Thiru Aappanoor Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Sellur, Madurai, India. It holds significant historical importance due to contributions from the Pandya Kings and the Royal Sethupathi kings. Recognized as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, this temple is a vital pilgrimage site for devotees, showcasing the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. Its architectural beauty reflects the grandeur of ancient Dravidian temples.
According to legend, the temple's name originates from a miraculous event when a wedge, or 'aappu,' transformed into a shivalingam, enabling King Solandhagan of the Pandya dynasty to cross the flooded Vaigai River. This act allowed him to reach the renowned Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. Additionally, Shiva is believed to have turned the river's sand into rice during a famine, further highlighting the divine intervention associated with this sacred site.
The temple's structure began under the Pandya kings and saw further expansion by the Nayak kings. The main shrine, dedicated to Shiva, faces east, while a shrine to Subrahmanya (Kartikeya) is situated between the shrines of his parents, Shiva and Parvati. This unique arrangement exemplifies the Somaskanda iconography, depicting Kartikeya dancing between his divine parents. Notably, a sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) stands between the shrines, sheltering a Vinayagar (Ganesha) statue beneath it.
Thiru Aappanoor hosts vibrant festivals, with the Brahmotsava celebrated in the Tamil month of Maasi. Navaratri is also a significant occasion, bringing devotees together for worship. During the Panguni Uththiram festival, idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are transported from the Meenakshi Amman temple across the river, returning on Rishabha Vaahanam. The festival idols, crafted from silver, are paraded during the bimonthly Pradosham festival, showcasing the temple's rich traditions and cultural heritage.