Moolavar: Sri Tiruvaleeswarar
Amman: Sri Tripurasundari Ambal
A beautiful temple on the banks of river Palar and known to over 2000 years old. The structural temple is largely from the time of the Vijayanagara Dynasty, in the 15th or 16th century. The moolavar Lingam is 16-sided – such polygonal Lingams are usually seen in Pallava temples, which may give some indication to the age of the original temple here.
Koovathur gets its name from “koovam”, the Tamil for the Sanskrit “koopam”, meaning a well (of water). The 9 sacred rivers of Bharatam are said to have come together here, taking the form of wells, which has given the place its name. The waters of these rivers are believed to be enshrined together in the temple’s Teertham.
During the Ramayanam period Sugreeva’s brother Vali killed the demon Mayavi. However, as a result of this, Vali was affected with brahmahatya dosham. To be rid of this sin, he bathed at the temple tank here, as it was the essence of all the nine sacred rivers, and worshipped Siva at this place. The temple’s Teertham (Vaali Teertham) and moolavar are named after Vaali, post this incident.
Some of the salient features of this temple are....
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The temple tank with lotus flowers is in front of the temple. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhi are after the Rajagopuram. Dwarapalakas are in the arthamandapam. Moolavar is in the sanctum and in koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
In prakaram Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Ambal Sannadhi, Chandran, Suryan, Saneeswarar, Bhairavar and Chandikeswarar. Ambal sannadhi is in the mukha mandapam facing south.
Contact: Daily one kala pujai happens and the temple opens by 8 am only. The kurukal Sri Kumar can be reached on 9952677940 and Kurukal Sathyamurthy can be reached on 9787271053
Location: Sri Tiruvaleeswarar Temple, Koovathur, Chengalpattu
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