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Picture Courtesy:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apatsahayesvarar_Temple,_Alangudi

Context:

The 1,300-year-old Abathsahayeshwarar Temple in Thukkatchi in Thanjavur district has recently been chosen by UNESCO to receive the Award of Distinction - 2023, the UNESCO Asia - Pacific Awards for cultural heritage conservation for having been conserved keeping its heritage intact.

About Abathsahayeshwarar Temple:

The temple is located in Thukkatchi in Tiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu.

The original complex is believed to have been built by the Cholas (Vikrama Chola and Kulothunga Chola), while the present masonry structure was built during the Nayak during the 16th century.

It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shiva is worshipped as Apathsahyesvarar here, and is represented by the lingam. Here goddess Parvati is depicted as Elavarkuzhali.

The presiding deity is revered in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

The temple has a number of shrines which include Soundaryanayaki Ambal, Ashtabhuja Durga Parameshwari, Aadhi Sarabeswarar, Pillayar, Murugan, Chandikeshwara, two Bhairavas, two Suryas and two Nagars..

Architecture:

The temple houses a five tier gateway tower known as gopurams, surrounded by two prakarams (closed precincts of a temple). One prakaram is facing the Apathsaheswarar shrine and other towards North.

Read about UNESCO Asia - Pacific Awards for cultural heritage conservation:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/unesco-asia-pacific-awards-for-cultural-heritage-conservation

Source:

THE HINDU