mahalakshmi worshipped the Lord here and received a boon. Therefore, there is a separate shrine for Mahalakshmi in this temple.
The fact that the temple was built with brick blocks reveals that the temple may have been built about 2,000 years ago. It is believed that by worshipping the Lord here on Pradosham, one gets relieved from consequences of snake bites and other severe diseases.
All temples take months or even years to build and they are the reflections of our identity and culture. Hence, we should protect them at all costs. This temple is located on Thiruvarur-Mayiladuthurai Road near Kangalancheri.
Credits: V. Ramachandran
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