Sri Ekanthalingeswarar Temple, Koratur, Chennai

 

Moolavar: Sri Ekanthalingeswarar
Amman: Sri Ezhilambigai

A very small but amazing temple in the midst of the residential area of koratur. Ekanthalingeswarar as the name suggests is peacefully seated under a small Garbhagraham that apparently was built like some 50 years ago.

It is said that the sivalingam could be over 1000 years plus and the avudayar is in square which shows that siddhars must have worshipped him in those years.

Ambal Ezhilambigai was installed in later years. Earlier years it was only the sivalingam and Nadhikeshwarar alone was in an open paddy field. Around the ghostam there are Dhakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Durgai. Apparently there is Chandikeswarar.

The locals also narrate a story about a couple who lost their only son had stated worshiping this shivalingam by building a small shrine around him. Now they are planning to build a proper temple and work is planned to start by Jan 2022.

Contact: The temple is currently maintained by one Mr. Kuppan who can be reached at +91 9840790462. An old kurukal named Pichaimani is doing regular puja in this temple and can be reached at 9444517296

This temple is going to be rennovated soon so any funds that can be donated would be of great help and Mr. Kuppan is the point person.

Location:
Sri Ekanthalingeswarar Temple, Koratur, Chennai

Sri Valleeswarar Temple, Karunakaracheri, Tiruvallur

 

Moolavar: Sri Valleeswarar
Amman : Sri Valambikai

A beautiful Temple on the banks of river coovam off Chennai Outer Ring Road on the way towards Redhills.

The moolavar was unearthed when there was some excavation work done over 50 years ago. It is said that the earlier temple was completely destroyed in some natural calamity and it’s belived that the sivalingam and Nandhi belongs to 12th century period.

This temple is said to be equal to Kasi as just like in Kasi the moolavar faces East and a river flows towards the north direction (utharavahini) just like how Ganga flows in Kasi. They have the temple built in the style of padupathinath temple in Nepal. Also another sivalingam was found in the river which is also kept in a separate Sannidhi and named Arunachaleswarar. Also it is belived that there is tunnel from here to ThiruAnnamalai.

You have around 3 other Shivan temples in this village and the famous one is Sri Prasunakunthalambigai samedha Sri Dhathreeswarar Temple

Sithukadu has been(and continues to be) a land of Siddhars.Out of the several Siddhars who dwelled here, the two notable saints (or atleast I must say those who have been identified) are "Padukkai Jadamudi Siddhar" and " Prana Deepika Siddhar". Since the Nandi was in the company of these saints, it was serene and calm and hence there was no need for a noose, says Kumaran. An image of Prana Deepika Siddhar can be found on the pillar next to the Nandi here.

The Padukkai Jadamudi Siddhar and Prana Deepika Siddhar while meditating in this region installed a Shiva lingam under an Amla Tree  because of which he came to be known as Dhathriswara. They created a beautiful garden here which gave sweet smelling flowers for the worship of the Lord because of which this place came to be known as "Thirumanam" - Holy Fragrance. The Nandavanam probably created by them, is like this today.

Prana Deepika Siddhar is said to protect people from life threatening ailments and several people with chronic ailments are said to have prayed to him and become better. The Padukkai Jadamudi Sithar can be seen with very long hair on which he is said to lie down in Yoga Nitra and move around saving people and protecting lives then and now.

Currently the temple has been taken up for Renovation and funds are being seeked from devotees

Contact: Mr.Mohan can be reached on his mobile number +919940303694

Location:
Sri Valleeswarar Temple, Karunakaracheri, Tiruvallur

Sri Ponnambaleswarar Temple, Sembakkam, Chengalpattu

 

This temple is the jeeva samadhi of Sri Ponambala Swamigal, his disciples Chinna ponabalswamigal and Pazhani Swamigal. The moolavar is on the Jeeva samadhi of Sri Ponnambal Swamigal, Nandhi is installed on Chinna Ponambala Swamigal and in the outer praharam you can see Sri Phazhani Swamigal samadhi. The outer praharam has a small Sannidhi for Sri Annapoorani and Sri Dhandayudhapani.

Sri Ponnambala Swamigal and Sri Thirumeni linga Swamigal lived in Sembakkam and were called twin Siddhars since they were always seen together. They, along with another Siddhar Sri Periya Chidhambara Swamigal (from Velacheri) used to meet at the Mylapore Chithra Kulam by the mystic act of going from one place to the other without physically going there.

The tank was called ‘Siddhar Koodum (meeting) Kulam (pond)’ once and became Chithrakulam later. When Ponnambala Swamigal attained Samadhi, the very next day Thirumeni Linga Swamigal also attained Samadhi. The Samadhi of both of them is present in front of the temple near the Ahazhi Theertham.

Note on Acknowledgement : The legend information here is based on the Sthalapuranam book of the temple which in turn is based on the age old hand written notes of Sri Ponnambala Swamigal.

A peaceful dhyana mandapam with both the Swamigal photos can be seen. Very peaceful with lots of trees around. Next to the main entrance you can see on either side Pillayar and Murugan Sannidhi.

The temple is at the end of an unpolluted calm village in an ideal location for the peace loving spiritual seekers. The temple is a beautiful one with lot of flower plants and trees within and outside the temple. One nice thing in this temple is the colour of the painting. Unlike other temples, the temple is painted in a single colour that is eye-pleasing and gives a soothing effect. Possibly, this could have been done due to insufficient funding but nevertheless it is beautiful and very pleasing.

Contact: Reach Mr.Kuzhandhaivel on his mobile number 9710124577

Location:
Sri Ponnambaleswarar Temple, Sembakkam, Chengalpattu

Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple, Halsur, Bengaluru

 

This is one the oldest temples of Bengaluru. Built during the Chola period, the Someshwara Temple, is one of the most striking examples of ancient Indian architecture.

The shrine is particularly known for its magnificent architecture. There are a large number of elaborately carved pillars inside the temple premise. You can also take a look at the ancient scriptures inscribed on the walls. Some of the most striking features of the temple include the Rajagopuram or the temple tower and the Dhwajastambha.

The most amazing fact about this temple is that Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma are also worshiped over here. This huge temple also houses the deities of Kamakshamma, Arunachaleswara, Bhimeswara, Nanjundeswara and Panchalingeswara.

Large number of devotees come here to pour water on the 'Pancha Lingeswaras' and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

Location:
Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple, Halsur, Bengaluru

Sri Nanjundeshwara Temple, Doddanekundi, Bengaluru

 

 

A very beautiful temple for Nanjundeshwara (meaning the one who drank the poison to save the world) located in the middle of residential locality of Vibhutipura off Marathalli. 

Some 15 years ago this temple was built by local people and regular pujas are conducted. 

Unlike temples in Tamilnadu, there are no goshta murthies here. A separate Sannidhi for Vara siddhi vinayaka and Durga Parameshwari can be seen in either side of lord Sri Nanjundeshwara.

In the outer prakaram you have Navagrahas, a small Sannidhi for Sri Shanieeswara and Nagadevatas.A peaceful and beautiful temple in middle of hustle bustle of the locality and a must visit temple for sure

Timing: The temple opens by 6 am to 11 am and in evening 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. 

Contact: The pujari Pratheesh Bhattar can be reached at 9886225789 / 9483866870.

Location: Sri Nanjundeshwara Temple, Doddanekundi, Bengaluru