Moolavar: Sri Singaandeeswarar
Amman: Sri Uthpalaambal
Place: Thiruvur, Thiruvallur
The Shiva Linga here was installed by Sage Rishya Shringa and the temple was built by the Cholas. Originally called Rishyashringeeswaram after the sage, today it is known as Uthpalambika samedha Sringandeeswarar Temple.
During the 13th Century, when the Chola Kingdom was on the decline, Jatavaraman Sundara Pandyan 1 went all the way upto Tirumala, capturing territories previously under the Cholas. This temple was converted into a stone structure during his rule in 1261 AD by a chieftain named Annamalai Udaiyar, the ruler of Venpaiyur.
The temple was in good shape and regular poojas were conducted during 13th century Pandya Kings. There are totally 12 inscriptions in the temple dating from Jatavaraman Sundara Pandyan1, Telugu Chola King Vijaya Kanda Gopalan and Vijayanagara Kings. There are also two inscription stones belonging to the Vijayanagara Period found outside the temple. One of them belong to the period of Saluva Thimmaiya Deva who has given a grant of coconut groves to the temple in memory of his predecessor Thippaiya Deva.
The other inscription belongs to Immadi Tirumala Nayaka, a general of Krishnadeva Raya, and speaks about lands and gold given to the temple to build a Madavilagam. The Attaka Pillayar temple on the west side of river Coovum receives the maanyam for burning of lamp from the Shiva temple. The temple was completely reconstructed between 1998 to 2004 in stages.
The east facing temple has a three tier Raja gopura with two attractive and big stucco images of Nandi in the entrance belonging to recent times, holding deer and axe, signifying the deer symbolism throughout the temple. Nandi is found in the standing posture with four arms. The inscription slabs along with the symbol of Vijayanagara Kings are also found near the temple tower. The Rajagopuram was built during Vijayanagara period.
The ceiling is covered by an exquisite Ashtadikpalakas panel, with an image of Sastha (Ayyanar/ Sathanar) flanked by two fishes, as well as an image of a fish fighting a monitor lizard. The Fish fighting the monster lizard, probably is to symbolize the victory of the Pandyas over the Cholas. Sculptures of Rameswarar, Tirunageshwarar, Jambukeswarar (Tiruvanaikkaaval), Rishya Sringandeeswarar can be found on all four sides of a pillar in the Artha Mandapam.
The Temple remains open from 05.00 AM to 08.30 AM and 06.00 PM to 10.00 PM.
Contact:
Temple priest can be reached at 99524 14369 / 93826 64946 / 99524 14369
Location:
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