Sri Kurungaleeswarar Temple, Koyambedu

Moolavar:Sri Kurungaleeswarar
Amman:Sri Aram Valartha Nayagi
Place: Koyambedu, Chennai

Kurungaleeswarar Temple is a historically important Hindu temple in the neighbourhood of Koyambedu (the name coming from ‘ko(horse)+ambu(arrow)+pedu(fence)’ when lava & Kucha caught the horse sent by Rama in a fence made of arrows) Chennai, India. The temple encloses a large tank and dates from the Medieval Chola period.

Kurungaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the neighbourhood of Koyambedu in Chennai City of Tamil Nadu. This temple is situated on the banks of river Cooum at Koyambedu. The presiding deity is called as Kurungaleeswarar / Kuchalavapureeswarar and Mother is called as Dharmasamvardhini / Aram Valartha Nayagi. Sthalavriksham (the divine tree of the temple) is a jack tree.

This temple was believed to be developed by Valmiki while Sita has come down with heavy heart after separating from Lord Rama. She had been worshipping Siva and she gave birth for Lava and Kusha. Both have been growing well with the support of Valmiki. One day the Aswamedha Yagna was conducted by Lord Rama at Ayodhya and the horse was running away and reached this place, which is presently called Koyembedu. Earlier it was called Kosai. The horse has to be traced and brought back to the place where Yagna was started. But these two children of Rama kept the horse and firmly resisted Lord Rama's battalion. Finally Lakshman also came and he was also defeated. Finally Lord Rama had to enter into the battle and his sons were preparing. Fortunately, Saint Valmiki made the children realise that they are going to fight against their own father and vice versa. After this the Ram family was united and from then on, this temple is known for family unity and togetherness as Shiva was the cause for the re-uniting of Lord Ram's family

Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurungaleeswarar_Temple

Location:
Sri Kurungaleeswarar Temple, Koyambedu

 

Sri Dhenupureeswarar Temple, Madambakkam

Legend:

Dhenupureeswarar got his name because he gave moksha to a cow (Sanskrit: Dhenu).Sage Kapila is said to have been reborn as a cow for his sin of having improperly worshiped a Shiva lingam using his left hand. The cow continued to worship Shiva by pouring milk on a Shiva lingam buried in the ground. The cowherd initially punished the cow for wasting the milk, but when the villagers unearthed the Shiva lingam, Shiva appeared and granted moksha (liberation) to Kapila and forgave the cowherd who had mistreated him. Legend has it that the king had a dream of this occurrence at this site and had the temple built to commemorate it.

Dhenupureeswarar's consort here is Dhenukambal. The main building of the temple, which contains the statue of Dhenupureeswara in linga form, faces east and his consort faces south in a separate sanctum.The Shiva lingam is Swayambhu Lingam or Self Manifested Lingam.

The temple was built during the reign of the Chola king, Parantaka Chola II, father of Raja Raja Chola I, who constructed the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. The main sanctum (Sanskrit: garbha griha), like some other Chola temples in and around Chennai, is apsidal in shape (Sanskrit: gajaprishta vimana) (also described as shaped like the back of a sleeping elephant), unlike most Hindu shrines, which are square or rectangular.

The temple is thought to have been consolidated with stones during the reign of Kulothunga Chola I.

Well-preserved Chola sculptures and carved pillar bases are present in and around both sanctums.

A number of fine inscriptions and sculptures dating to the Vijayanagara Empire are also preserved.

Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhenupureeswarar_Temple_(Madambakkam)

Location:
Sri Dhenupureeswarar Temple, Madambakkam

Sri Nandeeswarar Temple, Guduvanchery

Moolavar: Sri Nandeeswarar
Amman: Sri Soundara Nayagi
Place: Guduvanchery, Chennai

Legend:
As per the legend, Lord Brahma advised to churn the celestial sea to obtain “Amruth” which would help devas to become immortal. Devas, unable to churn the sea alone with Manthara Mountain and vasuki sought the help of Asuras. In the beginning, poison came out of the sea. Lord Shiva took the poison himself and saved this universe. At the end of the churning, Danwanthari appeared with Amruth pot in his hand. After the brief quarrel with Asuras, devas were able to retrieve the pot and consume the Amruth. The devas started singing, dancing and enjoying after having Amruth, and they totally forgot Lord Shiva due to who they were alive. After some time, they realized their mistake and apologized to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva forgave them and danced in the middle of his vahan (vehicle) Nandi’s (bull) horns, and hence he got the name Nandeeswarar.

The temple is half a km away from the Guduvanchery bus terminus.This temple is believed to be built by Nandivarma Pallava in 715 CE.

Nandeeswarar Temple have seperate shrines for Lord Brahma, Lord Mahavishnu , Lord Dakshinamurthy , Lord Bhairavar , Lord Durgai , Lord Valampuri Vinayagar, Lord Arumugar.

The temple is open from 6 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM

Reference:
http://temples-chennai.blogspot.com/2011/06/nandeeswarar-temple-nandivaram.html

Location:
Sri Nandeeswarar Temple, Guduvanchery

Sri Pateeswarar Temple, Perur, Coimbatore

Moolavar: Sri Patteeswarar
Amman: Sri Pachainayaki
Place: Perur, Coimbatore

Perur Pateeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located at Perur, in western part of Coimbatore in state of Tamil Nadu in India. The temple was built by Karikala chola in 2nd Century.The temple is located 7 km west of the Noyyal River and has been patronized by poets like Arunagirinathar and Kachiappa Munivar. Lord Shiva, known as ‘Patteeswarar’, is the presiding deity of this temple together with his consort Parvati, who is known as ‘Pachainayaki’. The deity is believed to be ‘Swayambu Lingam’ (self emerged). The pillars raised in this temple depict the architectural prowess of the Tamil sculptors.

History:

This ancient temple was built by king Karikala Chola in 2nd Century, thus making this one of the oldest temple in the state. During the rule of Raja Raja Chola I, 'Artha Mahal' and 'Maha Mahal' were constructed. In addition to this, there were regular donations from the Chola king, which were documented on the temple walls.

History reveals that the great poet Sundarar sung the devotional 'Devaram' song in this temple by the 7th Century. Nonetheless, strangely Perur Pateeswarar Temple does not make it to the list of Kongu Nadu Padal petra sthalams, which otherwise has seven of the 276 temples.

From the 14th to 17th Centuries, the kings from different dynasties like Hosala dynasty, Vijanagara Empire, Nayakkar Kings have contributed immense donations for the maintenance of this temple. The famous 'Kanaga Sabhai' was built around the 17th century, by Azhagathiri Nayakkar of Madurai.

By the 18th Century AD, the primary deities were renovated and also a Mahal for the 63 Nayanmaars were raised. By the 20th century, the Kalyana Mahal and the front Mahal were constructed, and the tower was renovated as well.

The temple is open on all days. 

Timings:

Morning : 05:30 a.m to 1:00 p.m
Evening : 4.00 p.m to 9:00 p.m

Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perur_Pateeswarar_Temple#

Location:
Arulmigu Patteeswarar Swamy Temple, Perur

Sri Nalinakkeswarar Temple, Oragadam

Moolavar: Sri Nallinekeswarar
Amman:Sri Deivanayak
Place: Ezhichur, Oragadam
 
Sri Nallinekeswarar Temple is situated at Ezhichur village– 603 204, located about 50 Kms South West of Chennai, on the road connecting between Tambaram and Kanchipuram. This temple’s last Consecration (Kumbhabhishekam in Tamil) undergone during 1948 after which it got dilapidated. Many trees, plants and bushes were covering the temple for so many years. An auto driver (Muslim) identified this temple inside the bushes during his trip to Ezhichur and informed the local villagers.

The native villagers have taken their initiative to completely rebuild the temple with stone structure and with much difficulty starting from the year 2000 to 2012 the temple was built up with Stone Structure and Consecration (Kumbhabhishekam) was performed on 29th June 2012.

Importance of this Temple:

Around 1100 years old temple with Historical records.
Shiva statue is "Suyambu" (which, according to tradition, was not sculpted by man but formed spontaneously) here.

The name of the god is Nallinekeswarar and the Nandhi are unique in nature, archaeological department done a research and confirmed this information.

Traditional Belief in this temple is Shiva will solve all your problems smoothly, especially husband and wife’s problem, family relationships, problems between brothers and sisters, problems between father and mother and all other family members as the name has “Nallinekam – God of harmony”. Apart from this, the business relationship with the customers and the development of the business is well progressing, if you are visiting Nine Pradhosams or Sixteen Pradhosams Continuously.

Nandhi wearing beautiful ornaments and cloths, all are carved on it. Nandhi folded one of his forelegs backward and other one is in stretched position. Nandhi’s back legs position, one is folded while another leg goes beneath its stomach and this leg is seen jutting out on the other side. Similarly the tail goes underneath the belly and stretches out on its left side.

A large snake is visiting this temple daily 2 times and doing Pradakshina to the Shiva Idol. (Priest confirms this detail, every day they are seeing the snake visiting the temple).

54th Adhishtaanam (Samadhi) of ‘Sri Vyaasaachala Mahadeva Saraswathi Swamigal’ of Kanchi Mutt is also found in the temple at south west of the sanctum.

A Copper plate inscription about the donation of temple and village to the 54th Peedathipathi “Sri Vyaasaaachala Mahadeva Saraswathi Swamigal” of Kanchi Mutt is available at Kanchi Mutt, Kancheepuram.

Temple Timings:
6.00 a.m to 12.30 p.m
4.00 p.m to 8.30 p.m

Location:
Sri Nalinakkeswarar Temple, Oragadam

Sri Thirusoolanaadhar Temple, Thirusoolam

Moolavar: Sri Thirusoolanaadhar
Amman:Sri Thiripurasundhari
Place: Thirusoolam, Chennai

Legend:
Though Thirusoolam means the weapon (Thrishul) of the Goddess Parvathi, the temple legend has an interesting background attached to it. As Lord Brahma, the creator worshipped Lord Shiva here; it was called as Brahmapuri originally. According to the stone inscriptions found in the temple, the place was called as Vaanavan Maadevi Chathurvedhi Mangalam., which later turned to become Pallavapuram (today’s Pallavaram).

Presently, the place is known as Thirusoolam. The temple is situated amidst 4 hills surrounding it. In Thamizh, the place between the hills is called ‘Churam’ and hence this place was called as ‘Thiru Churam’ which had later become Thirusoolam.

According to the legend, originally, Lord Brahma was 5 headed. As Lord Brahma was too proud of himself, Lord Shiva cut one of his heads off to bring down his ego. Later Brahma continued his duty of creation. He prayed Lord Shiva that he couldn’t concentrate on his duty because he was disturbed losing a head. Lord Shiva blessed him and granted peace of mind after which Lord Brahma continued his duties peacefully.

After this incident, as part of his duty, Lord Brahma created one of the most beautiful dancers of Devaloka, called Thilothama. After creating her, Lord Brahma himself fell in lust with her, because of her divine beauty. Lord Brahma went and spoke to her. Thilothama refused to accept him saying that as Brahma himself being her creator, he is in the position of her father and hence she can’t think of involving herself with him.

Knowing this, the Siva Ganas (Lord Shiva’s parivar) started chasing Lord Brahma, to punish him for the sin he committed. Lord Brahma hid himself, amidst the hills in this place and also realized his sin. To be relieved off the sin, Lord Brahma installed a Shiva Lingam here and started worshipping Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva was pleased with his prayers apologized Lord Brahma as he realized and admitted his sin.

This very ancient temple is beautifully located amidst 4 hills at Thirusoolam. It is believed that these 4 hills denote 4 Vedas.

This temple is said to have been built during the reign of Kulothunga Chozha, about 1000 years ago. The Lord, Sri Thirusoolanaadhar is facing the east. Goddess Sri Thiripurasundhari is facing south, outside the sanctum. There is another idol for Goddess inside the main sanctum itself just in front of the Moolavar. It is said that, during some invasion, the original idol of the Goddess was damaged by intruders and a new idol was made and installed outside the sanctum. The then priest got a dream, in which he was directed by the God himself to place the damaged idol next to the main deity itself. So, the Goddess which was originally there, found a place just next to the main deity Himself.

The sanctum has been built in Gajabrishta or Thoongaanai Maadam shape. The inner Praakaaram has Lord Ganapathi facing the south. Here Lord Ganapathi is seen as ‘Naaga Yagnopaveetha Ganapathi’, as he is wearing the Naagam (snake) as his sacred thread.

Sri Dhakshinamurthy here is also very unique. He is called as Veerasana Dhakshinamurthy, as He is seen sitting in the ‘Veerasana’ Posture, with his left leg folded and his right leg on the Muyalaka Asura.

Other deities here are Sri Subramanyar, Sri Maha Vishnu, Sri Brahma, Sri Durgai, Sri Bhairavar and Naalvar inside the Praakaaram. The outer praakaram has shrines for Sri Ayyappan and Sri Aadhi Sankaracharya.

Pradhosham and Maha Shivarathri days are celebrated in a grand manner at this temple. A small but wonderful temple secluded between the hills with great history behind it.

Timings:
Morning : 7:00 A.M to 11:00 A.M
Evening : 4:00P.M to 8:00 P.M

Reference:
http://www.tirusulanathartemple.tnhrce.in/

Location:
Sri Thirusoolanaadhar, Thirusoolam

Siva Vishnu Kovil, T.Nagar

Siva Vishnu Kovil, T.Nagar, Chennai

This temple is right in the center of the city and in the most popular shopping place of Chennai. The sannadhis of both Shiva and Vishnu are present in the same temple.

The temple is a minute's walk from the Tnagar bus stand on Usman road. Almost all the parts of the city are connected by bus services to the most happening and busy shopping area of Tnagar. By train, Mambalam station on the Beach-Tambaram route is the nearest.

Vishnu temple sannadhis:

Srinivasa perumal
Mahalakshmi thayar
Anjaneyar
Ramar
Lakshmi Narasimhar, Tumbikai alwar and Krishna in the praharam

Siva temple sannadhis:

Subramanya swamy with Valli, Devanai
Siddhi buddhi vinayagar
Natarajar
Parvathi amman
Kedarishwarar
Dakshinamoorthy
Sandikesevar
Nagar and sthala vruksha on a seperate platform
Durgai
Kasi Vishwanathar
Varasiddhi vinayagar
Navagraha
Bhairavar

Specialty of the temple:
The striking feature is the presence of both Shiva and Vishnu sannadhis in the same temple complex.

Devotees can perform pooja to Kasi Vishwanathar themselves like in the temples of North India.

Temple timings:
The temple is open from 6 am to 11 am in the mornings and from 5 pm to 9 pm in the evenings

Reference:
http://temples-india.blogspot.com/2011/01/siva-vishnu-temple-tnagar-chennai.html

Location:
Siva Vishnu Kovil, T.Nagar