Arangetra Ayyanar or Sastha Temple is located at Tirupattur near Tiruchirappalli in Tamilnadu.
This is said to be the only Ayyanar temple in Tamil Nadu with a rajagopuram (large entrance tower) and is also considered the largest temple dedicated to Ayyanar.
Ayyanar is worshiped as the guardian deity of villages. In many villages, he appears tall with a twisted mustache, holding a sword, often accompanied by a horse or elephant as his vehicle. Ayyanar, also known as Shasta, is revered as a family deity in many places.
Worshiping him is believed to bring the blessings of all deities. Generally, Shasta or Ayyanar temples are small in size, but the Ayyanar temple in the sacred place of Tirupattur stands with grand courtyards and is revered as a significant site. This Ayyanar, known as “Arangetra Ayyanar,” holds a unique scroll called “Jnana Ula” (Knowledge Scroll) in his hand.
Tirupattur is esteemed as a place equal to the divine Kailash due to the presence of the Brahmapureeswarar Temple, where Lord Brahma is said to have meditated upon Lord Shiva. Vyaghrapada and Patanjali, revered sages, are also believed to have worshipped here.
The “Arangetra Ayyanar Temple” is a unique landmark that greets devotees as they enter Tirupattur town. It is the only Ayyanar temple in Tamil Nadu with a rajagopuram and is viewed as the largest shrine dedicated to Ayyanar. Here, Ayyanar sits along with the deities Poorna and Pushkala.
To remove the darkness of ignorance and bring the light of knowledge to people, Lord Shiva ordered Cheraman Perumal Nayanar to compose the “Tirukailaya Jnana Ula.” This rare and sacred work was inscribed by a poet named Masaththanaar. As a result, Ayyanar holds the scroll in his hand in this temple, symbolizing wisdom. Those who worship at this temple are believed to attain educational and spiritual knowledge. A unique tradition here suggests that any wish prayed for at this temple will be fulfilled within 90 days. When their wishes are granted, devotees break coconuts for the Ayyanar’s vehicle, an elephant statue, and glimpse Ayyanar through a window. The elephant statue is carved from a single stone.
Different numbers of coconuts are broken depending on the wish. For marriage, 11 coconuts are broken; for a child, 9 coconuts; for debt relief, 7 coconuts; and for success in higher education, 5 coconuts. Worshippers believe that Ayyanar swiftly grants all wishes when this practice is followed.
