Agneeswarar Temple, Thirukollikadu

Agneeswarar Temple is a Hindu Shiva temple located in Thirukollikadu village in Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Agneeswarar and Goddess Mirudhu Paani, it is revered as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams and as a Navagraha temple associated with Shani. Built in Dravidian style with Chola influences, it features a gopuram, shrines, and a temple tank, attracting pilgrims and visitors interested in religious heritage and architecture.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian temple complex with a gopuram, pillared mandapams, and shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva as Agneeswarar and Goddess Mirudhu Paani, along with a separate shrine for Shani. The temple has a temple tank and stone architecture typical of Dravidian style. The atmosphere is devotional with daily pujas, rituals, and pilgrims performing pariharam for Shani. Visitors can explore the main sanctum, outer prakaram, and observe religious practices in a rural village setting.

The temple is an ancient Shiva temple with origins attributed to the Chola period and later contributions. It is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, mentioned in the 7th-century Tevaram hymns by Tamil Saivite saints Appar and Sambandar. The temple is associated with legends of Agni (fire god) worshipping Shiva to absolve sins, hence the name Agneeswarar.

Culturally significant as a Paadal Petra Sthalam and as one of the Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu, specifically the parihara sthalam for Shani (Saturn). Devotees visit to perform rituals to mitigate adverse effects of Shani dosha. The temple follows Shaivite traditions and hosts festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and Shani Peyarchi.