The Sri Abirami Amman Temple (also known as the Arulmigu Kalahastheeswarar – Padmagiriswarar Temple) is one of the most significant and ancient religious landmarks in the heart of Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.
Unlike most temples, this one is unique because it houses two main Shiva Lingams and two Ammans (Goddesses) within the same complex, each with its own history.
🕉️ The Deities
The temple is a rare “double temple” where two separate sets of presiding deities are worshipped:
- Lord Padmagiriswarar & Mother Abirami Amman:
- Padmagiriswarar: Originally located on the Dindigul Rock Fort hill (Padmagiri Hill). During the Mughal and Tipu Sultan eras, the deities were moved to the foot of the hill for safety and easier worship.
- Abirami Amman: She is the primary attraction of the temple. Legend says Goddess Kali came here to slay the demon Analan. After the victory, Lord Shiva calmed her fury, and she appeared in a beautiful, enchanting form, thus earning the name Abirami (“The Beautiful One”).
- Lord Kalahastheeswarar & Mother Gnanambigai:
- Installed in 1578 by King Achutha Devarayar (of the Vijayanagara Empire). He was a devotee of the Kalahastheeswarar temple in Andhra Pradesh and built this shrine so he could worship the Lord daily in Dindigul.
📜 Key Legends and Significance
- The Name Dindigul: Lord Brahma performed penance here to be relieved of a curse. Lord Shiva appeared from a lotus (Padma) tank, leading to the name Padmagiriswarar. He defeated a demon named Dindimasura, and at the demon’s request, the town was named Dindeeswaram, which eventually became Dindigul.
- Job & Prosperity: The temple is a famous Parihara Sthalam (remedy temple) for those seeking employment or promotions. It is believed that Lord Varuna worshipped here to regain his position.
- Abirami Anthathi: While the famous Abirami Anthathi was composed in Thirukkadaiyur, this temple holds the Goddess in equal reverence, and the hymns are chanted here with great fervor.
🎨 Architecture & Special Features
- Ancient Roots: The temple features contributions from the Chera, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara, and Nayak dynasties.
- Rock Fort Connection: The temple’s history is deeply intertwined with the Dindigul Rock Fort. The original hill temple was relocated to this current spot in the Begampur area to protect it from invasions.
- Sub-Shrines: The temple includes shrines for Vanni Vinayaka, Lord Muruga, and a rare shrine for Lord Varadaraja Perumal (Vishnu). On Vaikunda Ekadasi, Lord Vishnu passes through the entrance of the Abirami Amman shrine since there is no separate “gateway to heaven” (Sorgavasal) here.
📅 Festivals and Visit Info
- Chithirai Brahmotsavam (April–May): The most important festival, featuring the Celestial Wedding (Thirukalyanam) and a massive chariot procession through the four car streets of Dindigul.
- Navratri: The temple is famous for its grand Kolu (display of dolls). Priests perform over one lakh archanas during this period.
- Aadi Fridays: The Goddess is taken on a procession in a Flower Pallak (palanquin).
| Category | Details |
| Location | 1 km from Dindigul Bus Stand, Begampur area. |
| Morning Timings | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Evening Timings | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Specialty | Two Shiva/Amman shrines in one complex. |
