Sri Kanagapureeswarar Temple, Mugaiyur, ECR, Thenpattinam

 

Moolavar: Sri Kanagapureeswarar

Amman: Sri Swarnambigai

This ancient temple dates back to the Chola period, around 1,400 years ago with remnants of the original structure still intact, including the Shiva Lingam, Nandi, and Vinayagar statues. The unique Nandi statue is depicted in a meditative posture, seated in Vajrasana, symbolizing deep meditation and pranayama.

The moolavar Kanagapureeswarar is a huge shivalingam and is facing the east, Ambal Swarnambigai is in a separate Sannidhi facing the south. 

The  Navagraha Sannidhi featuring all nine planetary deities with their consorts, a rarity in Tamil Nadu temples can be seen here. A sacred temple  tank adds to the serene ambiance.

This temple also  has a Perumal Sannidhi, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This sannidhi is notable for its unique configuration and spiritual significance, reflecting the temple's harmonious blend of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

Contact: The temple Dharmakartha can be reached at 9443387700

Location: Sri Kanagapureeswarar Temple, Mugaiyur, ECR, Thenpattinam

Sri Valeeswarar Swamy Temple, Thakkolam, Thiruvallur

 

Moolavar: Sri Valeeswarar Swamy

Amman: Sri Dhatchayani Ambal

A beautiful 11th-century temple of Pallava–early Chola origin, built with sandstone near the banks of the Kosasthalaiyar River. It is considered one of the historic temples of Thakkolam and Inscriptions found in the temple indicate that the place was once known as Thirupaalural.

One important inscription from the period of Rajendra Chola I records the donation of thirty-two cows for performing milk abhishekam to the deity in memory of his mother, Tribhuvana Madevi. The inscriptions also mention that metal idols of Uma-Maheswara and Vinayaka were worshipped in the temple during earlier times. Behind the temple, two damaged sandstone Nandi sculptures can be seen.

The temple faces east you can see Nandi placed in front of the garbhagriha. The garbhagriha is situated slightly below the ground level outside and is constructed primarily using sandstone. The temple complex includes the garbhagriha, antarala, ardha mandapam, and mukha mandapam. Above the sanctum is a recently renovated single-tier vimana, and sculptures of Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, and Brahma can be seen. A sandstone idol of Lord Murugan, believed to belong to the Chola period, is also present near the entrance of the mandapam.

Though relatively small and remote, it is historically significant and part of the ancient temple heritage of Thakkolam. Today, the temple continues to be worshipped with regular rituals, with one daily pooja being performed. Special poojas are conducted during Pradosham and Maha Shivaratri, attracting devotees from nearby areas. Despite being relatively small and located in a quiet rural setting, the Sri Valeeswarar Temple is a must visit for all Shiva Devotees.

Contact: The temple Sivanadiyar can be reached on 9597811050

Location: Sri Valeeswarar Swamy Temple, Thakkolam, Thiruvallur

Sri Aramvalartha Eeswarar Temple, Annaicut, Chengalpattu

 

Moolavar: Sri Aramvalartha Eeswarar

Amman: Sri Aramvalartha Nayagi

A beautiful, very old temple and not many details are known about which period it belongs to. 

The Swamy and Ambal both are facing east and in between them you can see Subramaniayar with Valli, Deivyanai, representing Somaskandhar concept.

One of the largest Nandhi that you can ever see in and around Chennai and Chengalpattu area. 

Ghoshtam has Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy, Mahavishnu, Bramha and Vishnudurgai. Chandikeswarar is also very old. It’s a beautiful and peaceful temple.

There are stone inscriptions around and you can see fish snakes and lizard symbols etched on the roof of the entrance to grabhagraham. Might have been a parihara sthalam. 

The temple contact number is 9394639691 and daily one Kala puja is performed

Location: Sri Aramvalartha Eeswarar Temple, Annaicut, Chengalpattu 

Sri Bheemeshwarar Temple, Valarpuram, Kanchipuram

 

Moolavar: Sri Bheemeshwarar

Amman: Sri Maragadhambal

A beautiful old temple with maybe over a 1000 years plus, located on the way to Thiruvallur. It is said that Bhima one of the Pancha Pandavas has worshipped this moolavar and hence the name Bhimeshwarar. It is said that the well in the North East corner was dug by Bhima himself to perform the Abhishekam.

Ambal Maragadhambikai is facing south in a separate Sannidhi in a small maha mandapam. You see Pillayar and Valli Devasena Samedha Subramania swamy on both sides of the entrance to the smaller Arthamandapam. The Nandhi is in the smaller Open Mahamandapam. Surya Bhagavan and Chandikeswarar too in the open Mahamandapam only. 

The sthala vriksham is Ilupai maram or Mahua tree.

Could have been a larger temple with outer praharam and with years might have been dilapidated. Right behind the temple is a big lake called Valarpuram Eri.

Contact: The temple contact person Sri Bhaskar can be reached on 8825488362

Location: Sri Bheemeshwarar Temple, Valarpuram, Kanchipuram