Sri Ramanathaeaswarar (Guru Sthalam) Temple, Porur

Moolavar: Sri Ramanathaeaswarar 

Amman: Sri Sivakama Sundari Ambal

Place: Porur, Chennai

A beautiful temple with a histroy connecting with Ramayanam.

While Sri Rama came in search of Sita he happend to step stumbled on a stone at this place in Porur Chennai and realised it was a swyambu lingam and to clear his dhosham of stepping on the lingam started to do a 45 days penace under the nelli maram ( Amla tree) by just eating one amal a day. Once his penance was completed he could see the sivalingam grown up to a 6 ft high and Sri Rama offered his prayers. In return lord siva informed Rama to head to Rameswaram from here.

Interestingly there are certain practice that we see only in Vaishnava sthalam which is also practiced here in a sivasthalam.People who cannot visit Rameswaram can visit this temple to offer their prayers. Hence aptly this place is called vada rameswaram

Location:

Sri Ramanathaeaswarar (Guru Sthalam) Temple,  Porur

Sri Vengeeswarar Temple , Vadapalani

Moolavar: Sri Vengeeswarar

Amman: Sri Saanthanayaki Ambal

Place: Vadapalani, Chennai

The Vengeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the neighbourhood of Vadapalani in Chennai, India. Though the sthalam dates back to vedic age, the temple structure is over 1000 years old and one of the oldest Hindu temples in Chennai city. The temple is dedicated to Shiva who is called Lord Vengeeswarar and the goddess is called Saanthanayaki Ambal. The entrance to this temple is crowned with a big rajagopuram adorned with several stucco images. Other deities: Ganapathi, Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi, Bairavar, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Gajalakshmi. There is a separate shrine for Lord Saneeswarar.

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vengeeswarar_Temple

Location:

Sri Vengeeswarar Temple, Vadapalani

Sri Kasiviswanather Temple, West Mambalam

Moolavar: Sri Kasiviswanather

Amman: Sri Visalakshi

Place: West Mambalam, Chennai

Kasi Viswanatha Temple is a Hindu temple located in the neighbourhood of West Mambalam in Chennai, India. Dedicated to Siva, the temple is named after the Vishwanatha Temple at Varanasi. Constructed in the 17th century, the temple is also known as "Mahabilva Kshetra".

Around 400 years ago, the part which is today called West Mambalam was a small hamlet with big and enormous vilwa trees. The place had been called Mahabilam. They say that the name became Mambalam in course of time. When a swayambhu lingam appeared in Mahabilam, people built a temple for it. Researchers say that the temple might have been built by a Nayakka king of Vijayanagar Empire. The God appeared in the dream of a Nayakka king after he worshipped Him in Kasi and told him to build a temple for Him. Accordingly, Kasi Viswanatha temple was built in Tenkasi. The sthala purana says that the temple at Mambalam in Chennai was also built during this same period by the Nayakka king. Usually, at the temples built during the Nayakka regimes, an emblem of fish will be seen. At the granite roof of this temple also, figures of fishes are seen. Researchers say that this is a proof for the claim that the temple was built by a Nayakka king

In the sanctum, Kasi Viswanatha, facing the east, blesses His devotees. He is a lingam, installed on a high peedam. The small Nandi in front of the sanctum holds our attention with its beauty. After praying to the Lord, when we move rightward, we see the sannidhi of Lord Vinayaka. Then, we’ve the darshan of Lord Muruga along with His consorts Valli and Devyani. Next is situated the sannidhi of Annai Visalakshi. We feel ecstatic seeing the beautiful Visalashi thaayar in a beautifully built sannidhi.

The prahara is spacious so that devotees can have darshan of deities without difficulty. There are Vasantha mandap and Navagraha mandap too

Pradosham is celebrated here every month on a very grand scale. Also, Sivarathri and Arudra vizha are being celebrated with grandeur.

Those, who are unable to go to Kasi for darshan of God can visit this temple and pray to the deity and be blessed by the Lord with all prosperity

Reference:
http://www.westmambalamkasiviswanathartemple.tnhrce.in/history.html

Location:

Sri Kasiviswanather Temple, West Mambalam

Seven Shiva Temples (Saptha Sthaana) of Mylapore

 

 

In search of finding the reason for the famous saying " Mailaye kailai" (Mylapore is equivlant to Kailash) we got the following information from one of our team member and decided to visit all 7 temples in one single day

There are seven great Shiva temples in Mylapore, Chennai. Most have heard of the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple, but how about the other six? In fact, many who visit the Kapali temple regularly have not even stepped inside the important Velleeswarar Temple just next door to it!

The key to this Siddha worship procedure is that devotees should offer worship at the six other Shiva temples first before visitng the Kapaleeswarar Temple.

Order of temple in which we need to visit:

Mylapore Saptha Sthaana Shiva worship includes
(1) Sri Karaneeswarar Temple
(2) Sri Theerthapaleeswarar Temple
(3) Sri Velleeswarar Temple
(4) Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple
(5) Sri Valeeswarar Temple
(6) Sri Malleeswarar Temple and
(7) Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple, in that order

Given its the month of Aadi we started this trip of 7 temples after visiting the Famous Mundagakanni Amman temple dedicated to Devi. It was indeed a divine experience to see the early morning Nirmalya dharshan and also the previous day Pradosha Utsavar vigraham

Kanchipuram Shivan Temples (Ekambareswarar, Kachabeswarar and Kailasanathar)

 

Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram:

(Pancha Bootha Sthalam - Earth)

This vast temple is one of the most ancient in India having been in existence since at least 600 AD. Second century AD Tamil poetry speaks of Kama kottam, and the Kumara kottam (currently the Kamakashi Amman temple and the Subramanya temple). The existing structure then, was pulled down and rebuilt by the Pallava Kings. The Cholas, who came later, also made several contributions to the temple.No separate shrine for Parvati exists here (as in other Shiva temples in Kanchipuram).

There is a small shrine for Lord Vishnu named Thiru Nilaaththingal Thundathan. Here, the Lord Vishnu is prayed as Vamana Murthy.

The temple covers an area of over 40 acres. Reaching a height of 57 meters, the temple's Raja gopuram (the entrance tower to the temple) is one of the tallest in South India and was built by the Vijayanagar King, Krishnadevaraya.

One notable feature of the temple is the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, or the "hallway with a thousand pillars", which was built by the Vijayanagar Kings. The temple's inner walls are decorated with an array of 1,008 Siva lingams.

The sthala-virutcham is a 3,500 year old mango tree whose branches are said to yield four different types of mangoes.

Legend has it that once Parvati was doing tapas under the temple's ancient Mango Tree. In order to test her devotion Lord Shiva sent fire on her. Goddess Parvati prayed to her brother, Lord Vishnu, for help. In order to save her, he took the Moon from Lord Shiva's head and showed the rays which then cooled down the tree as well as Parvati.

After that, Lord Shiva again sent the river Ganga to disrupt Parvati's tapas. Parvati devi prayed to Ganga and convinced her that both of them were sisters and so should not harm her. And so Ganga did not disturb her penance after that. Then Parvati made a Shiva Linga out of sand and got united with Lord Shiva.

According to another legend, it is believed that Parvati worshipped Shiva in the form of a Prithivi Lingam (or a Lingam improvised out of sand), under a mango tree. Legend has it that the neighboring Vegavati river overflowed and threatened to engulf the Shiva Lingam and that Parvati or Kamakshi embraced the Lingam. Shiva touched by the gesture materialized in person and married her. In this context he is referred to as Tazhuva kuzhainthaar ("He who melted in Her embrace") in Tamil.

Temple Timings:
Morning 6.00 a.m. To 12.30 p.m
Evening 4.00 p.m. To 8.30 p.m

Pooja Details:
Koo Pooja - 6.00 a.m
Ukshakala Pooja - 6.30 a.m. To 7.30 a.m
Kala santhi Pooja - 7.30 a.m. To 8.30 a.m
Uchikala Pooja - 11.30 a.m. To 12.00 Noon
Pradhosa Kaalam - 5.00 p.m. To 5.30 p.m
Sayaratchai Pooja - 6.00 p.m. To 7.00 p.m
Arthajama Pooja - 8.30 p.m

Reference:
http://www.ekambaranathartemple.tnhrce.in/index.html

Location:
Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

 

Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram:

The Kanchi Kailasanathar temple is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram.Located in Tamil Nadu, India, it is a Hindu temple in the Tamil architectural style. It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and is known for its historical importance. The temple was built from 685-705 AD by a Rajasimha (Narasimhavarman II) ruler of the Pallava Dynasty. The low-slung sandstone compound contains a large number of carvings, including many half-animal deities which were popular during the early Pallava architectural period.The structure contains 58 small shrines which are dedicated to various forms of Shiva. These are built into niches on the inner face of the high compound wall of the circumambulatory passage.

The main shrine has a 16 sided Shivalinga in black granite stone deified in the sanctum sanctorum. Within the walls of the main shrine there is padabhanda adhisthana (main pedestal) with very elegantly carved images of gods with a sculpted Nandi, a little distance away giving guard to the deity. On each face of the outer walls of the main shrine there are many carvings of deities.

In the south facing wall the sculpture depicts Shiva as Umamaheshavara (Shiva with his consort Parvati) with Lingodbhava (emergence of Shiva as fiery pillar - linga) surrounded by Brahma and Vishnu and flying amaras on the lower level.

The west facing hall has sculptures of Shiva in the form of Sandhya Tandavamurti and Urdhava Tandvamurti and the ensemble is completed with images of ganas in dancing poses and also with images of Brahma, Vishnu, Nandi and Parvati.

The carving of Shiva on the north facing wall is a composition of Tripurantaka flanked by three ganas, goddess Durga with three ganas, and goddesses Bhairavi, Kaushiki and Jyestha.

The exterior faces of the vimana (tower) have images of aspects of Shiva - Bhikshatana, Somaskanda and in Samhara-Tandava (destructive dancing) pose.

Temple Timings:
Morning 6.00 a.m. To 10.00 p.m
Evening 5.00 p.m. To 8.00 p.m

Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanchi_Kailasanathar_Temple

Location:
Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram

Kachabeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram:

Tirukachur is near Chengalpat in Kancheepuram district. There are two Shiva temples here one at the top of the hill, the other at the foot of the hill. Saint Sundarar had sung the praise of the Lords in a single Pathigam – 10 verses. Maha Ganapathy and Thalamoola Vinayaka grace the devotees. The Vimana of Lord Shiva is of Gajabrushta design.

      Kachabeswarar temple is one of the most important and big temples of Kanchipuram city, the city of thousand temple. Kachabeswarar temple is located in the southern corner of Western Raja street, at a distance of around 1 km from the famous Ekambareswarar temple in Kanchipuram.

      Kachabeswarar temple is a Shiva temple, and Lord Shiva, the main deity of this temple is called as Kachabeswarar. The goddess is called as Soundarambikai. The temple has big Raja gopuram (temple tower) and very big in area. The temple also houses other idols such as Saraswati, Ganesha, Chadurmukeswarar, Sastha and Bhairav. There are four shrines of Lord Shiva around the temple tank (called as Ishta Siddhi Teerth) - Dharma Siddheswarar, Kama Siddheswarar, Artha Siddheeswarar and Moksha Siddheswarar. Near the main deity Kachabeswarar, there is an idol of Lord Ganesha called as Satyamozhi Vinayaka, which was worshipped by Lord Vishnu.

Legend:
While churning the milk ocean, the Mandhara hill used as the stick (mathu) began to sink. To bring it out, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Kachaba-tortoise to help the Devas. He came to this place, created a spring, bathed and prayed to Lord Shiva in the endeavour. As Lord Shiva helped Vishnu, hence named Kachabeswarar. The place came to be known as Tirukachur after this event.

          Mother Anjanakshi in Kachabeswarar temple blesses the devotees from a separate shrine. Anjanam means eyes. As the Mother is protecting devotees as Her own eyes, She is so named. Admiring Her beauty, She is also praised as Sundaravalli. The Sri Chakra is installed in the mandap before this shrine. Women light ghee lamps here for family welfare and prosperity. Lord Shiva also staged His Ajaba Dance here as Thiagaraja for Lord Vishnu. As a procession deity of the temple, all festivals are dedicated to Him. Saint Arunagiriar had sung the praise of Lord Muruga of this temple. As Kallala Maram (Banyan tree) is the sacred tree, the temple is also known as Aala Koil – banyan tree temple.

Timings:
Morning : 5.30 A.M. to 12.00 Noon
Evening : 4.00 P.M to 8.00 P.M

Reference:
http://www.kanchipuramkachabeswarartemple.tnhrce.in/index.html

Location: Kachabeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

 

Sri Kachchaleeswarar Temple, Parrys

  

Moolavar:Sri Kachaaleshwarar
Amman: Sri Soundaraambikai
Place: Parry's corner, Chennai

Kachchaleswarar Temple, also known as the Great Kachali Pagoda, is a Hindu temple located in Armenian Street, in the neighbourhood of Parry's corner (Old: George Town) in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu, India. Constructed on land belonging to dubash Kalavai Chetty in 1725, the temple belonged to the left-hand castes and was the site of the first major conflict between left and right-handed castes in the then Madras city.

The temple is modelled on the Kachaaleshwarar temple at Kancheepuram. Kachaaleshwarar (Shiva) is the main deity and Soundaraambikai, the consort deity.

Location: Sri Kachchaleeswarar Temple, Parrys

Sri Kurungaleeswarar Temple, Koyambedu

Moolavar:Sri Kurungaleeswarar
Amman:Sri Aram Valartha Nayagi
Place: Koyambedu, Chennai

Kurungaleeswarar Temple is a historically important Hindu temple in the neighbourhood of Koyambedu (the name coming from ‘ko(horse)+ambu(arrow)+pedu(fence)’ when lava & Kucha caught the horse sent by Rama in a fence made of arrows) Chennai, India. The temple encloses a large tank and dates from the Medieval Chola period.

Kurungaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the neighbourhood of Koyambedu in Chennai City of Tamil Nadu. This temple is situated on the banks of river Cooum at Koyambedu. The presiding deity is called as Kurungaleeswarar / Kuchalavapureeswarar and Mother is called as Dharmasamvardhini / Aram Valartha Nayagi. Sthalavriksham (the divine tree of the temple) is a jack tree.

This temple was believed to be developed by Valmiki while Sita has come down with heavy heart after separating from Lord Rama. She had been worshipping Siva and she gave birth for Lava and Kusha. Both have been growing well with the support of Valmiki. One day the Aswamedha Yagna was conducted by Lord Rama at Ayodhya and the horse was running away and reached this place, which is presently called Koyembedu. Earlier it was called Kosai. The horse has to be traced and brought back to the place where Yagna was started. But these two children of Rama kept the horse and firmly resisted Lord Rama's battalion. Finally Lakshman also came and he was also defeated. Finally Lord Rama had to enter into the battle and his sons were preparing. Fortunately, Saint Valmiki made the children realise that they are going to fight against their own father and vice versa. After this the Ram family was united and from then on, this temple is known for family unity and togetherness as Shiva was the cause for the re-uniting of Lord Ram's family

Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurungaleeswarar_Temple

Location:
Sri Kurungaleeswarar Temple, Koyambedu

 

Sri Dhenupureeswarar Temple, Madambakkam

Legend:

Dhenupureeswarar got his name because he gave moksha to a cow (Sanskrit: Dhenu).Sage Kapila is said to have been reborn as a cow for his sin of having improperly worshiped a Shiva lingam using his left hand. The cow continued to worship Shiva by pouring milk on a Shiva lingam buried in the ground. The cowherd initially punished the cow for wasting the milk, but when the villagers unearthed the Shiva lingam, Shiva appeared and granted moksha (liberation) to Kapila and forgave the cowherd who had mistreated him. Legend has it that the king had a dream of this occurrence at this site and had the temple built to commemorate it.

Dhenupureeswarar's consort here is Dhenukambal. The main building of the temple, which contains the statue of Dhenupureeswara in linga form, faces east and his consort faces south in a separate sanctum.The Shiva lingam is Swayambhu Lingam or Self Manifested Lingam.

The temple was built during the reign of the Chola king, Parantaka Chola II, father of Raja Raja Chola I, who constructed the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. The main sanctum (Sanskrit: garbha griha), like some other Chola temples in and around Chennai, is apsidal in shape (Sanskrit: gajaprishta vimana) (also described as shaped like the back of a sleeping elephant), unlike most Hindu shrines, which are square or rectangular.

The temple is thought to have been consolidated with stones during the reign of Kulothunga Chola I.

Well-preserved Chola sculptures and carved pillar bases are present in and around both sanctums.

A number of fine inscriptions and sculptures dating to the Vijayanagara Empire are also preserved.

Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhenupureeswarar_Temple_(Madambakkam)

Location:
Sri Dhenupureeswarar Temple, Madambakkam

Sri Nandeeswarar Temple, Guduvanchery

Moolavar: Sri Nandeeswarar
Amman: Sri Soundara Nayagi
Place: Guduvanchery, Chennai

Legend:
As per the legend, Lord Brahma advised to churn the celestial sea to obtain “Amruth” which would help devas to become immortal. Devas, unable to churn the sea alone with Manthara Mountain and vasuki sought the help of Asuras. In the beginning, poison came out of the sea. Lord Shiva took the poison himself and saved this universe. At the end of the churning, Danwanthari appeared with Amruth pot in his hand. After the brief quarrel with Asuras, devas were able to retrieve the pot and consume the Amruth. The devas started singing, dancing and enjoying after having Amruth, and they totally forgot Lord Shiva due to who they were alive. After some time, they realized their mistake and apologized to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva forgave them and danced in the middle of his vahan (vehicle) Nandi’s (bull) horns, and hence he got the name Nandeeswarar.

The temple is half a km away from the Guduvanchery bus terminus.This temple is believed to be built by Nandivarma Pallava in 715 CE.

Nandeeswarar Temple have seperate shrines for Lord Brahma, Lord Mahavishnu , Lord Dakshinamurthy , Lord Bhairavar , Lord Durgai , Lord Valampuri Vinayagar, Lord Arumugar.

The temple is open from 6 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM

Reference:
http://temples-chennai.blogspot.com/2011/06/nandeeswarar-temple-nandivaram.html

Location:
Sri Nandeeswarar Temple, Guduvanchery

Sri Pateeswarar Temple, Perur, Coimbatore

Moolavar: Sri Patteeswarar
Amman: Sri Pachainayaki
Place: Perur, Coimbatore

Perur Pateeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located at Perur, in western part of Coimbatore in state of Tamil Nadu in India. The temple was built by Karikala chola in 2nd Century.The temple is located 7 km west of the Noyyal River and has been patronized by poets like Arunagirinathar and Kachiappa Munivar. Lord Shiva, known as ‘Patteeswarar’, is the presiding deity of this temple together with his consort Parvati, who is known as ‘Pachainayaki’. The deity is believed to be ‘Swayambu Lingam’ (self emerged). The pillars raised in this temple depict the architectural prowess of the Tamil sculptors.

History:

This ancient temple was built by king Karikala Chola in 2nd Century, thus making this one of the oldest temple in the state. During the rule of Raja Raja Chola I, 'Artha Mahal' and 'Maha Mahal' were constructed. In addition to this, there were regular donations from the Chola king, which were documented on the temple walls.

History reveals that the great poet Sundarar sung the devotional 'Devaram' song in this temple by the 7th Century. Nonetheless, strangely Perur Pateeswarar Temple does not make it to the list of Kongu Nadu Padal petra sthalams, which otherwise has seven of the 276 temples.

From the 14th to 17th Centuries, the kings from different dynasties like Hosala dynasty, Vijanagara Empire, Nayakkar Kings have contributed immense donations for the maintenance of this temple. The famous 'Kanaga Sabhai' was built around the 17th century, by Azhagathiri Nayakkar of Madurai.

By the 18th Century AD, the primary deities were renovated and also a Mahal for the 63 Nayanmaars were raised. By the 20th century, the Kalyana Mahal and the front Mahal were constructed, and the tower was renovated as well.

The temple is open on all days. 

Timings:

Morning : 05:30 a.m to 1:00 p.m
Evening : 4.00 p.m to 9:00 p.m

Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perur_Pateeswarar_Temple#

Location:
Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy Temple, Perur

Sri Nalinakkeswarar Temple, Oragadam

Moolavar: Sri Nallinekeswarar
Amman:Sri Deivanayak
Place: Ezhichur, Oragadam
 
Sri Nallinekeswarar Temple is situated at Ezhichur village– 603 204, located about 50 Kms South West of Chennai, on the road connecting between Tambaram and Kanchipuram. This temple’s last Consecration (Kumbhabhishekam in Tamil) undergone during 1948 after which it got dilapidated. Many trees, plants and bushes were covering the temple for so many years. An auto driver (Muslim) identified this temple inside the bushes during his trip to Ezhichur and informed the local villagers.

The native villagers have taken their initiative to completely rebuild the temple with stone structure and with much difficulty starting from the year 2000 to 2012 the temple was built up with Stone Structure and Consecration (Kumbhabhishekam) was performed on 29th June 2012.

Importance of this Temple:

Around 1100 years old temple with Historical records.
Shiva statue is "Suyambu" (which, according to tradition, was not sculpted by man but formed spontaneously) here.

The name of the god is Nallinekeswarar and the Nandhi are unique in nature, archaeological department done a research and confirmed this information.

Traditional Belief in this temple is Shiva will solve all your problems smoothly, especially husband and wife’s problem, family relationships, problems between brothers and sisters, problems between father and mother and all other family members as the name has “Nallinekam – God of harmony”. Apart from this, the business relationship with the customers and the development of the business is well progressing, if you are visiting Nine Pradhosams or Sixteen Pradhosams Continuously.

Nandhi wearing beautiful ornaments and cloths, all are carved on it. Nandhi folded one of his forelegs backward and other one is in stretched position. Nandhi’s back legs position, one is folded while another leg goes beneath its stomach and this leg is seen jutting out on the other side. Similarly the tail goes underneath the belly and stretches out on its left side.

A large snake is visiting this temple daily 2 times and doing Pradakshina to the Shiva Idol. (Priest confirms this detail, every day they are seeing the snake visiting the temple).

54th Adhishtaanam (Samadhi) of ‘Sri Vyaasaachala Mahadeva Saraswathi Swamigal’ of Kanchi Mutt is also found in the temple at south west of the sanctum.

A Copper plate inscription about the donation of temple and village to the 54th Peedathipathi “Sri Vyaasaaachala Mahadeva Saraswathi Swamigal” of Kanchi Mutt is available at Kanchi Mutt, Kancheepuram.

Temple Timings:
6.00 a.m to 12.30 p.m
4.00 p.m to 8.30 p.m

Location:
Sri Nalinakkeswarar Temple, Oragadam

Sri Thirusoolanaadhar Temple, Thirusoolam

Moolavar: Sri Thirusoolanaadhar
Amman:Sri Thiripurasundhari
Place: Thirusoolam, Chennai

Legend:
Though Thirusoolam means the weapon (Thrishul) of the Goddess Parvathi, the temple legend has an interesting background attached to it. As Lord Brahma, the creator worshipped Lord Shiva here; it was called as Brahmapuri originally. According to the stone inscriptions found in the temple, the place was called as Vaanavan Maadevi Chathurvedhi Mangalam., which later turned to become Pallavapuram (today’s Pallavaram).

Presently, the place is known as Thirusoolam. The temple is situated amidst 4 hills surrounding it. In Thamizh, the place between the hills is called ‘Churam’ and hence this place was called as ‘Thiru Churam’ which had later become Thirusoolam.

According to the legend, originally, Lord Brahma was 5 headed. As Lord Brahma was too proud of himself, Lord Shiva cut one of his heads off to bring down his ego. Later Brahma continued his duty of creation. He prayed Lord Shiva that he couldn’t concentrate on his duty because he was disturbed losing a head. Lord Shiva blessed him and granted peace of mind after which Lord Brahma continued his duties peacefully.

After this incident, as part of his duty, Lord Brahma created one of the most beautiful dancers of Devaloka, called Thilothama. After creating her, Lord Brahma himself fell in lust with her, because of her divine beauty. Lord Brahma went and spoke to her. Thilothama refused to accept him saying that as Brahma himself being her creator, he is in the position of her father and hence she can’t think of involving herself with him.

Knowing this, the Siva Ganas (Lord Shiva’s parivar) started chasing Lord Brahma, to punish him for the sin he committed. Lord Brahma hid himself, amidst the hills in this place and also realized his sin. To be relieved off the sin, Lord Brahma installed a Shiva Lingam here and started worshipping Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva was pleased with his prayers apologized Lord Brahma as he realized and admitted his sin.

This very ancient temple is beautifully located amidst 4 hills at Thirusoolam. It is believed that these 4 hills denote 4 Vedas.

This temple is said to have been built during the reign of Kulothunga Chozha, about 1000 years ago. The Lord, Sri Thirusoolanaadhar is facing the east. Goddess Sri Thiripurasundhari is facing south, outside the sanctum. There is another idol for Goddess inside the main sanctum itself just in front of the Moolavar. It is said that, during some invasion, the original idol of the Goddess was damaged by intruders and a new idol was made and installed outside the sanctum. The then priest got a dream, in which he was directed by the God himself to place the damaged idol next to the main deity itself. So, the Goddess which was originally there, found a place just next to the main deity Himself.

The sanctum has been built in Gajabrishta or Thoongaanai Maadam shape. The inner Praakaaram has Lord Ganapathi facing the south. Here Lord Ganapathi is seen as ‘Naaga Yagnopaveetha Ganapathi’, as he is wearing the Naagam (snake) as his sacred thread.

Sri Dhakshinamurthy here is also very unique. He is called as Veerasana Dhakshinamurthy, as He is seen sitting in the ‘Veerasana’ Posture, with his left leg folded and his right leg on the Muyalaka Asura.

Other deities here are Sri Subramanyar, Sri Maha Vishnu, Sri Brahma, Sri Durgai, Sri Bhairavar and Naalvar inside the Praakaaram. The outer praakaram has shrines for Sri Ayyappan and Sri Aadhi Sankaracharya.

Pradhosham and Maha Shivarathri days are celebrated in a grand manner at this temple. A small but wonderful temple secluded between the hills with great history behind it.

Timings:
Morning : 7:00 A.M to 11:00 A.M
Evening : 4:00P.M to 8:00 P.M

Reference:
http://www.tirusulanathartemple.tnhrce.in/

Location:
Sri Thirusoolanaadhar, Thirusoolam

Siva Vishnu Kovil, T.Nagar

Siva Vishnu Kovil, T.Nagar, Chennai

This temple is right in the center of the city and in the most popular shopping place of Chennai. The sannadhis of both Shiva and Vishnu are present in the same temple.

The temple is a minute's walk from the Tnagar bus stand on Usman road. Almost all the parts of the city are connected by bus services to the most happening and busy shopping area of Tnagar. By train, Mambalam station on the Beach-Tambaram route is the nearest.

Vishnu temple sannadhis:

Srinivasa perumal
Mahalakshmi thayar
Anjaneyar
Ramar
Lakshmi Narasimhar, Tumbikai alwar and Krishna in the praharam

Siva temple sannadhis:

Subramanya swamy with Valli, Devanai
Siddhi buddhi vinayagar
Natarajar
Parvathi amman
Kedarishwarar
Dakshinamoorthy
Sandikesevar
Nagar and sthala vruksha on a seperate platform
Durgai
Kasi Vishwanathar
Varasiddhi vinayagar
Navagraha
Bhairavar

Specialty of the temple:
The striking feature is the presence of both Shiva and Vishnu sannadhis in the same temple complex.

Devotees can perform pooja to Kasi Vishwanathar themselves like in the temples of North India.

Temple timings:
The temple is open from 6 am to 11 am in the mornings and from 5 pm to 9 pm in the evenings

Reference:
http://temples-india.blogspot.com/2011/01/siva-vishnu-temple-tnagar-chennai.html

Location:
Siva Vishnu Kovil, T.Nagar

Annamalaiyar Temple,Thiruvannamalai (Pancha Bootha Sthalam - Fire)

 

Moolavar: Annamalaiyar
Amman: Unna Malai amman

Shiva is known by devotees as Annamalayar or Arunachaleswarar. And this is believed to be the largest temple in the world dedicated to Shiva. The history of this Annamalayar temple dates back to thousand years. Mention has been made in the Thevaram and Thiruvasagam, both great works in Tamil.

     Bramha took the form of a swan and flew to see the crown of Siva. Unable to see the crown, Bramha saw a thazhambu flower which had decked Siva's crown falling down. He asked the flower as to the distance of Siva's crown whereby the flower replied that he had been falling for forty thousand years. Bramha, realizing that he would not be able to reach the crown asked the flower to act as a false witness.

     The thazhambu flower acting as a false witness declared that Brahma had seen the crown. Siva became angry at the deception and cursed that Bramha should have no temple on earth and that the thazhambu flower should not be used while praying to Lord Siva. The place where Lord Siva stood as a column of fire to eliminate the ego is Thiruvannamalai.

     The Saiva cult is a world phenomenon. Thiruvannamalai is the capital of Saivism. The South Indian deity Siva is the God of all countries. Annamalaiannal is the most sacred of the names of the manifestation of Lord Siva.

Pooja Timing:

Ukshakala         05:30 A.M
Kala santhi        08:00 A.M
Uchikala            11:30 A.M
Sayaratchai       05:30 P.M
Irandam Kala   07:30 P.M
Arthajama         09:00 P.M

Reference:
http://www.arunachaleswarartemple.tnhrce.in/

Location:
Annamalaiyar Temple,Thiruvannamalai

Vedapureeswarar temple, Thiruverkadu

 

Vedapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruverkadu, a Municipality in Tiruvallur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Vedapureeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Balambigai. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

The temple complex covers two acres and it houses two gateway towers known as gopurams, each facing the Vedapureeswarar and Balambigai shrine. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Vedapureeswarar and his consort Balambigai being the most prominent.

Legend:
As per Hindu legend, during the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvathi, there was heavy crowd at Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Sage Agasthya could not view event and prayed to Shiva at this place to get him a view of the event. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva appeared to the sage and his wife Lopamundra along with Parvathi in his marriage attire. Shiva made the place his abode and appeared in his marriage posture to Agastya. The same legend is associated with Papanasanathar Temple and Agasthiyar Falls

It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams - Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar. The temple also finds mention in Tirumular's Thirumantiram, Arunagirinathar's Tiruppugazh and Manikkavacakar's Tiruvacakam

Timings:
Morning 6 to 12
Evening 4 to 8

Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedapureeswarar_temple,_Thiruverkadu

Location:
Vedapureeswarar Temple, Thiruverkadu

Arulmigu Karaneeswarar Temple, Saidapet

Karaneeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the neighborhood of Saidapet in Chennai, India.

It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Goddess is known as "Swarnambika". Apart from this, there are separate shrines for Lord Ganapathi,Lord Karthikeya and other Parivara Devtas. This temple is located next to the Saidapet Railway station.

History and legend:

The temple boasts of a hoary mythology. Lord Indra having given his divine cow " Kamadhenu" to Sage Vashishta is worried as she has not returned even after a long time .He find out that she has been cursed into an ordinary one because she had created obstacles during Pooja and Prayer of Sage Vashishta. He consults his Ganas and on that basis finds out that the Holy Cow Kamadhenu can be redeemed if he constructs a Temple to Lord Shiva in between Mylapore and Thiruvanmiyur on the North western direction.

He then ordains the clouds (Kar) to rain and cool the area thereby creating a wonderful green pasture. He installs a Linga and prays to the Lord Shiva - who redeems the holy cow for him and also blesses him by granting him the status of Gopathi ( Lord of Cows). The tank he made is known as Gopathi Saras. It is said that people who take a ritual bath in this tank on full moon days get cured of many of their illnesses.

This temple has a 7-storied Gopuram with two prakarams(closed precincts of a temple). This temple has a beautiful tank. We come across the shrine for Ganesha and as we move further after circumambulating the temple we come across the Shrine for Lord Karthikeya and further as we move towards the Dwajasthamba we cross the shrine of Lord Vedagiriswara. We enter the main precinct of the Temple where the main Shrine of Lord Karaneeswara and the Goddess Swarnambika are situated.

We find beautiful idols of Lord Dakshinamoorthy and Nayanmars installed inside the inner Prakara (Precinct). There are also separate shrines for Lord Palani Andavar, Lord Virabhadra and Lord Surya inside the temple. Beside the Temple is the temple tank and on the steps of the tank we can find a shrine for Lord Ganesha - who is in a standing posture along with his consorts siddhi and Buddhi.This temple has nandavanam (Garden) as well.

Pooja Timings:
Palliyarai Pooja 5.45 a.m.
Kalasanthi Pooja 6.30 a.m. To 7.30 a.m
Uchikala Pooja 11.00 a.m.
Sayaratchai Pooja 6.00 p.m.
Arthajama Pooja 9.15 p.m.

Reference:
http://www.saidapetkaraneeswarartemple.tnhrce.in/index.html

Location:
Karaneeswarar Temple, Saidapet

Sri Dharmeswarar Temple, Manimangalam

 

 

 

Moolavar: Sri Dharmeswarar

Amman: Sri Vedaambikai

Place: Manimangalam

 

Manimangalam village is located about 10 kms from Tambaram on the western side of Mudichur Road leading towards Padappai.

This village has a very high historic importance because of the huge battle fought here between Narasimhavarma Pallava and the Chalukya King Pulikesi II. This battle was fought in Manimangalam during 7th Century AD.

Manimangalam has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva called Sri Dharmeswarar. The Goddess here is Sri Vedhaambigai. According to the inscriptions, this temple is said to have got constructed by Chozhas. This temple has mentions in the inscriptions as Grama Sikhamani Chathurvedhi Mangalam, belonging to Kunrathur Naadu, a division of Puliyur Kottam in the district of Jayamkonda Chozha Mandalam.

In ancient days, the lands along with temple were donated by the kings to the Vedic scholars for performing Vedic rituals for the well being of the country. Such villages were called as Chathurvedhi Mangalams. Manimangalam is one such village and was called as Grama Sikhamani Chathurvedhi Mangalam.

The temple is built on a very vast space amidst greenish paddy fields. A beautiful Peepul tree welcomes you as you enter the gates of the temple. This temple is maintained by Archeological Society of India and protected properly. The looks and the structure itself show the antiquity of the temple.

There is a small Mandapam outside the sanctum. Sri Vinayagar and Sri Subramanyar are seen on either sides of the entrance of the sanctum. The main deity, Sri Dharmeswarar is seen facing east. There had been a beautiful Sri Natarajar here in ancient days and some miscreants had stolen the deity. While local people chased them, it is said that the miscreants had thrown Sri Natarajar in the nearby pond and ran off, in which Sri Natarajar’s idol was damaged

The whole temple is built on stone with wonderful architecture. Even the steps to reach the Mandapam outside the sanctum is done beautifully, but damaged in few places.

Reference:
http://www.dharsanam.com/2009/03/manimangalam-sri-dharmeswarar.html

Location:

Sri Dharmeswarar Temple, Manimangalam

Adhipureeswarar Temple, Pallikaranai

Moolavar: Adhipuriswarar
Amman: Santhanayagi amman
Place: Pallikaranai, Chennai

This Adhipuriswarar Sivan temple is an ancient temple situated in Velachery-Tambaram main road , just on road-opposite to the tank situated on the main road. It is just 4 kms from Velachery bus stand.

This is a parikarashthalam for Raghu-Kethu dosham, hence it gains prominence among Chennaites. During Raghu-Kethu peyarchi, lot of devotees assemble to get that dosha nivarthi.

God is Lord Adhipuriswarar and Godess Santhanayagi amman. This Santhanayagi Ambal is powerful in mitigating married couples problems, and hence during Sri Kethara Gowri Vritham day, couples throng this temple with nivethiyam.

Navagraha sannidhi is also there, apart from Raghu-Kethu and Bairavar sannidhies.

Timings:
Morning 6 to 11.30
Evening 5 to 8.30

Reference:
https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g304556-d13040126-r535913693-Adipureeswarar_Temple-Chennai_Madras_Chennai_District_Tamil_Nadu.html

Location:
Adhipureeswarar Temple, Pallikaranai