Alangudi Temple – Jupiter (Guru/Brihaspati)

The formal name is Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi (also called Alangudi Guru Temple or Guru Bhagavan Temple). The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Abathsahayesvarar (“he who helps in desperate times / rescues from crisis”) and his consort is Elavarkuzhali.

“जहाँ ज्ञान का प्रकाश चाहिए, वहाँ गुरु बृहस्पति की कृपा अपरिहार्य है।”

― Alangudi Temple – Jupiter (Guru/Brihaspati)

This temple is one of the Navagraha (nine planetary) temples of Tamil Nadu, specifically associated with Guru (Jupiter / Brihaspati).

Mythological Significance & History

The original temple was built during the Chola period (roughly 12th century), and it was later repaired / expanded by the Nayak rulers in the 16th century.
The name Alangudi comes from a legend: during the Samudra‑Manthan (the churning of the ocean), a lethal poison emerged. The devas (gods) were afflicted and sought help from Shiva, who consumed the poison to save them. Thus the place came to be known as Apatsahayesvarar (the one who helps in crisis).
Another legend holds that Guru (Jupiter) was blessed here by Lord Shiva, giving this place its association with the planet and its astrological powers.

Significance of the Temple

Devotees believe worshipping at Alangudi helps reduce or nullify Guru dosha (malefic influence of Jupiter) in one’s horoscope — especially when Jupiter is badly placed.
It is believed that bathing in the temple tank (holy water) and performing certain rituals here cures skin diseases and helps with mental peace, prosperity, wisdom, and general well‑being.
The temple is also associated with learning, teaching, spiritual wisdom, and good intellect (qualities governed by Jupiter).

Architecture of the Temple

Style: Classic Dravidian architecture.

The temple complex is about two acres in size.

The entrance has a 5‑tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower). There are two prakarams (precincts) surrounding the sanctum.

Main Sanctum: Lord Shiva as Abathsahayesvarar (lingam). The shrine of Guru (Jupiter) is present here, often identified with or through Lord Dakshinamurthy.

Other shrines: The consort goddess Elavarkuzhali, plus shrines for Vinayaka, Murugan, etc. There are water bodies (theerthams) within or near the temple premises.

How to Reach to Temple

By Road: Alangudi is about 17 km from Kumbakonam, on the road toward Mannargudi / Needamangalam. Buses and taxis are available from Kumbakonam or nearby towns.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Needamangalam (about 7 km). Also Kumbakonam is major station nearby (~16‑17 km).

By Air: Nearest major airport is Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). From there one has to take road transport via towns like Kumbakonam.