Abhaya Varadeeswarar Temple, Adirampattinam

Abhaya Varadeeswarar Temple (அபயவரதேஸ்வரர் கோயில்) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located at Adiramapattinam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India.[1][2]

The presiding deity is Shiva as Abhaya Varadeeswarar, the Lord who gave reassurance to those who surrendered to him.[3] The devas (gods) are said to have sought protection of Shiva from asuras (demons) here in Thiruvathira period.[3] His consort is known as Sundari or Sundaranayaki.[1][3] The goddess is "Kadal Partha Nayaki" since her temple icon faces the ocean.[3]

The temple is one of the shrines of the Vaippu Sthalams sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar.[2][3] The temple is also praised in the hymns of the saint Sambandar.[3] The temple is prescribed to worshipped by people born under the Thiruvathira (Ardra) star, suffering from astrological problems related to planetary deities Rahu and Ketu, and seeking cure from diseases or longevity.[3][4] It is believed that Shiva roams here in the Thiruvathira period and during Pradosha (thirteenth lunar day occurring twice a month).[3][4] The temple is one of 27 Nakshatra (lunar mansion) temples dedicated to Shiva; each of which prescribed for worship to resolve astrological issues linked to the lunar mansion.[5]

The Pandyan king Adiveerarama Pandian, who was born of Thiruvathira star, was a devotee of the temple deity and gave his name to the village of Adiramapattinam.[3]