THE STORY OF PANCHESTI TEMPLE

A beautiful depiction of the episode as narrated by Agathiyar,  painted by Saravanan Palanisamy for Velayudham Karthikeyan's Siththan Arul

Today's post (18.9.2014) on Siththan Arul is about a temple for Agathiyar at Panchesti. I personally have not been to this temple yet, but I came to know about this temple from Jnana Jyothiamma who frequents this place. As a child she used to be brought here by her parents, later her husband and son accompanied her. She came back again, after a long stay in the USA, to rediscover Agathiyar at this temple. 

Velayudham Karthikeyan, the administrator of Siththan Arul writes on Agathiyar's revelation to the Jeeva Nadi Guru of Chennai about this temple.

When the Jeeva Nadi Guru, one day, requested Agathiyar to reveal about any of the numerous temples associated with him (Agathiyar), Agathiyar immediately chose to speak about his temple at Panchesti.

At one time in the past, when Agathiyar was in deep meditation, an Arakan (Asura) with his family fell at his feet. Surprised to find an Asura at his feet, Agathiyar through his wisdom eye, comes to know about him. He was Sukethu. Although born as an Asura, he was honest. He had to take birth as an Arakan due to his past karma. He used to worship Lord Shiva all the time. As a result the other Asuras gave him a lot of problems and disturbed his family and him. Agathiyar wanted very much to save Sukethu and his family and gave it much thought. 

Agathiyar realized that conducting a yagam or lighting the sacrificial fire was the only way to remove his Dosa and confer on him the state of Mukthi. Agathiyar decided to conduct 5 kinds of yagam, namely : Deva yagam, Brahma yagam, Bhoota yagam, Pithur yagam, Maanuda yagam. 

Agathiyar also knew that the rest of the Asuras will not allow this yagam to be carried out. While figuring a way out, Agathiyar receives a pleasant visit from Goddess Umaiyaal. 

Goddess Umaiyaal told Agathiyar that she had heard about Agathiyar's yagam from Lord Shiva but had not had the opportunity to witness one. She asked that Agathiyar allow her to witness this yagam.

Agathiyar explains to Goddess Umaiyaal that all this while he had been conducting yagam for the Devas and his disciples to remove their Dosa. Now he is about to carry out a Panja yagam, for the sake of Sukethu and his family, for the very first time. Agathiyar gives Goddess Umaiyaal the privilege to choose the spot where this yagam shall be held. Agathiyar requests that Goddess Umaiyaal should ensure no harm comes from the Asuras during the duration of the yagam. Agathiyar also requests that Lord Shiva should take form and appear in the yagam. 

Agathiyar also told Goddess Umaiyaal that on completion of the Panja yagam he plans to continue with the Sathru Samhaara yagam with Lord Murugan's aid. "The Sathru Samhaara yagam too will be conducted for the very first time", added Agathiyar. "This yagam would help lessen the troubles of man who has to face jealousy, objection, and torture." Agathiyar reveals that Lord Murugan himself has instructed him to conduct this yagam. 

Goddess Umaiyaal blessed Agathiyar and named the place where these yagams were to be conducted by Agathiyar to be known as Panchesthi. Agathiyar on his part told Goddess Umaiyaal that from that day forth she will be known as Anandhavalli Thaayaar.

Just as foreseen, the Asuras came to cause trouble and stop Agathiyar's yagam, but Goddess Umaiyaal destroyed them all. Agathiyar victoriously completed the Panja yagam and the Sathru Samhaara yagam. Sukethu and his family members attained release from their curse.

The following are photos of Gnana Jyothi Amma at Panchesti. Photos courtesy of Gnana Jyothi Amma.