Sri Nagareeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

 

Moolavar: Sri Nagareeswarar 

Amman: Sri Kamakshi Ambal

A beautifully renovated temple claimed to be from the chola period and as per the legend, Moolavar was installed by Indran, and this is a pava (sin) Vimochana Sthalam. Lord Shiva is responsible for the creation of this City / Kanchi Nagar, and hence he is called Nagareeswarar. Kanchi falls under the 7 mokshapuris of India; seven sacred cities are traditionally believed to be capable of bestowing moksha (liberation).

The sloka goes like this- 

अयोध्या मथुरा माया काशी काञ्ची अवन्तिका । पुरी द्वारावती चैव सप्तैते मोक्षदायकाः ॥

Meaning: Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avantika and Dwaravati — these seven are the bestowers of liberation. Here Mayapuri is Haridhwar, Avanthika is Ujjain and Dwaravati is Dhwarika.

We all know the significance of these places and the only south Indian city mentioned is Kanchi which is belived to be formed by this lord Nagareeswara.

The temple consists of the grabhagruh, antarala, and ardha mandapam. The temple faces east with an entrance arch on the east side. Balipeedam and Nandhi are immediately after the entrance. In koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Durgai are found and all belongs to the chola period.

In the praharam, Anjaneyar, Vallabha Ganapati, Valli Devasena Arumugar, Chandikeswarar, Kala Bhairavar, Mahavishnu, and Suryan can be seen.

Location: Sri Nagareeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Sri Shivanaandeeswarar Temple, Sivanvoyal, Melkondaiyur, Thiruvallur

 

Moolavar: Sri Shivanaandeeswarar 

Amman: Sri Thiripura Sundari Ambal

The name Sivan Vayil literally means the abode or entrance of Shiva. Its Sanskrit equivalent would be Shiva Dvara. True to the significance of its name, the village preserves the remains of an ancient Shiva temple, which can be seen when approaching the village from the north.

The antiquity of Sivan Vayil can be traced back to the Pallava period. According to Epigraphia Indica, Volume XXVII, the village is mentioned as Sivan Vayil in the records of the Pallava king Kampavarman, who ruled around 850 CE. This establishes the historical importance of the village and its association with the Pallava period.

The original temple belonged to the Pallava period, while the present temple is a recent reconstruction. During the reconstruction, several of the old temple pillars and stone slabs were removed and are now found lying outside the temple. The ancient Rishabam and Balipeedam, believed to belong to the Pallava/Chola period, have also been preserved on the left side of the eastern entrance. The Shiva Linga is notably large in size, reflecting the grandeur of the original shrine.

The present temple faces east. A Balipeedam and Rishabam are placed in the mukha mandapam. Above the eastern entrance are stucco representations of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

The Moolavar is a large Shiva Linga installed on a raised level inside the sanctum. Stucco Dwarapalakas guard the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum. The koshtas house the traditional forms of Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

Other deities in the temple include Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas and Bhairavar.

The Ambal Sannidhi is located separately and faces south. The Ambal is depicted in a standing posture with Abhaya and Varada Hastas, symbolising protection and benevolence. Dwarapalakis adorn the entrance to her sanctum.

Although the present structure is largely a recent reconstruction, the surviving ancient sculptures, architectural fragments, pillars and stone slabs offer glimpses into the temple’s Pallava and Chola-period past. Together with the historical reference to Sivan Vayil in the records of Kampavarman, these remnants establish the village as an important link to the early history of the region and its long-standing Shaiva tradition.

Contact: The temple Kurukal Swamynathan can be reached on 9841750781 and daily one Kala Puja is performed.

Location: Sri Shivanaandeeswarar Temple, Sivanvoyal, Melkondaiyur, Thiruvallur

Sri Nanjundeshwarar Temple, Arumbuliyur, Chengalpattu

 

Moolavar: Sri Nanjundeshwarar

Amman: Sri Neelavathi Ambal

A beautiful 1000 year old temple in the serene village in Chengalpattu. There is no known history about which era this was built. The temple is in a dilapidated condition, with big roots damaging the granite walls. 

The temple faces east and oversees the green paddy fields. Ambala Neelavathi is in a separate Sannidhi facing south. The Nandi is very beautiful and there is bali peedam with a granite dhwajasthmbam.

The villagers have formed a smaller group and pradhosham is celebrated and other major festivals are also celebrated.

Contact: The temple is being taken care by one Sri Selvaraj and can be reached on 93803 88188

Location: Sri Nanjundeshwarar Temple, Arumbuliyur, Chengalpattu

Sri Vaidhyanathaswamy Temple, Vanuvampet, Madipakkam, Chennai

 

Moolavar: Sri Vaidhyanathaswamy

Amman: Sri Thaiyalnayagi Ambal

Popularly known as Sri Shiva Vishnu temple as it has both Hari and Hara in the same temple premises.

There is a separate temple for perumal as Sri Amirthavalli Thayar Samedha Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy.

Very good peaceful temple. It has lot of parivar deities housed like  Lord Vinayaka, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ayyappa, and the Navagrahas. A notable feature of the temple is the presence of 108 sacred Shivalingas.

The temple also has a serene pond situated behind it. Devotees appreciate the ample space within the temple premises, which allows for relaxation and meditation. The temple is well-maintained and hosts various Hindu functions and special poojas during significant occasions.

Contact: Kurukal Sri Karthikeyan can be reached on 9500162950

Location: Sri Vaidhyanathaswamy Temple, Vanuvampet, Madipakkam, Chennai