Agastheeswarar Temple, Thondavada, Tirupati – The Temple

Agastheeswarar Temple, Thondavada, Tirupati – The Temple

The Temple is situated at the confluence of three rivers Swarnamukhi, Bhima and Kalyani. The Temple is east facing with three tiered Rajagopuram. The temple has three entrances and a grand compound wall. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeswarar. Presiding Deity is housed in the form of Lingam in the sanctum. It is believed that sage Agasthya installed this Lingam. Hence, he came to be called as Agastheeswarar.

The Dwarapalakas at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum are beautifully sculptured. They stand tall to add grandeur to the hall. Mother is called as Maragathavalli / Vallimata. She is housed in a separate shrine in the second prakaram. Unlike other temples, here Goddess Maragathavalli appears to the left-hand side of sanctum, resembling the sitting posture of a Bride and a Bride groom in a marriage as per the Hindu religious practice. This could be visualized in most ancient temples only.

Instead of Navagrahas, the Saptamatrikas were installed here. They are Koumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Brahmi, Mahendri, Maheshwari and Chamundi. The same blessings are available to those who worship the Saptamatrikas instead of Navagrahas. If one visits this temple could realize the sanctity of the ancient temple. This temple has an inscription engraved on its wall. It is dated in the 31st year of Kulothunga Chola, but this is not a foundation inscription. This inscription may be helpful at best in setting the latter limit i.e. 1100-01 AD for its foundation.

There is a tank outside the compound for the convenience of visiting pilgrims. The nearby village was named Thondavada by the kings of Chandragiri, as it was the place used as a rest house for visitors and keeping elephants also. Also, a small shrine of Lord Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya has been built in recent times near the tank.

Here, in this shrine, are the footprints of Lord Vishnu (or so it is believed), and also an interesting sculpture – with Lord Vishnu in the front and Lord Shiva behind. Just opposite to the temple and in the middle of the river, there is a beautiful mandapam. Idols of Balaji, Ayyappa and Ganapati can be found in this Mandapam.