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 Guru Bhagawan, or Brahaspati as He is also known, is reverently worshipped in the Hindu religion. He is the Lord of the rasis Dhanusu and Meenam. His 'vahanam' or vehicle is the elephant, and His consorts are Thara and Sangini. A shrine exclusively for him can be seen at Alangudi, which is located about 17 kms from Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity in this temple is Aranyeswarar, a unique form of Lord Siva. The lingam here is believed to be a 'swayambhu lingam'. His Consort, Umai Ammai, is also seen.
There is a separate shrine for Dakshinamoorthi in this temple, dedicated to the worship of Guru. The origins of the temple can be traced as follows. It is believed that Lord Siva, disguised as a boat-man, once helped Sundaramoorthy Nayanar to cross the river Vettaru in order to reach this temple. Nayanar received his 'gnana upadesam' in this temple, in front of Dakshinamoorthi's shrine. Hence, prayers offered in this temple result in longevity, good health and education. The temple is also known by the name of 'Thirumana Mangalam', for it is believed that Goddess Parvati observed severe penance to marry Lord Siva, and finally married Him here. Brahma, Lakshmi, Garuda, Veerabhadrar and Sundarar are believed to have worshipped the Lord here.
 There is yet another story behind the origin of this temple. Lord Siva swallowed the poisonous vapours ('Alahaala visham') emitted
during the churning of the 'paarkadal'. Hence, the name of the place came to be known as 'Alangudi', and Lord Siva, by yet another name 'Abathsahayar'. There are other Guru-sthalams in Tamil Nadu, like the ones in Tiruchendur and Thanjavur, but Alangudi is considered to be the most popular.
In order to
ward off the ill-effects of Guru, devotees may wear the stone pushparaagam or topaz. Offering of 'Chana' (konda kadalai) is also considered beneficial, especially on Thursdays. The temple is open from 0530 to 2000 hrs.
Published on
17th June, 2003
S.Sowmya
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