Apathsahayar Temple, Thirupazhanam, Hindu temple in Thirupazhanam, Tamil Nadu

Apathsahayar Temple in Thirupazhanam has a five-tiered rajagopuram and a three-tiered inner gopuram, with an east-facing sanctum on the axis of the gateway and flagstaff. The second precinct, from the Vijayanagar period, holds many sculptures; the Ambal shrine faces south, and a jackfruit tree stands in the second precinct.

The temple's oldest sections were built during the Chola period in the 9th century, an era of great artistic achievement in the region. Centuries later, rulers of the Nayak dynasty expanded and enhanced the structure with additional sections during the 16th century.

The name Apathsahayar means "one who helps in danger", from the legend of a boy saved from Yama by the deity. The temple is the second of the seven Sapthasthanam shrines of the Tiruvaiyaru festival, when its deity is carried in a glass palanquin. Aippasi Annabhishekam and Mahashivaratri are its main festivals.

The temple lies 2 km from Tiruvaiyaru and 31 km from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam–Tiruvaiyaru–Thanjavur road. The five daily rituals run from about 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., so plan a visit within those hours. The sanctum faces east, with the flag staff in the second precinct after the gopuram.

The temple is one of the few Shiva temples with a separate shrine for Brahma, whose image stands among the carvings around the sanctum. A jackfruit tree, the temple tree, grows in the second precinct. The second precinct, built in the Vijayanagar period, holds many sculptures.