Sri Manikandeswarar Temple, Padur

Moolavar: Sri Manikandeswarar
Amman: Sri Maragathavalli Amman
Place: Padur, Chennai

A good 2000 years old Shivan temple with a great history around it. This temple dates the king Vikrama Chola period. The history behind the name - Every time when the king finish his digvijayam (victory over an enemy dynasty) he would be honoured by giving him a name and the same name is given to the Lord here. The last name Of the king was Manniodayar which remained since then and in due course changed to Manikandeeswarar .

There is separate Sannidhi for Mahavishnu and the idol was found during the excavation of the area while building the Siva temple. The statue is beloved to be of Vamana Kala Murthy. Very unique Murthy whose chakram is turned toward you as if being aimed to destroy the evil. Thayar in the head of Maha Vishnu instead of his chest.

The Bhuvanachakram found here has inspired the construction of Sri Thiruporur Murugan Temple . The entire villages around this area of the temple once belonged to the temple which was donated by Kaliya Nayar

The temple was destroyed by Mugal invaders as in recent years around 1992-94 Krishnaveni Amma a Siva devotee has done the initial Thirupani and has been the main reason for the development of this temple to todays glory. She still visits the temple at her age of 93 yrs

They do regular Shankhabishekam, Annaabhishekam and other abhishekam here and during that time devotees are slowed to enter the sanctum and perform abhishekam themselves

Outside there is a separate lingam called Jalakandeswarar whom you can do the milk abhishekam yourself by praying and seeking your wishes

Location:
Sri Manikandeswarar Temple, Padur