The temple is one of the nine Navagraha sthalas(Temples of Nine planets) found in the Cauvery Delta region dedicated to planet Jupiter, nicknamed Dakshinamoorthy,the Guru.Lord Guru can be propitiated in the form of Sri Dakshinamurthy.Legend holds that Siva drank deadly poison, giving origin to the name Alangudi and god being named Apatsahayesvarar, denoting saviour amid terrible times.He is also known as Brihaspathi, due to his proficiency in education and fine arts, holding superlative intelligence.Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva, is claimed to have been reborn on the banks of the Amrita Pushkarini within the temple premises before being reunited with siva.Presiding deity Aabathsahayeswarar is a Swayambulinga Murthy at the temple. Lord Dakshinamurthy worshiped as Guru Baghwan (teacher of Dharma and Yoga sastras) has unique prominence in the temple and consequently, the site is recognized as Dakshinamurthy Sthala - the sacred place.
Brihaspati, also known as Brahmanaspati, is the guru of Devas and is revered in various hymns of Rig Veda. He is of Sattva Guna and represents wisdom and teaching. He is often called simply Guru.Brihaspati is described as having a yellow or golden color and carrying a stick, a lotus, and his beads. Jupiter symbolizes intellect, love, and spirituality. The planet controls the thighs, flesh, kidney, liver, fats, and artery systems. The day of Jupiter is Thursday and birthstone is Sapphire. Dhanu Rashi and Meena Rashi are ruled by Brihaspati or planet Jupiter.
Temple: One of the prominent Brihaspati Temples in India is the Alangudi Abathsahayeswarar Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.
Mool Mantra: “Om jhram jhreem jroum sah gurave namah.”
It is 7 Kms South of Needamangalam Railway station and 17 Kms South of Kumbakonam.
