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Home , Ahobilam, Akilandeswari, Annanur railway station, Architecture of Chennai, Ashtabhuji Temple, Ashta Bhairava

Temples within City

1 As the famous Tamil poetess AUVAYYAR

says in Her Legendary presentation of cluster of “Kovil illatha ooril kudi irukkathe”

Please don’t reside in a place where there is no . The Statement of our forefathers is sacrosanct because the temple indicates that the community is graced by the presence of and that its Citizens form a moral community. A Community identifies and is identified by others with its . It has been our ancient endavour to lead a pious life with full dedication to the services of the Lord.

Sri Paramacharya of Kanchi Mutt has repeatedly called devotees and stressed the importance of taking care of old temples - which requires enormous power of men and money - instead of constructing new temples in cities. As you may be aware, there are thousands of temples in dilapidated condition and requires constant maintenance work to be undertaken.

There are many lingas of ancient temples found under trees and also while digging. In ancient , these lingas were 'Moolavars' of temples built by several kings. After conquests and devastations by foreign invaders, Indian temples were destructed and the sacred were thrown away and many were broken. The left out deities are found later. Of them, some are unidentified.

Those who attempt to construct temples for are freed from the sins of a thousand births. Those who think of building a temple in their minds are freed from the sins of a hundred births. Those who contribute to the cause of a temple are bestowed with divine and .

Contributing to the renovation of Shiva Temples derive immense benefits according to Thirunelveli Sthala Purana. This holy book further adds that as small as a 's contribution will earn the Punyam of welcome by Shiva when we reach there.

2 Temples in Chennai

SURYAN - Kolapakkam Agastheeswarar Temple

CHANDRAN - Somangalam Somanaadeshwarar Temple

SEVVAI - Vaitheeswaran Temple

BUDHAN - Kovur Sundreswarar / Thirumeyneeswarar temple

GURU - Ramanaadeshwarar Temple

SUKRAN - Velliswarar Temple

SANI - Pozhichalur Agastheeswarar Temple

RAHU - Thirunageshwarar Temple

KETHU - Neelakanteswar Temple

( Details of the above mentioned Chennai are given )

3 PANCHABHOOTHA STHALAMS IN CHENNAI

There are Panchaboodha Sthalam equivalents in Chennai at the heart of the city which are considered very powerful and they are:

1) Kalahasthi temple at Pavalakara (Coral Merchant) street, near Mallikeswarar temple, Mannady representing AIR

2) Arunachaleswara temple near Amman stop in Thiruvotriyur bus route representing FIRE. ( There is one more Arunachaleswarar temple at the end of .Palliappan street in George town ).

3) Gangadareswarar Temple, representing WATER

4) Chidambaranatha () temple in representing SKY near Choolai Post Office

AND

5) Ekambareswara Koil at Mint representing EARTH

4 Temples within Chennai City Listed below are many of the ancient temples within Listed below are many of the ancient temples within Chennai city that have great legendary significances. A few Chennai city that have great legendary significances. A few popular modern day temples are also listed alongside. popular modern day temples are also listed alongside.

Broadway ( Parry’s Corner / Bazaar )

SRI CHENNA MALLEESWARAR TEMPLE AND SRI CHENNA KESAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE

The temple is located between DevarajaMudali street on the east, NSC Bose Road on the North, Nainiappa Naicken street on the west and Rasappa Chetty street on the South.

This is one of the three temples that were popular even before the arrival of the British. This Shiva-Vaishnav twin temple was initially located near St George fort but the British demolished it to expand their army. Due to the public outcry, the temple was then shifted to the Devaraja Mudali street. In the process, the Vigraha of this Perumal temple got mixed up with the 4 idols of the Perumal temple and the idol of Thiruneermalai temple was brought here by a mistaken identity but remains here since then. There will always be a good fragrance of jasmine at the Malleeswarar temple. All the 63 Nayanmars are present in a separate .

SRI KANDASWAMY TEMPLE OR KANDAKOTTAM SRI MUTHUKUMARA SWAMY TEMPLE

This temple is located at the Rasappa Chetty Street. When Mari Chettiar and Kandappa Achari were going to Thirupporur Murugan temple by walk, they rested at a place and a dream came to both of them simultaneously that there is a Murugan idol below the earth there. The idol was unearthed, brought here and a temple was built during 1670s. The main here is Thirupporur Kandaswamy and the Urchava idol is Muthukumara Swamy. Inside the temple, the ‘Saravana Poihai’ is present and surprisingly the water is at the same level as when the temple was built many hundred years ago, in spite of being located in the city’s densest commercial place.

5 SRI EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE

This 500 year old temple is located at the Thangasalai street (Mint street), Parktown and is one of the three temples that were popular even before the arrival of the British. A big, beautiful and well maintained temple with a temple tank (with water as well). In almost all the (ancient) temple tanks in this area, it is quite heartening to see water in spite of being in the densest commercial place. JJ’s water harvesting has paid off??.

The temple is considered equivalent to Kanchi Ekambareswarar temple, one of Pancha bootha sthalangal representing land. of all the other Panchabootha sthalams (Kalahasthi, Thiruvannamalai, and ) and all the 63 Nayanmars are also present.

There are 300 years old Ashwatha Tree and Kallala tree and there is a shrine under the Ashwatha tree, the speciality of which being that people can do pooja to the lingam themselves. In a single , Panchamuha Vinayahar is on one side and Murugar is on the other side with a five headed Snake.

The Navagraha shrine here is considered one of the most sacred in the city.

CHINNAKADAI SRI OR PARAMESWARI TEMPLE

Located at the NSC Bose road in the Mint street junction at , the highlights of this tiny temple being:

 More than 200 years old, artistically done temple  In the , the is present in two forms – as Seethala in full form and as Renuka Parameswari with her whole body below the earth and only the head above the earth.  Kasi Viswanathar in linga form along with Kasi Visalakshi is also present.  burns always in front of the temple – It is believed that the Goddess gives dharshan in the form of light (deepam). It is believed that lighting camphor in front of the temple during the Muhurtham (4:30 AM to 5:30 AM) will get one’s wish fulfilled within 11 days.  The steps to the ambal shrine are very powerful since the Goddess was initially present here and later shifted backwards to accommodate more crowd.  During Fridays, the temple will be kept open till 12 midnight  Worshipped by Vallalar and Vivekanandhar  Hanging a of a lemon with 7 green chillies at house entrance after the pooja here will remove all the dhrishties and bad vibrations.

6 BAIRAHI MADAM SRI PRASANNA VENKATESA PERUMAL TEMPLE

This beautiful and cleanly maintained temple is located at the NSC Bose road, near the Waltax road and Kumarakottam. Thirupathi Venkatesa perumal appeared in the dream of a devotee to build a temple here so that he can be present here for him in order to avoid the difficulty of coming all the way to Thirupathi. It will be surprising for the South Indians to see the Perumal in a strange (but beautiful) dressing .

The highlight of the temple being that three important Perumals – Sriranganathar, Venkatesa Perumal and Kanchi Varadharaja Perumal – are all present here. Also Lakshmi Narasimhar, Jagannathar, Kannabiran and Varahamoorthy are present. Here also a clean temple tank with water as well (in the month of Jan).

KUMARAKOTTAM SRI SUBRAMANYA SWAMY TEMPLE

Located at the NSC Bose Road, the Subramanyar here was worshipped by Sage Agasthiar. Though this is a Murugan temple, Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar with Abitha Kuchalambal and Sarabeswarar are also present. The Rahukala (4:30 PM to 6:00 PM) Sarabeswara Pooja during every Sunday is very special here.

SRI VENUGOPALA SWAMY TEMPLE

Located at Pavalakara Street, Muthialupet, 1 km north of Broadway bus stand, this is a many hundred years old temple and is the only ancient Krishnan temple within Chennai city. Srinivasa Perumal and Ramar shrines are also present. Azhwar stayed here for many years and has done Mangalasasanam.

SRI MARAHATHAMBAL SAMETHA SRI MALLIKESWARAR TEMPLE

Located at the Lingi Chetty Street of Seethakathi Nagar, the temple is 700 years old. Once this temple was completely buried under the ground and the temple Kalasam just showed up during a digging. On further digging, the complete temple came into light and now the temple is present 2 meters below the ground level. When the temple was uncovered, fresh jasmine were found on the Shivalingam and so the deity is called Mallikeswarar. Goddess is considered to bless devotees with boons. The temple is very artistic and attracts foreigners. All the are present with their respective . Aswametha and Neem tree are grown together as a single tree.

During the first Sunday of Chithirai month, 63 Nayanmars festival is being conducted in a big way, during which many Thevara groups sing Thevarams together as in the famous Thyagaraja Aradhanai at .

7 SRI

The temple is located at Thambu Chetty Street. Chennai city was once called Chennamman Kuppam in the name of Goddess Chennaman and later Chenna pattinam. The of the erstwhile Chennamman Kuppam is today’s Kalikambal. The temple was once located inside the St George fort and later shifted here during the British regime. The temple has the sanctity of the two Pancha bootha Sthalams – and Thiruvannamalai.

At the foot of the Goddess is present the Arthameru installed by Aadhi Shankarar. Kamadeswarar is present in a separate shrine. Many sages Vyasar, Parasar, Agasthiar, Ankiresar, Pulasthiar and Varunan and Celestial Gods Indhran, Guberan and Viswakarma worshipped Kalikambal. It is said that Guberan got all his wealth only after worshipping Kalikambal here

Chathrabathi Sivaji worshipped Kalikambal in 1677. Bharathiar used to Kalikambal while working in Suthesamithran magazine and his verse ‘Yathumahi Ninral Kali’ was sung on Kalikambal only. The famous TMS’s song ‘Ullam Uruhuthaiya’ was sung for the first here only, in 1952 by Sri Andavan Pichai.

SRI KACHABESWARAR TEMPLE

The temple was built in 1720s and is located at Aranmanaikaran street. Thalavai Chettiar used to go to Kancheepuram to worship the Kachabeswarar there and on one such trip, he was held up due to heavy rain. But on return, he found all his works were completed properly and so he built this temple.

The main deity is Shivalingam present on a 5 tier base, the bottom most being as Tortoise (Kachabam). Mahavishnu worshipped Shiva in the form of Tortoise during the of Parkadal (Milky Ocean). Behind the lingam is present the Sadhasivam idol – Shiva with five heads in human form (make sure you have a dharshan of Him by requesting a Deepa Aradhanai since He is not visible normally). The Somaskanda moorthy here is said to as sacred as that of Thiruvannamalai. Polla pillaiyar, created without using sharp tools, is seen here. 63 Nayanmars are present in a beautiful exclusive mandapam.

SRI VASAVI KANNIHA PARAMESWARI TEMPLE

Located at the Aadhiappa Naickan street this temple has a rich legend. The legend has it that along with Kanniha Parameswari, Vaisya couples from 102 Gothrams took firebath and attained . The names of these 102 couples have been inscribed in the temple. Vasavi Kanniha Parameswari’s janma sthalam is Benukonda which is about 400 kms from Chennai but one can worship the same Goddess here at Chennai.

8 SRI KASI VISWANATHAR TEMPLE

This 200 years old temple is present in the George Town Mint street. The temple owes its to the Tawkers, a clan which though of Gujarati origin, had moved South and made Trichy its base in the 1700s. In fact most members used T as their initial thereby establishing their connection with the historic town of the Rock Fort. The most famous among the Tawkwers was of course TR Tawker who later moved to Madras and had a Henry Irwin designed showroom on Mount Road. This branch of the Tawkers became insolvent in the 1920s. Those who were responsible for the temple were however of a collateral branch and an inscription on a granite slab let into the doorway of the temple mentions the name of Viswanatha Tawker. It was however two women of the family who really were the prime-movers and this was around 200 years ago.

Ramkor Bai and Ratna Bai were sisters who were either directly descended from or married into the Tawker line. They were wealthy in their own right and according to family legend, at one time had even lent money to the East Company for financing its cloth trade. They had been on a to and brought back with them two Shiva lingas. One was enshrined at the Motta Utara on Mint Street, the larger of the two congregational centres for the Khedawal community of Gujaratis in Madras. The sisters planned to consecrate the second linga on land owned by them at Ayyanavaram. A vast expanse was demarcated and the shrine was duly built complete with a modest tower, a courtyard, some sub-shrines and a sanctum with two shrines in it, one for Kasi Viswanatha and the other for his consort Visalakshi. A tank was excavated across the road. It is said that the sisters had planned to build a companion shrine for as well, probably on the lines of the Chenna Kesava and Chenna Malleeswara Temple of George Town but a burglar made off with the money earmarked for the second project and so that never materialised.

The Tawker line that built the temple died out over time and the administration passed on to the Dagat family and from them it came to the Daveys. They take care of the well-being of the shrine and the Choultry.

An interesting tale has persisted in the family. Apparently the money loaned to the Company was never returned and the Government of Madras continued paying interest on it till independence and this was in turn passed on to the temple administration. Post-independence however the payment was stopped and the hereditary trustees took the matter to court. The judgement was in their favour and the principal was returned

SRI ARUNACHALESWARAR TEMPLE

This 250 years old temple is present in the George Town Palliappan street. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva in this temple is famous by the name Arunachaleswarar.

9 SRI KALAHASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT MANNADY

This is another Shiva temple. Here the Lord is famous by the name Sri Kalahastheeswarar. This temple is located near Mallikeswarar Temple at Pavalakara (Coral merchant) street.

SRI ANGALLAMMAN TEMPLE AT CHOOLAI

This is a very popular, ancient and very big temple. There is a big temple tank as well. The Goddess is very powerful and people throng the temple on auspicious occasions and during mid-night poojas on Amavasai. Recently the temple is given a new look with the constructions of Gopuram.

SRI PARTHASARATHY TEMPLE ()

This is one of the 108 Divya desams. The name of the place came from the term – Allikkeni, meaning the temple tank of Alli flowers called Kairavinisaras. Per Legend, Thiruvengadamudayan gave dharshan as Krishnan to Chola king Sumathirajan per his request and so the deity is called Venkatakrishnan and the vigraha was installed by Attreya maharishi. The main deity is in the form of charioteer and so has a big moustache and the whole family of Krishnar – consort Rukmani, elder brother Balaramar, younger brother , son Pradhyumna and grandson Anirudha are present in main shrine which can not be seen anywhere else. Since Krishnar promised not to take any weapons in His hands during the Mahabharatha war, He is seen here with Sangu only (without the ). The Utsava vigraham bears scars supposed to be from the arrows of Bheeshmar, when he was the charioteer to in the Mahabharatha war.

The special significance of the temple being that the perumals of the 5 divya desams – Thirupathi Venkatesa Perumal, Ranganathar, Kancheepuram Varadarajar, Narasimhar and Ayodhi Ramar – are present in separate shrines. As a rarity there are two dwajasthambams one for Sri Parathasarathy and the other for Sri Narasimhar. Also during Brahmosthavams, the will run twice.

Ramanujar’s father Aasuri Kesavacharyar conducted an yagna here and got Ramanujar as his son. Thyagarajar, Muthuswamy Dhikshithar and Bharathiar lived here. Viveknandhar also visited this temple. ‘Bharathiar Illam’ where Bharathiar lived is very nearby and all Bharathiar songs on Krishnar are based only on this deity.

Just as a historical fact, he fell ill and died after this temple elephant hit him.

10 SRI RAGHAVENDHRA MUTT, TRIPLICANE

Sri Raghavendra was one of the great proponents of the Madhva philosophy. He is hailed as an avatara of Sri Prahladarajar, and he chose his Brindavan at Mantralaya on the banks of the Tungabhadra. Devotees worship him in form of Brindavans installed in many places and one such is at Triplicane, very near the Triplicane Sri Parthasarathi temple

SRI THIRUVETTEESWARAN TEMPLE, THIRUVETTEESWARANPET

This temple at Thiruvetteeswaranpet (part of Triplicane) is a 500 years old temple. When the forest in this area was cleared off to expand the Nawab’s Chepak palace, the axe fell on a Shivalinga by mistake and blood oozed out. This temple was then built. Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi are also present.

Sapthasthana Temples of Shiva : There are seven Sapthasthana (Saptha meaning seven) temples for Shiva in Mylapore worshipped by the Saptha – Adri, Brigu, , Vashishta, Gautama, Kasyapa and Angirasa. Originally they were all part of a single temple but in due course they have become separate temples. It is highly powerful to worship all the seven deities in a single trip.

1. KapaleeswararTemple Worshipped bySage Kasyapar, this is the most popular of the Sapthasthana temples. This is one of the 275 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams; out of these, this is one of the 40 temples that have west facing Shiva shrines. The original temple was located near the sea but got submerged in the sea and the current temple was built around 350 years back. Parvathi Devi worshipped Shiva here in the form of Peacock. The 63 Nayanmar festival is highly popular.

2. Sri Velleeswarar Temple Worshipped by Sage Angeerasa, this temple is located at the South street very close to the Kapaleeswarar temple. The legend has it that Sukracharyar worshipped Shiva here in order to regain his vision.

3. Sri Valiswarar Temple Worshipped by Sage Gautama, this 2000 years old temple is located at Gopathy Chetty Street opposite to Kolavizhiamman Temple. got all his powers after his towards Easwaran here. Pancha lingams came out from the earth as seen in a separate shrine which is an appropriate place for . There are shrines for Vinayahar, Natarajar, Goddess Sivahami, Murugar with and Deivanai, Chandeeswar, Anjaneyar, Vishnu, Durgai, and . Navagrahas with their respective vahanas and

11 Saneeswarar separately are present in different shrines. In the Southwest of the outer praharam, a lizard has been carved out to indicate that this is a Parihara sthalam.

4. Sri Theerthapaleeswarar Temple Worshipped by Sage Adri, this temple is located in the Dr.Natesan street of Krishnapet, Triplicane Mirsahib market area opposite to . The temple has significance that when the seven deities of the Sapthasthana temples take bath in the sea during the Theerthavari festival in the tamil month of Masi, this deity takes the first place. Sage Agasthiar worshipped Shiva here.

5. Sri Karaneeswarar Temple Worshipped by Sage Vasishta, this 12th century temple is located in the Bazaar street of Karaneeswararpet. The Shivalingam here is in square shape as seen in only and Kalahasthi. Since Shiva is the ‘reason’ for everything, He is called Karaneeswarar (Karanam in Tamil means reason).

6. Sri Virupaksheeswarar TempleWorshipped by Sage Kutsa, this is the oldest temple of Mylapore and is near Karaneeswara temple and Mundakkanni Amman temple. Sivanesan Chettiar, who built this temple, had a daughter called Poompavai and when she died, Thirugnana Sambandhar brought her back from her burnt bones. ‘Viroopam’ means ‘Contradicting the Nature’ and since Shiva’s contradicts the nature, He is called Virupaksheeswarar.

7. Sri Malleeswarar Temple Worshipped by Sage Brigu, this temple is located near the Karaneeswara temple. This was once a forest of Jasmines and so the Easwaran here is called Malleeswarar. Prarthan, King of , was in tapas and conducted a Yagna here towards Shiva. Indhran tried to sabotage his tapas but could not. In praise of the intensity of his tapas, Shiva appeared before him along with his consort. Neem and Aswatha trees are grown together as a single tree.

SRI MADHAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE

Located to the east of College and north of Kapaleeswarar temple it is very near the Mundakkanni amman temple. The temple is amazingly clean, aesthetically painted, well lit and very well maintained. Peyazhwar was born near this temple and worshipped Madhava Perumal daily. Also Thirumazhisai Azhwar was enlightened by Madhava Perumal. The legend has it that Goddess Sridevi was brought up in Bruhu Maharishi here and Madhava Perumal married her. The temple tank Sandhana Pushkarani here is the erstwhile pond of Bruhu Maharishi’s Ashram.

12 SRI VEERABHATHRAR TEMPLE

According to , Veerabhadra is a tiny God, who was born out of Lord Shiva's wrath to destroy Daksh. In all ancient South Indian Shiva temples, you can find the idol of Veerabhadra. However, it is very rare to find the temples with Veerabhadra as the main deity. There is one such rare temple dedicated to Veerabhadra in Mylapore area of Chennai in .

Veerabhadra temple in Mylapore of Chennai is an old temple located near the famous Madhava Perumal temple. Although the temple is small, there is a huge number of idols found in this temple. The main shrine has the main deity Veerabhadra. The dhwajastambha and idol are located in front of the main shrine. On either sides of the main shrine, you can find small shrines of Bala Vinayak and Subramanya. There is a small prakara (corridor) surrounding the main shrine. The goddess of the temple is Abayambikai who is present in a separate shrine near the main shrine

SRI MUNDAKAKKANNI AMMAN TEMPLE

Located at about half a kilometer north of Kapaleeswarar Temple and at a few hundred meters to the east of Sanskrit College, this is a very popular and powerful Amman temple. Amman is a Swayambu putru. Presiding deity - Mundakakkanni Amman. Amman is seen as Sarawathi ( The goddess of education) and this place is also known to relieve naga dosham of the worshipping devotees.

THIRUVALLUVAR TEMPLE

Located very near to the Mundakakkanni amman temple, this is the birthplace of and little known even to the locals. A more than 2000 years old Iluppai tree under which Thiruvalluvar is said to have born got damaged in 1935 and the base of the tree is being protected with a cover. There is a famous incident in Thiruvalluvar- life in which, while Vasuki was fetching water in a pot from a well, Thiruvalluvar called her and she went leaving the pot as it was but incidentally the pot remained half way as it was. This historical well can be seen here.

Ekambareswarar and Kamatchi are the main deities along with Vinayahar, Murugar, Navagrahas and Saneeswarar shrines. The Ekambareswarar shrine is considered as the birth place of Thiruvalluvar by some researchers and as the by others.

While Thiruvalluvar is considered as the Tamil God, it is surprising that his original birth place is being maintained so poorly. What’s the point in installing a 133 feet Thiruvalluvar statue at keeping this place so badly? How many know that there is a temple for Thiruvalluvar right at the heart of the city? This being a temple is the only reason for this neglect by both the ?

13 SRI KOLAVIZHI AMMAN TEMPLE

Located at Gopathy Narayana Chetty Street opposite to Valiswarar temple and to the east of Mundakkanni Amman Temple, this is a 1000 years old temple. It is said that a British lost his vision after photographing the Firewalk festival and regained his vision only after worshipping this Goddess.

SRI APPARSWAMIGAL TEMPLE

Opposite to Sanskrit college, the temple of Apparswamigal is located. In the 19th century AD, there was a named Swamigal in Chennai. After he died in 1851, his disciple Chidambara Swamigal built a tomb (samadi) and also installed a Shiv Linga on the samadi. In 1853, the temple was built with this Shiv Linga as the main deity. (Please note that this Appar Swamigal is a different saint - not Appar, the one among 63 nayanmars).

The main deity is Viswanath in the form of a big Shiv Linga. The corridor (prakara) surrounding the main shrine has the stucco images of , , Vishnu, , Brahma and Chandikeswarar. There is a separate shrine for the Goddess of the temple, Vishalakshi (a very big idol). In the open corridor, the shrine of Needi Vinayakar is found - there are three idols of Ganesha in one row. It is believed that these deities solve the legal problems. There is a shrine for Jaya Subramanya along with his consorts Valli and .

The temple also houses the following idols:

1)

2) Navagraha

3) Thayumanavar

4) Nalvar (4 main devotees of Shiva)

5)

6) Apparswamigal (on whose tomb this temple is built)

7) Natraj-Sivakami along with a lot of bronze idols

8) Saneeswarar

9) Jaya Ganesh

14 THANNEER THURAI ANJANEYA SWAMI TEMPLE

This popular temple is located opposite to the Appar Swamigal Temple and next to the Sanskrit College / market. The Bhagawan Anjaneya Swamy of this temple is unique in many ways. Many scholars like Brahma Anantharama Deekshithar, Shri Kripanantha Wariyar had given discourses on at the Sanskrit College nearby this temple. Bhagawan Anjaneya Swami who is present wherever Ramanama is spelled, had heard the Ramayana from the temple itself. This Anjaneya Swami had seen more Ramabhakthas emerging after these discourses.

Legend

It is said that the trading community of known as "Shettys" left their home town around 300 years ago due to torture met out by Yousuf Khan. They had come down to Chennai and settled down in Mylapore where potters' were having their kiln and the area was known as Kayapettai or Kosapettai. They had established the "Hanumantharaya" shilapam which they had brought with them from Mysore here in Koyapettai. In the course of time, this trading community had merged with the trading community of and had acquired the identity as "Chettiars".

The temple was small and one could have dharshan of Bhagwan Anjaneya Swami from the main road itself. In the recent past Rajagopuram had been built and the temple had been enlarged with the active participation of devotees and management. It is said that on January first of every year the offer of Vada Malai to Bhagawan is likely to cross five hundred in number.

It is believed that by offering Vada Malai to Bhagawan Anjaneya Swami of this kshethra the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled as He is vanchithaya pradhanan.

SRI ADHIKESAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE

This is one of the oldest temples of Mylapore. As a contrast to the Madhava Perumal Temple, this is being maintained poorly. Adi Kesava Perumal Temple is constructed in honour of Keshava or Lord Vishnu, a principal God in pantheon and the "Savior" in the Hindu trinity. The temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu accompanied by his celestial consort Goddess Lakshmi. It has sannathis for the thayar mayuravalli, chakkarathazhvar,sri , sri , & anjaneya. It is the avathara sthalam (birthplace) of peyazhvar & has a separate sannithi for the azhvar.

During the bhramotsavam the utsavar goes in a procession accompanied by sridevi & bhudevi in the mada streets and also gives us the chance to see the theppam festival in the centuries old kulam (tank). Every Friday vilva archana takes place for the thayar and the thayar goes in a small procession inside the temple. Every year the parthasarathy perumal comes to the kesava perumal temple & and kesavaperumal too goes to triplicane along with peyazhvar.

15 NAVASAKTHI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

This is another temple of Mylapore which attracts large no of devotees. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Lord Vinayaka is worshiped before every new activity starts. Even before the of any god, Ganesha is worshipped. It is belived that he can remove any obstacle and hardships from the life of the people who worship him. This temple is located right at the Luz Corner.

SRI VEDHANTHA DESIKAR TEMPLE

This is located very near the Adhikesava Perumal temple. Initially there was only Vedhantha Desikar shrine but later Srinivasa Perumal shrine also came in. Mylapore also boasts of the Srinivasar temple near "Chitra Kulam" in Mylapore, which is administered by the Vedantha Desikar Devasthanam (SVDD)]. It is located just beside the Adi Kesava Perumal Temple, which has an imposing gopuram that can be seen from quite a distance.

The Srinivasa temple has a history of over 350 years. A vigraha of Sri Desika was brought from the adjacent Kesavaperumal temple and installed here. Since elders felt that the should not preside alone, a vigraha of Lakshmi modelled on the idol of the Mysore Parakala mutt was brought and installed. The Parakala mutt is also located in Mylapore (opposite road to Mylai railway station). The shrine of the great teacher Vedantha Desika is the one that faces north and it is the first shrine one sees in the temple. Sri Vedantha Desika lived over 830 years ago in South India. He wrote erudite commentaries on 's Sribhashyam, Gita Bhashyam and was a great exponent of Visishtadvaita.

Hayagriva was the " daivam" of Vedantha Desika and therefore worshipping him here is considered doubly beneficial. He is said to have performed penance in Sivanasamudram on the banks of the Cauvery river for 10 years. He lived on this earth for 120 years, which is the prescribed lifespan of a human being according to ancient texts. He left behind five noted disciples (Jeers).

Apart from the sanctum dedicated to Alameluthayar, there are shrines to Lord Rama, Lord and the Azhwars.

Throughout the year, a number of festivals are celebrated in the temple. Srinivasa Perumal Brahmothsavam, Desikar Uthsavam, Pavithra Uthsavam, Sri are the more prominent ones.

VEERA ANJANEYAR TEMPLE

This is a highly popular temple which is more than 200 years old. The Luz Anjaneya temple was constructed by Salivahana Chettiars from Mysore who migrated and settled down in Mylapore in the 18th century. With land granted by the Nawab of the Carnatic, the Chettiars constructed two Vinayaga temples. While digging a well, they

16 found the self-manifested idol of the Hindu god . As a result, they constructed a Hanuman temple on the spot. A shrine to the Hindu god Rama was constructed within the complex in 1954. The temple celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2000.

SRI MUTT TEMPLE

Mother Sharadha Devi stayed here for a month in 1910. The specialty of the temple being that it has the combined architectural styles of Buddha, Jaina and South Indian Temples. There is a big and beautiful hall where Sri Ramakrishnar’s life size marble idol is present and is being decorated very neatly and beautifully.

It is a pleasure to sit there for a meditation during the evening Aarthi. The set in vibrations that can not be explained by words. It could also be an enchanting experience if one sits in the outer praharam amidst the garden (a nice sound system is there) especially with family and relatives.

A beautiful place for a peaceful evening – Experience it!

Just by the side, the old temple is also present.

SHIRIDI SAIBABA TEMPLE

The Sai Baba temple is situated at Mylapore, known as all india Sai Baba Samraj. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shirdi Sai. This temple was built to coinmomerate the memory of Shirdi Sai Baba. This saint born in Shirdi as a Hindu was brought by a muslim Fakir (Devotee) and became an exponent of .

He too performed “Sithu” () like his mentor. Part of the jothi (Flame) lit by him in Shirdi is here as well. The temple also has shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Ram, the two incarnations of Vishnu. This is a well-maintained modern religious center of .

Devotees throng the temple on Thursday, the special day for Sai Baba, following the preaching and bhajans of Bhagwan Shirdi Sai, in the heart of the city of Chennai. On Sundays Pooja is performed.

SRI GNANASUNDARA VINAYAHAR TEMPLE

This is a 400 years old popular temple. Located at the junction of the St Marry’s Road and Road,

Legend :

The main deity here was once lying along other stones at the Dharga in Ramakrishna Math road. When Arcot Nawab was going through this route, his was

17 tied to this stone but the horse got the ‘Valippu’. When the horse was untied, it came back to normalcy but when it was tied again to the stone, it got the ‘Valippu’ again. They then identified the stone as the Vinayahar idol and this temple was built.

SRI AYYAPPAN TEMPLE

Located at Foreshoreestate in , near Chettinad Vidhyashram School, the temple was constructed by the Chettinad family and opened in 1982. This stone temple with the sacred 18 steps is built in the same style as the original Ayyappan Temple and very well maintained. Unlike Sabarimala, this temple is open throughout the year but the sacred ‘18 steps’ is opened only during the Mandala pooja as in Sabarimala and devotees can offer ‘Irumudi Kaanikkai’. During the Mandala Pooja, ‘Irumudi Neyyabishekam’ is performed to the for 35 days and Brahmotsavam (main festival) is celebrated for 6 days.

The temple has all sub-shrines as in Sabarimala for Sri Maha Ganapathi, Sri , Sri Maligaipurathu Amman (Manja ), and other “Parivara ”. Adayar

SRI ANANTHA PADMANABHA SWAMY TEMPLE AT GANDHI NAGAR

While coming from / , at the Adayar LB Road over bridge junction, take a left turn just before Malar Hospital and the temple is located at about 100 meters from there. This is a very well maintained temple. The sanctum sanctorum is well illumined and the Perumal in the Anantha posture is very beautiful indeed. The speciality of the temple being that the archagars here are Shaivaites and it is strange to see a perumal temple with Shaiva archagars, a perfect example of a Shaiva-Vaishnava unison. The temple is connected with Kanchi mutt (?).

MADHYA KAILASH SRI ANANDHA VINAYAKAR TEMPLE AT TARAMANI

The temple is located exactly at the start of the IT Highway, now called road at the junction of Sardar Patel Road with IT Highway at Taramani. While coming from Guindy/ Saidapet, you have to turn right at the junction immediately after the IIT over bridge.

18 When the Regional Labour Institute was constructed n 1970s, a Vinayahar came up as Swayambu and it was worshipped at a platform temple. Later, upon blessings and guidance from Kanchi Periyavar, this temple was built with Anandha Vinayahar as the main deity with all the Arupadai Murugans inside the Anandha Vinayahar shrine.

There are some rare shrines in this temple:

 Called Adhyantha Prabhu, a combination of Anjaneyar on the left side and Vinayahar on the right side like Arthanareeswarar. This can not be seen anywhere else.  Adhithyan (Sun God) in a ratham with 7 like Konark Sun God Temple.  Sage Suha Brahma is present as a Koshta God

The name Madhya Kaliash came from the fact that the temple is situated between North Kailash (Kasi) and South Kailash () to conduct the poojas for pithrus (ancestors). Everyday after 12 noon pithru poojas are being conducted with Anandha Vinayahar as the Kartha. Parameswarar and Adhithyan shrines are present only for the Pithru poojas.

The other shrines are Abirami, Anjaneyar, Mahavishnu, and Navagrahas. All the 33 idols of this temple were done through Thirupathi Devasthanam.

SRI PERIYAPALAYATHAMMAN TEMPLE

This Amman temple is located just opposite Adayar Bus Depot at L.B.Road. The diety of this temple famous by the name Periyapalayathamman. Besant Nagar

SRI VARA SIDDHI VINAYAHAR TEMPLE AT BESANT NAGAR

The Varasiddhi Vinayakar Temple in Besant Nagar, Chennai, India is a famous , located near the beach in Besant Nagar. It is dedicated to the Hindu elephant god Vinayaka or Ganesha. The temple participates in activities such as feeding the poor and holds poojas frequently.

The first Kumbabhishekam of the temple after extension activity was held in April, 1979 before which the idol was being workshiped at a site opposite to the present site of the temple, within the CPWD Quarters compound. In fact, in the sanctum sanctorum, we see the idol of Valampuri Varasiddhi Vinayakar with Consort Siddhi held at His left. Over this idol, we see a small Ganesh Idol. This was the original idol that was being worshipped at the original site. Subsequent developments took place rapidly, like,

19 construction of an auditorium behind the praharam on the eastern side and Goshala. The Temple conducts music program during Vinayakar Chathurthi time in this auditorium, which is also permitted for the conduct of musical / cultural programs by other organizations. Located just opposite the Besant Nagar Bus Depot, the specialty of the temple being that Ganapathy Homam is being conducted everyday.., yes, everyday.

SRI RATHNAGIREESWARAR TEMPLE AT BESANT NAGAR

This is a popular and very active Shiva temple at Besant Nagar. In the main Besant Nagar M.G.Road, while traveling towards Elliots Beach, take a left turn immediately after the RBI Quarters. Way back in the year 1968, a group of devotees decided to find a in the residential colony of Besant Nagar and formed an Assiociation for this purpose. His Holiness Sri Abhinava Theertha Maha Swamigal of Sri Sarada Peetam who was camping in Madras at that time, was drequested to perform the Bhoomi Pooja for the proposed temple on the sacred Vijayadasami day in 1968.

Thereafter, the dedicated devotees formed themselves into an organised body and BHAKTHA MANDALI was born. This was later registered under the Societies Registration Act and became a registered Society.

Sri Rathnagiriswarar Temple wholly owned and managed by The Managing Committee of Bhaktha Mandali (Regd) is a famous Siva Temple in . As foretold by His Holiness Sri Chandrasekarendra Maha Swamigal of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, the presiding deity of this temple, Sri Rathnagiriswarar was found at the seashore off Coast and installed in its present sanctum sanctrum on the 7th day of March, 1970. His Holiness Maha Swamigal ordained that the Sivalingam be placed on a miniature mountain and named "Sri Rathnagiriswarar". His Holiness also directed that a Ambal vigraham be made similar to the one at Ayyarmalai in Kulithalai and and named it "Sri Aralakesi". Since then, the temple has grown in size with separate sannadhis for Maha Ganapathy, Sri Rathnasubramania Swamy, Sri Kothandaramar, Sri Adi Sankara Bhagadvadpatha, Sri Anjaneyar, Navagrahams, besides goshta devadas - Sri Durga, Brahma, Vishnu, Dakshinamurthy, Narthana Ganapathy and Sri Chandikeswarar. The temple also has separate sannidhis for Nalvars and Sri Nataraja.

SRI ASHTALAKSHMI TEMPLE AT BESANT NAGAR

The Kovil, built in 1974, is the first shrine dedicated exclusively to the Ashta Lakshmi where Lakshmi is given greater importance than Vishnu. This is a very popular temple located right on the beach shore. The main deity here is 7 feet high Mahavishnu with Mahalakshmi. It has shrines for all the 8 Lakshmi and is built based on the of the Perumal temple. Lakshmi shrines are located in the 2 tiers of the vimanam of the main Perumal shrine and is constructed in such a way that you will not come on top of any of the deities below while going over the 2 tiers.

20 The Ashta Lakshmi are all depicted seated on a lotus.

 Adi Lakshmi : Four-armed, carries a lotus and a white , other two arms in Abhaya and varada mudra.  Aishwarya Lakshmi : Four-armed, in white garments, carries two lotuses, other two arms in abhaya mudra and varada mudra.  Dhana Lakshmi : Six-armed, in red garments, carries chakra (discus), (conch), (water pitcher with leaves and a on it) or Amrita (a pitcher containing Amrita - elixir of life), bow-arrow, a lotus and an arm in abhaya mudra with gold coins falling from it.  Dhanya Lakshmi : Eight-armed, in green garments, carries two lotuses, gada (mace), paddy crop, , bananas, other two hands in abhaya mudra and varada mudra.  Lakshmi : Four-armed, in red garments, carries two lotuses, other two arms in abhaya mudra and varada mudra, surrounded by two elephants bathing her with water pots.  Santana Lakshmi : Six-armed, carries two (water pitcher with mango leaves and a coconut on it), , shield, a child on her lap, a hand in abhaya mudra and the other holding the child. The child holds a lotus.  Veera Lakshmi : Eight-armed, in red garments, carries chakra, shankh, bow, arrow, trishul (or sword), a bundle of palm leaf scriptures, other two hands in abhaya mudra and varada mudra.  Vijaya Lakshmi : Eight-armed, in red garments, carries chakra, shankh, sword, shield, lotus, pasha, other two hands in abhaya mudra and varada mudra.

Location:

In the main Besant Nagar M.G.Road, while going towards Elliots Beach/ Velankanni , just before the church, take the right turn to enter the Kalakshetra Colony (there is one Kalakshetra ‘Road’ at Thiruvanmiyur which is different). Go straight upto a Police booth and then take a left turn to reach the temple.

ARUPADAIVEEDU MURUGAN TEMPLE AT BESANT NAGAR

This new stone temple has shrines for all the six Padai veedu of Lord Muruga in the same direction as the original temples. The land for this was donated by MGR during his regime but the temple was built years later by NRI Chettiars. This popular temple can be seen in many films and serials.

This temple is located near the Ashtalakshmi Temple. After entering the Kalakshetra Colony main road (Tiger Varadhachari Road), go straight till the T junction at the very end of the road and then turn left to reach the temple.

21 Thiruvanmiyur

SRI PAMBAN SWAMIGAL MADAM

The Samadhi of Sri Pamban Swamigal is located very near to the entrance of Kalakshetra, the popular Bharthnatya School at Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar. The full moon day celebration all through the night is very special. The Pamban Swamigal Temple is dedicated to Sri Pamban Swamigal. The samadhi of Sri Pamban Swamigal is inside this temple. The temple complex also has a temple of Sri Murugan.

SRI

Significance:

One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; 7th Century temple.

Main deity:

Swayambu linga known as Marundeeswarar with Goddess Thripura Sundari in separate shrines.

Location:

In close proximity to the Thiruvanmiyur Bus Depot at the start of the ECR.

Names of the main deity:

 Sage worshipped Shiva and hence called Vanmeeki nadhar.  Kamadenu worshipped and so He is known as Palvanna nadhar.  Sage Agasthiyar worshipped and was preached the science of Oushadha muligi (herbs). So He is called as Oushadeeswarar and Marundeeswarar.  Devas worshipped and so He is known as Vedapureeswarar

Legend:

 Since Sage Valmiki (vanmiki) worshipped here, the place is called Thiruvanmiyur  Lord Shiva gave dharshan to Markandeyar under the Vanni Tree  Moon God got his curse cleared off  Ramar, on his way to worshipped Shiva  Sage Brinki (in whose name Paranki Malai has come up) worshipped Shiva  Shiva danced before Sage Valmiki during Panguni full moon day  Lord Marundeeswarar taught Sage Agasthiar on the science of Herbs

22 Temple: The main deity is a Swayambu lingam about 1 foot high and is present in a slightly slanting position. Kamadehnu worshipped the lingam here and the foot marks of can be seen at the lingam. Srichakra is there in front of Goddess. No Navagrahas are present since the Navagraha worship came into practice only after 10th century during the Chola period. Lord Muruga is seen with right leg on peacock and bow in his hand. Arunagirinadhar sang thirupugazh on Murugan of this place.

Sthala Vruksham: Vanni.

Theertham: There are 5 – Janma nasini, nasini, Papa nasini, Gyana dhayini & nasini which are from the jada mudi of Lord Shiva. ( E.C.R. )

SHIRIDI SAI BABA TEMPLE AT

Take the left after Prathana drive-in theatre to reach the temple. It is approximately 8.5 kms from Adyar. The temple itself is very big and is in a calm, clean, breezy and peaceful place. In this temple built by Shri Shridi Saibaba spiritual and charitable trust almost all the deities are installed. particularly Ganapathy with ten arms. The Tri Murthy Brahma Vishnu and Siva statutes are also here besides that of Thattariya, Lingam, Parvathi, Durga etc.

This is the first temple out of 108 built on the initiatives taken by the Guruji of temple and the IPS officer C.P. Satpathy. To get their vows fulfilled people tie a yellow chord in the Kalpatharoo tree here. Feeding of the poor takes place every Sunday and Thursday.

Founder : Guruji C.B. Satpathy This temple is 17 years old (constructed in March 1993).Saipuram Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is situated at Injambakkam, in a lavish seven acres of pristine land facing the Bay of , on the outskirts of Chennai. Known as the Shirdi (the place where Sri Sai Baba lived) of the South, the temple complex has a number of buildings and temples. The majestic view of the seashore from the temple is a memorable experience.

The Aarathi is performed at 5.30 am to 8.45 p.m.

PURI TEMPLE AT KANNATHUR

An exact replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple is located on ECR just about 100 meters before Mayajal. In the bazaar area of Kannathur, turn left (East) towards sea and go further for about 200 meters to reach the temple. For those who have not been to Puri, this is a boon to see Jagannathar in the same style as Puri at their doorstep. As a very calm locality near the sea and a neatly maintained temple this is a beautiful place to visit.

23 Old Mahabalipuram Road (I.T. Highway)

SRI AAZHIKANDEESWARAR SHIVA TEMPLE AT THORAIPAKKAM

This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva is famous by the name Aazhikandeeswarar.

SRI SRINIVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT SEMMENCHERY

Sri Srinivasa temple at Semmenchery was constructed during the Pallava era. This temple is constructed in the 3rd century AD.

THIRUNAVALEESWARAR TEMPLE AT

About 35 years back the villagers found a Lingam at the present spot while digging. As per the advise of MahaPeriyava, the temple was then built. Since the Lingam was found in Navalur – He named Him as Navaleeswarar. Subsequently Akilandeswari Amman sannidhi, Vinayagar & Murugar Shrines were added. Recently Ayyapan Shrine in typical style was built. There is also a huge in front of Shivan sannidhi. Prodhosham is celebrated in a big way here.

THRISAKTHI AMMAN TEMPLE AT (NAVALUR)

A new temple for Godesses Shri Gnanasaraswathi, Shri Mookambika, and Shri Lakshmi and a beautiful one.

The presiding deities of THRISAKTHI AMMAN TEMPLE are SARASWATHI, MOOKAMBIKA, and LAKSHMI. SARASWATHI IS GNANA SAKTHI, the goddess of ; MOOKAMBIKA IS KRIYA SAKTHI, the goddess of valour; and LAKSHMI IS ICHA SAKTHI, the goddess of wealth. The three goddess thus represent the three-fold objects of human pursuits.

HISTORY : About twenty five years back, there lived in area one Mr. Nanu lyer. He was then 84 years of age and a staunch devotee of lord Ayyappa Dr. Krishnankutty used to go along with him to sabarimala temple. A group of people under the leadership of Mr.lyer was doing some social service also. This group in which Dr. krishnankutty was a member had an irresistible desire to establish a temple for MOOKAMBIKA, JWALAMBIKA, and KANYAKUMARI AMMAN at kottivakkam. Plans and estimates for the temples building were also prepared. Unfortunately, on the sudden demise of Mr. nanu lyer, the scheme was given up. The desire to build the temple, however, lingered in the heart of Dr. KrishnankuttyAbout five years back,

24 Dr. Krishnankutty had another experience. Three girls dressed in pavada with three serpents and a white lion by their side used to appear in his dreams continuously. He approached his Guruji, sri-la-sri Ayappa swamigal of Thiruverkadu for enlightenment on the implication of the dreams. When Guruji asked him whether he had any idea previously to build a temple for goddesses and give it up later, Dr. krishnankutty disclosed to guruji about the scheme drawn up under the leadership of Mr.Nanu lyer years back. Swamigal thereupon advised him to institute steps to implement the scheme. This advice prompted him to build a THRISAKTHI AMMAN TEMPLE and by the grace of Almighty, he was able to complete the work without accepting any donation from any outside. He is privileged to feel proud of this marvelous achievement.

OTTEESWARAR TEMPLE AT OTTIAMPAKKAM

Mangalambigai sametha sri Otteeswarar swamy koil - Possibly the biggest lingam of Chennai city; Goddess Mangalambihai.

MANIKANDESWARAN SHIVA TEMPLE AT PADUR

An ancient Shiva temple built by Vikrama Chola. More than 1100 years old; manikanadasuvaran – old name is manisuvaramudaiyar : Padur - old name is anavaratha sunthra nallur.

MURUGESWARAR TEMPLE AT

This is an ancient Chola Temple. This temple is approximately 25 kms. from Railway Station. Thaiyur is 19 kms far from its District Main City Kanchipuram

SRI SENGANMADALEESWARAR TEMPLE, THAIYUR

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here the main diety is Sri Senganmadaleeswarar. Thaiyur village is located 25 kms. away from Tambaram and is in Kancheepuram District.

SRI BRIHANNAAYAGI SAMETHA SRI CHENGANMAALEESWARAR TEMPLE AT CHENGANMAAL

An ancient Chola temple. Chenganmaal village lies about 40 kms from Chennai on the OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road), just 2 kms before Thirupporur.

The main deity is Sri Chenganmaaleeswarar along with Goddess Sri Brihannaayagi.

25 In Thamizh, Chenganmaal denotes the name of Lord Vishnu. It is said that Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here and hence the deity got the name, Chenganmaaleeswarar and the village, Chenganmaal. It is also said that, as this temple was built by an ancient Chozha king called Ko Chengannan (who built Thiruvaanikkaaval temple); this place got its name after the king Chengannan

Temple legend has it that Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here offering 1008 lotus flowers. He was praying Lord Shiva with utmost devotion. Lord Shiva made a trick and made one flower vanish from 1008 lotuses. When Lord Vishnu was about to offer the last flower, He was shocked to see that there was no more flowers. Lord Vishnu immediately owed Himself as the last flower to complete the Pooja.

This temple is believed to have been built during 12th century. This temple does not have a Rajagopuram. The Lord here is facing east. Goddess Sri Brihannaayagi is beautiful and is facing south.

MURUGAR TEMPLE AT THIRUPPORUR

Significance: Ancient Shiva temple known for Subrayamanya swamy.

Location: In the Old Mahabalipuram Road (IT Highway), between and Mahabalipuram, 36 km from Adayar. There is also link from Chenglepat and . 25 km from chengalpet.

Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Vanmeega nadhar and Swayambu Subramanyar with Valli & Deivanai.

Legend: Vishnu to overcome the curse of Sage worshipped Shiva here and was blessed. Subramanya fought with demons and preached gyana (knowledge) in this place.

Sthala Vruksham: Vanni.

Theertham: Saravana poigai.

SRI DHANDEESWARAR TEMPLE AT VELACHERI

The temple is located in the Rajbhavan-Vijayanagar Bus stand road, about half a km from the Vijayanagar Bus stand. Yaman does not have separate temples and the temples that remove one’s death fears are only a few like Thirukkadaiyur, Thirupainjeeli near Trichy, and Thiruvaihavur apart from the Velacheri Dhandeeswarar Temple.

26 Velacheri was once called Vedasreni, the temple of , the sacred place for veda padasalas. This was also called Sathurmangalam – Sathur means four. All the four Vedas worshipped Dhandeeswarar here and were cleared off the dhosham that was got while being caught by the demons. It is said that was in tapas here for 3000 years and got blessed. Since Lord Shiva snatched the Dhandam of Yama, the deity here is called Dhandeeswarar. The main deity is a Swayambu lingam. Worshipping here removes one’s death fears.

YOGA NARASIMHAR TEMPLE AT VELACHERI

This temple is located very near the Dhandeeswarar temple. The Lord here is in a sitting posture facing the West which is considered rare.

Velachery was known as Vedashreni (meaning "Abode of Vedas") and Vedanarayanapuram during the Chola period. Eventually, the Tamil word VEL that represents King or the Leader that also denotes Lord Sri Narasimha Swami was used to denote this place along with the Tamil word CHERI which literally means a place where people gather and hence Velachery (the people who gathered to worship Lord Sri Narasimha Swamy). Besides the Presence of Lord Sri Yoga Narasimhar Swamy's temple,there is also a Shivaalyam or Shiva Temple,as soon as one enter its Garbha Gruha or the Sanctum Sanatorium one can see the inscriptions in the walls of the temple dating back to the 12th century. As it proves to be the name Velachery has been evolved from the Sacred word Vedashreni. Though the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha (half- lion-half-man) lasted only for a short period, it is one of the three important , the other two being Ramavatara and Krishnavatara.

Saint Nammazhwar, in his Thiruvoimozhi, says Lord Vishnu emerged from a pillar in the form of Narasimha when the demon-king, Hiranyakasipu, asked his son , an ardent devotee, whether his God could appear anywhere and at any time. The child said yes and Lord Vishnu proved Prahlada's words true, killed the demon-king and saved the world.

The nine Narasimha forms are Jwala Narasimha, Ahobila Narasimha, Malola Narasimha, Krodha Narasimha, Kaaranja Narasimha, Bhargava Narasimha, Yoga Narasimha, Chatravada Narasimha and Pavana Narasimha. He is also worshipped as Lakshmi Narasimha, when seated with his consort on his lap. There are many temples dedicated to these forms, but the most common are shrines of Yoga Narasimha or Lakshmi Narasimha. He is seen here as `Yoga Narasimha', with four hands and in a sitting posture facing the western direction, which is rare.

The Goddess Amirthbalavalli (the same name with which she is worshipped at Ahobilam) is housed in a separate shrine in the main prakaram (precinct). The utsavar (processional deity) is Bhaktavatsala Perumal flanked by Sridevi and Bhoodevi. But the place gets its name from Lord Vedanarayana Perumal, who is enshrined in the manimandapam of the temple. He is seen standing, facing west with the `Prayoga Chakra' (the holy disc) ready to leave his hand to slay the evil-doer. This is also a rare position.

27 Lord Devanatha in Chettypunnyam at , near is also in a similar position.

PAPATHI KARUMARIYAMMAN TEMPLE

Located at Dr.Ambedkar Nagar in West Velachery, the diety of this temple is named as Papathi Karumariyamman.

MUTHUMARIAMMAN TEMPLE

This Amman temple is located at Dr.Ambedkar Nagar in West Velachery, the main diety being Muthumariamman.

SRI LAKSHMI NARAYANAR TEMPLE AT PALLIKARANAI

This is a 800 years old Chola temple. The main deity Sri Narasimhar is seen embracing Goddess Lakshmi who is sitting on his lap.

Temple Features - Sri Lakshminarayanar, Sri Srinivasar, Sri Ramar, Sri Anjaneyar, Sri Ramanujar, Sri Manavalamaamuni are the main gods of the temple. Temple poojas are done by panchrathra agamam.Yearly utsavas, monthly utsavas are conducted by the temple management and devotees.

Temple Timings - Morning 07:30 AM to 10:00 AM & Evening 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM.

SRI AADHIPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, PALLIKARANAI

This Temple is on the Velachery-Tambaram main road itself near the Pallikaranai Bus Stop. This temple is a Pariharasthalam for Rahu / Kethu Doshams .

Meaning : The entire emerged from the single letter “Aum". The two letter word 'Hreem' denotes Sakthi Pranavam. The delight emerging from this is not experienced by many. At the end of the three seed letters, 'lym', 'Gleem', ‘Soum’ 'Thrimurthies' appeared. 'Aum', 'lym', 'Hreem' and 'Sreem' all these four seed letters envelope all these. These are the outcome from the word 'Sivayanama'. Pallikkaranai is referred to be a part of "Suradhu", of 'Puliyur' District, under the kingdom of 'Jayam Konda Chola'. At the end of each '' (era) there is distruction. The entire universe would converge with God and again re-emerge from Him. say that God will ensure such converged lives sleep calmly (in Him), and make them get up for re-emergence of the dawn. It happens every time at different places. Life end with Siva and emerge from Him. Pallikaranai happened to be one such place. This is place is believed to have been graced (korunoi) by Lord Siva

28 who was on 'yoga nidra' (palli) and hence known to be 'polli karunai' which had subsequently changed to Pallikaranai.

Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam Tree

This place is considered to be a 'parihara sthalam' - place of reparation. A projected sculpture, on the sanctum done, depicts a swallowing the Sun. Other pictures around this hall are: ' nayanar offering his eye', Since for 'nava graha' is included in the 'Siva Pooja', "navagrahas' are set in Sivaalayaas. Here one can entreat 'Aadhipureeswar', and get from the 'navagraha doshas' and atone the sins were committed or that sins may be committed.

The uniqueness here is that both the God and the Goddess are together in the Sanctum Sanctorum, and Sri Aadhipureeswarar blesses His devotees a blissful life.Arulmighu Santhanayaki AmmaThe name Saanthanaayaki comes from the posture of the Goddess in a calm and composed manner. Depicted with four arms, facing south, in a standing posture, and from a separate sannidhi She rules over the place with Her benign grace. Along with Goddess , She blesses her devotees for their good health, abundance wealth and prosperity and for their relief them from the fear of 'Yama'. MuniVyaghrapada or Pulikaalmuni [Vyagro / Puli meaning "Tiger" and patha / kaal meaning "feet" - referring to the story of how he sought and got the feet and eyesight of a tiger to help climb trees well before dawn to pick vilva leaves for performing archana to Lord Siva. He was looking for locations with large number of vilva trees. He found one such at the present Pallikaranai. He was immensely pleased to perform archana to 'Aadipureeswarar' with large quantities of vilva leaves.Later he moved over to the South and met Pathanjali Muni. Pathanjali muni's samadi is situated in 'Thirupattur' at about 30 km from Tiruchi where a temple for Sri Brahma is also located. Vyaghrapada's Samadhi is near this Brahma Temple at the "Kaasi Viswanathar Temple". When the king of "Suradu", then part of Chola region, visited this place, he heard about Vyaghrapada muni and declared this area as "puliyur kottam" and built a temple for Lord Siva.

This is the place, where all lives converge with Lord Siva and again re-emerge from him. He neither has a beginning nor an end. This place is named a 'Aadhipuri' since Lord Siva appeared first (Aadhi) here (puri). From here Sri Aadhipureeswar, in an 'eka linga baana' shape and facing east, blesses in a sitting posture from the Sanctum Sanitarium. Thirugnanasambandar, one of the sixty three naayanmars, lived during the 7th century A.D., wrote in his 'kolaru padhigam' that Lord Siva is the head of all the navagrahas, and those worshipped Him here would live happily without the effect of 'navagraha doshas' as may be seen from following poem. "Veyuru Tholhibhangan vida munda kandan Miga nalla veenai thadavi Maasaru thingal gangai mudimel anindu en Ulame pugunda adhanal Gnyayiru, thingal, sevvai, budhan, viyazhan, velli, sani paambu irandum udane Aasaru nalla nalla avai nalla nalla adiyaar avarkku migave"

29 SRI LAKSHMI BALAJI TEMPLE AT PALLIKARANAI

A new temple for Sri Venkatachalapathy at Kamakotinagar, Pallikaranai, (opposite Balaji Dental College) on the Velachery-Tambaram Main Road. A special feature of this temple being that the beautiful main deity, Sri Lakshmi Balaji is seven feet high and has the idol of Goddess Lakshmi in the lower half. Nanmangalam

SRI NEELAVARNA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT NANMANGALAM

This Temple is more than 1200 years old. In this Pallava era temple, the main diety is Sri Sridevi Bhudevi Samedha Sri Neelavarnaperumal. This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for Raahu Kethu Dosha. One finds Goddess Lakshmi on the chest of Moolavar Neela Perumal. Built by early Pallavas around the 9th Century AD, Rajasimha Pallava is said to have visited this temple every time he went to war. This is believed to be the Abhiman Perumal for Neer Vanna Perumal of Thiru Neermalai Divya Desam.

Ignored for many decades, the temple has been renovated over the last decade and now wears a fresh look. Rajagopalan Bhattar, who earlier performed service at Brindavan temple, is very devoted in rendering service to the Lord and is a reason for devotees returning to this temple for prayers. His performance of the daily poojas is very refreshing. Interestingly, at the Eastern entrance, one finds Anjaneya as Dwarapalakas of Neela Varna Perumal.

SRI OPPILIAPPAN PATTABISHEKA RAMAR TEMPLE AT PUZHUDHIVAKKAM.

This is located at Ram Nagar (North). This temple is the oldest temple for Oppliappan in and the main deity is Lord Rama in Pattabishekam rupam

Lord Oppiliappan and Goddess Bhoomidevi at the temple ... an awesome presence.

Several Shrines for Lords , Srinivasa and other deities exist in different places but the "Lord Incomparable" (Thannopparil Appan) is enshrined only in Tiruvinnagar or Oppiliappankoil (Tirunageswaram), near .

30 A temple has been built for Him at Puzhuthivakkam (Madipakkam) in Chennai, where since 1987, His Utsavar idol is being worshipped along with the Moolavar idol of Sri Pattabisheka Ramar.

Puzhuthivakkam means that it has been hallowed by the dust particles of numerous devotees. The temple, measuring 3,000 sq. ft, situated in Ram Nagar North on a four-ground site has grown in stature over the one and a half decades of its existence because of the commitment shown by the devotees as well as its organisers The newly made Moolavar idol of the Lord measures about seven and a half feet. There is a shrine for Sri Sudarsana in shadgona (hexagonal) shape where the Lord's Holy Discus holds all the 16 weapons as described in scriptures and as enshrined in the Kalamega Perumal Temple at Thirumohur, near .

It is in the fitness of things that Sri Sudarsana, who is ever alert in the Lord's right hand and accompanies Him during His incarnations (He was the Lord's tusk during the Varahavatar, His nail during the Narasimhavatar, Kusa grass during the Vamanavatar, the axe in the Parasuramavatar, Kothandam or bow during the Ramavatar and hoe when He came into the world as ) is offered worship in a separate shrine. Sri Narasimha's small idol is on the other side of the Sudarsana image so that He can be removed and offered Thirumanjanam (holy bath) separately.

MELA TIRUPATHI TEMPLE AT MEDAVAKKAM

Moolavar : Srinivasa Perumal & Padmasini Thayar

This temple is on a small hill/raise. One has to climb around 10-15 steps.

The sannidhis in this temple are:

Sri Srinivasa Perumal, Padamsini Thayar, Andal, Garudan, Anjaneyar, Ramar Paadham, Adhivarahar, Lakshmi Hyagreevar, Ramar , Seetha & Lakshmanar, Venugopalar, Chakrathazhwar and Yoga Narasimhar

SRI MOOKAMBIGAI TEMPLE AT MEDAVAKKAM

This temple is located at Medavakkam at Santhoshipuram, Anandha nagar. Here the main diety is Goddess Mookambigai.

31

SRI SELLIAMMAN TEMPLE AT KEELKATTALAI

Selli means Younger girl and the youngest of the Saptha madhas, Chamundi is being worshipped as the Boundary God in different names in different places and Selliamman is one of them.

The temple tank has been renovated beautifully with the participation of both the Government and the NGOs.

SRI SAMEDHA SRI SRINIVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT KEELKATTALAI

The founder secretary of the temple had a dream for three consecutive days in which Lord Srinivasa appeared and asked him to offer 108 Salagrama garland to be obtained from the King of Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The devotee decided to make an effort and wrote to the King of Nepal describing his dream. After three months, a parcel with 108 Salagramams arrived from the King of Nepal !!.

Sri Vishnu Parayana Mandali group has been chanting Vishnu Sahasranamam on Sundays for more than 450 weeks. Madipakkam

MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE AT MADIPAKKAM

The Sundareswarar Temple in Sadhasiva Nagar, Madipakkam, Chennai 600091. It is dedicated to who is known as Meenakshi and her consort, Shiva, named here as Sundareswarar. The name "Minachchi" means fish eyed and is derived from the words "mina" meaning fish and "aksi" meaning eyes.

SRI AYYAPPAN TEMPLE AT MADIPAKKAM

THE MADIPAKKAM Ayyappan temple, with its traditional nadapandal, was the second Ayyappan temple after Sabarimala to be consecrated with 18 holy steps (pathinetampadi). The sanctity of the 18 steps is strictly maintained here — only devotees leaving for Sabarimala are permitted to climb them. Women are not allowed inside the Ayyappan shrine but can visit other parts of the temple.

32 One of the main features of this temple is the paraedipu held during the annual utsavam in November. During this utsavam, the deity is taken in procession and grains left by devotees in front of their homes are taken for temple use.

Another event is the maha annadanam conducted on 's Day. Says C. Radhakrishnan, secretary, Sri Ayyappan Mandali, Madipakkam, "During the annadhanam, are provided to each person."The Mandali was registered as a society with 1,300 members in 1978. The Ayyappan temple, with shrines for Devi, Nagaraja, Vinayakar, Murugan and Kannimoolaganapathy, was constructed on a half-ground plot donated by a devotee.

The kumbhabhishekam was conducted in 1978 and the Ayyappan vigraham was brought from the Siva-Vishnu temple in T. Nagar.

VEDHAPURISWARAR / ODHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT MADIPAKKAM

Legend says that an ancient temple was here. A siva lingam was laying alone under a tree near the Madipakkam Bus terminus and legend says that there was an old temple. A few years back a new temple was constructed on the same place where the lingam was present. Ootheeswarar alias vedapureeswarar is the presiding diety.

SRI AUROBHINDHO ANNAI MEDITATION CENTRE AND GAYATHRI TEMPLE

Next to Petrol bunk on the Madipakkam-Velachery Main road and alongside the Puzhuthivakkam lake, in Madipakkam, is the small and beautiful Dhyana mandapam of The of . The fragrance of the various flowers, the silence of the environment and the enchanting smell of the incence in the mandapam add to the vibration one gets in the presence of the eyes of the Mother looking at you. Unlike the other meditation centres in the city, significantly here, a Samadhi is present like that of Pondicherry Ashram. In this lovely place, a few minutes of meditation is enough for one to recharge himself. Within the same complex, a Gayathri Devi temple is also present with two small shrines one for Manakula Vinayagar and the other for Gayathri Devi. The Vishnu, Mahalaxmi, Anjaneyar, Thakshinamoorthy and Navagraha Idols are also present in the same complex. The group prayers are being conducted every and Saturday.

SRI PAATHAALA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

This temple is located at the Medavakkam High Road near Madipakkam Koot Road Jn. In this temple, the main diety is Lord Ganesha. Here the Lord Ganesha is famous by the name Pathala Vinayagar. A Navagraha Sannithi is also there in this temple.

33 SRI SHIRDI SAI BABA TEMPLE

This temple of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba has been built on the Samadhi of Bhairavar (Dog) which stayed with the founder of this temple for 14years. Sri Sai Baba used to keep a number of dogs with Him at Shirdi. Sri Shridi Saidasan is a lover of dogs. He used to visit Shirdi and worship Sri Sai every year. He requested for a dog in his prayer to Sri Sai. In 1976 he bought a walking stick at Shirdi and its handle was in the shape of a dog. He prayed to Sri Sai Baba to give him a live dog not a wooden dog.

It was a wonder that a Muslim boy gave him a ten days old pup at his house. The newborn dog could not even open its eyes. This dog lived with Sri Saidasan for fourteen years. It refused to mate with dogs.

In 1988 Sri Sai Baba appeared in Saidasan's dream and informed him that the dog should not be left uncared for after its life span was over. He ordered Saidasan that a Samadhi should be built over the place where the dog was buried after its demise so that the of the "Bhairavar" will bless the devotees. Sri Baba informed Saidasan that His statue should be kept over the Samadhi.

In 1990 Bhairavar suffered from a serious illness and doctors who treated it were not sure that it would survive. At that time Sri Saidasan fervently prayed to Sri Baba for restoring the dog to normalcy and took it to the Sri Sai Baba temple at Mylapore. It was all a surprise. Effective medicines could not cure the dog. But by the grace of the Almighty Sri Sai Baba it lived for eighteen months. It attained siddhi on the 8th August, a Thursday, 1991. As ordered by Sri Sai Baba, Saidasan donated his only house at Madippakam for the construction of the Bhairava Sai Mandir.

This Mandir is in the shape of the Geetha Upadesa Chariot and there are two horses in the sanctum of the temple. The horses are named Shyam and Sundar. The height of the temple is fifty-four feet from the ground level The tower of the temple has nine kalasams representing nine planets. Ther is a beautiful meditation hall where people of all can practice meditation.

This is the only temple in the whole world Baba Bhairavar in the Sanadhi.

A 3.5ft Marble Statue of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba has been installed above the Samadhi of Bhairavar (Dog). A Bronze Statue of Sri Sai Baba in Bhiksha is also installed inside the temple premises. Dwarakamai, Gurusthan, , Statue's of Ganeshji, Hanuman, Lakshmi, Nagaraja have been installed in this temple.

Daily Aarti, Abhishek & Puja are performed in this temple. On Rama Navami, Guru Pournima & Sai Punyathithi Special Puja & utsav are performed in this temple.

This temple is located at Bharath Nagar Main Road at Madipakkam. It is at a Distance of around 6kms from St. Thomas Mount suburban Railway Station.

34 NAVA SHAKTHI KAMAKSHI AMMAN KOIL

Shakthi is the dynamic part of the Supreme that operates. One among those shakthi is Sri Navasakthi Kamakshi Peedam which is located in Madipakkam near Madipakkam lake. Grandiose Kamakshi deity was founded by Shri and Srimathi Sethuraman (Fondly known as Radha Amma). She is a staunch devotee of Shakthi. Being a house wife, she was performing lots of pujas and aradhanas at home. Some years ago, she undertook recital of Lalitha Sahasarananam for 48 days and during that period Ambal came in the dream of Radha amma and asked her to build a temple for Goddess Kamakshi. Place for the temple, temple layout, image of Ambal, the wholething was exposed in her dream.

After the completion of 48 days recital, one day ambal came into one of the devotee and asked Radha Amma to visit nine thirutalas namely Kancheepuram, samayapuram, Melmaruvathoor, Thiruvotriyur, Prathyankara devi, Vana Durga parameshwari, Angala Parameshwari, Lalithambigai and Thiruverkadu. Accordingly Amma visited all the said 9 shrines before the construction of the temple and in view of this fact the deity was named as “Navashakthi Kamakshi Peedam”. Mr.Sethuraman was very much instrumental in accomplishing this feet.

The distinguished factor is that the 9 feet idol is the one of the tallest Kamakshi idol in Tamil Nadu. Sri Sarva sidhi vinayagar and sri valli sena samedha Sri Muthu Kumarasamy also indoctrinated here.

SRI KALYANA KANDASWAMY TEMPLE

This temple is 500 years old. The main diety of this temple is Lord Muruga.

SHEETHALAA DEVI TEMPLE

The original Temple of Sheetalaadevi is in the State of , in , which originally was called "Guru Gram". Guru Gram was gifted by the King Yudhishtra to his guru Dronacharya. Dronacharya's wife Kripi stayed in a cottage nearby. When Mata Kripi, an ideal wife, gave up her body, a temple was constructed in her memory. She came to be known as Mata Sheetla or Mata Masani, the goddess of small pox.

There is also a Sheetla Devi Temple at Madipakkam in Chennai. This temple has been set up by one Mr.Raghavan. The Goddess appeared in his dreams and asked him to set up a Temple for her at Madipakkam in Chennai. The temple is being set up since three years, and all the functions pertaining to Sheethala Devi Mata are being performed every year.

The Goddess is worshipped as Muthumariamman, goddess of diseases, in Pondicherry and Tamilnadu.

35 SANKATAHARA VINAAYAGAR KOIL

Lord Ganesha is one of the most popular Hindu God worshipped in India and is believed to be the remover of all obstacles in the lives of his devotees. Ganapati as a whole is attributed to removing the obstacles in the lives of devotees. That is the reason to choose him as prathama poojita, meaning the first one to be worshipped. So that, any task undertaken can move ahead without any obstacles.

Sankatahara Ganapati is the last of the 32 forms of Lord Ganapati. In this form , the lord is depicted as having four hands. Sankatahara Ganapati means the dispeller of sorrow. It is believed that worshipping this form of Lord Ganapati will remove the sorrows of his devotees and lead them to prosperity.

Sankatahara Ganapati is associated with Revathi Nakshatram…

Sankatahara Ganapati and its translation:

Balarkarunakamtirvamebalamvahannamke

lasadimdivarahastam

gauramgim ratnashobhadhyam

dakshemkushavaradanam

vamepashamcapayasampatram

nilamshukalasamanah

pithe padmarune tishthan

samkataharanah payatsamkatapugedgajanano nityam

He has four arms. He is effulgent like the rising red sun (Red in Color). He has his wife () – who is carrying a beautiful lotus, glowing with radiance and bejeweled – sitting on his left lap. He is carrying in one of his right hand a hook (Ankusha) and with the other bestowing boon (varada). He is carrying in one of his left hand a rope (noose) and with the other a vessel brimming with sweet (Payasam). He is seated on a Red Lotus and wearing a blue robe.

According to another version, the varada gesture and vessel of Payasam is replaced by the broken tusk and the -apple .

36 KODI BABA KOIL

Kodi Baba Sai Baba Temple is located at Kuberan Nagar 8th Street, Madipakkam, Ullagaram, Chennai City.

PONNIAMMAN TEMPLE

This is a famous Amman temple in Madipakkam. There is a strong belief that for those who have full in goddess Ponniamman, she will fulfil their prayer whether it is for education, health, wealth, courage, marriage, motherhood and what not.

GUNAALAMMAN KOIL

This temple is located near the Madipakkam bus stand.

ABIRAMI-AMIRTHAKADESWARAR (SIVAN) KOIL

The main diety in this Temple is Amirthakadeswarar (Lord Shiva) along with his consort Abirami.

VEMBULIAMMAN KOIL

This is another Amman Temple in Madipakkam.

BALA THRIPURASUNDARI TEMPLE

Tripurasundari ("Beautiful Goddess of the Three Cities") or Maha-Tripurasundari ("Great Beautiful Goddess of the Three Cities"), also called shodaasi ("Sixteen"), Lalita ("She Who Plays") and Rajarajesvari ("Queen of , Supreme Ruler"), is one of the group of ten goddesses of Hindu belief, collectively called .

As Shodashi, Tripurasundari is represented as a sixteen-year-old girl, and is believed to embody sixteen types of desire. Shodashi also refers to the sixteen syllable mantra, which consists of the fifteen syllable (panchadasakshari) mantra plus a final seed syllable. The Shodashi refers to Shodashi as the "Beauty of the Three Cities," or Tripurasundari.

Tripurasundari is the primary goddess associated with the Shakta Tantric tradition known as Sri Vidya.The Goddess Who is "Beautiful in the Three Worlds" (Supreme Deity of Srikula systems); the "Moksha Mukuta". Bala Tripurasundari is another form of Tripurasundari that is pictured either as an independent young goddess who is 16 years of age, or as an unmarried, pre-menarche girl of nine or ten years of age, also known as a . Bala Tripurasundari's mantra differs slightly from that of Maha Tripurasundari.

37 Within the Brahmanda Purana, Bala Tripurasundari is mentioned in chapter 26 of the Lalita Mahatmya, where she joins the battle against the forces of the arch-demon Bhanda.

In Madipakkam, Chennai, there is a temple for Bala Thripurasundari.

SRI DHENUPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

Main deity:

Swayambu linga known as Denupureeswarar & Denukambikai.

Legend:

Sage Kapilar took birth as a cow due to a curse. One day, the master of the cow saw the cow pouring its on a small stone buried in the ground. He angrily hit the cow for having wasted its milk. Unable to bear the pain, the cow tapped it’s leg on the ground and also the stone. The stone started bleeding and later it was found to be a Shiva Linga. Lord Shiva gave dharshan to Sage Kapilar and gave salvation. Even today one can see a scar on the Shiva lingam, caused by the kick of the cow (). Another rare feature of the temple being that it houses Lord Sarabeswarar on one of the pillars in it. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on subramanya of this place.

Temple:

The lingam is one of the smallest in the world and no one is able to tell on what material this lingam is made of since it is a Swayambu. A highly powerful temple and one gets lot of vibrations here and you can see people meditating in the inner praharam most of the time. This Shiva temple, dating back to more than thousand years, was built during the reign of the Chola king, Parantaka II, also known as Sundara Chola (956-973 A.D.), father of Rajaraja Chola I. This temple was probably rebuilt with stone during the reign of Kulottunga Chola I. The temple is now under the control of Archeological Society of India. This ancient village, now called Madambakkam, was once known as Ulaguyyavanda-Chola Chaturvedimangalam.

SIDDHAR TEMPLE AT MADAMBAKKAM

Located very near to the Dhenupureeswarar Temple, this temple, called the Universal Shrine was constructed as instructed by the Sathguru Seshadhri Swamihal of Thiruvannamalai. Dedicated to the in her form as the Maha Meru as per the ancient Sri Vidya tradition, to the 18 – masters of infinite enlightenment and to the Sathguru, the Universal Temple is today a temple of peace and solace.A unique

38 complex the Universal Shrine is the only one of its kind in the world reflecting the depth of India’s spiritual traditions, the sacred system of Sri Vidya and the mystical heritage of the sages of God realization. The main shrine is devoted to Lalithamba and Kameswarar, where Kameswara is depicted as a green flat stone and Lalithamba is represented by shri chakra.

Selaiyur is 2.5 Kms from and could be reached by any MTC bus which starts from . The original name of Selaiyur is Silaiyur – the place with so many Silais or idols, and there is a temple at every corner, some of them surprisingly ancient.

SRI SKANDHASHRAMAM

This temple is located at Mahalakshmi Nagar, , Selaiyur. Built by Sathguru Srimad Shanthananda Swamigal who hails from the Avadhoota tradition of , this temple pays a living tribute to the glory of Hinduism. Enshrined in this temple are the icons of rare deities including that of Kamala Siddhi Vinayakar, Panchamukha Ganapathy, , Panchamukha Hanuman, Saneeswarar, Ayyapan, Ashtadasabhuja Durga Parameswari, Srimath Sadguru Shantananda Swamigal, Lord Sarabeswara (form of Shiva), Goddess Prathyankira, Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, Swaminathaswamy (Skanda), Sudarshanachakathalwar, Sahasralingam (1008 lingams) and Sri Chakra Poorna Maha Meru all in magnificent stature

SRI ABIRAMI AMMAN UDANURAI AMIRDHAGADESWARAR TEMPLE

This temple is over 250 years old. This is considered as “Chennaiyin Thirukadaiyur” (Thirukadaiyur is a famous temple town near which is considered to be the apt place for conducting Shastiabthapoorthi (60th Birthday). The main deities are Abhirami Amman and Amirthakadeswarar. There are 14 Ambal (Devi) temples in Selaiyur. In this particular temple, the idols were found during some digging. The Nandhi in this temple faces the Goddess, as she is in “Siva Shathi Bagam”. The central courtyard is occupied by a mandapam in which the 16 Aishwaryams or Lakshmis are depicted. Temple Tank named “Abirami Pushkarani” was renovated recently and figurines of holy rivers of India installed around it.

Some of the poojas and festivals are – Pradhosam, “” during new moon day of Tamizh month Aadi, Navarathiri, Thirukalyana Utsavam during , Vaigasi Visagam. Every Sunday during Rahukalam (14:30 hrs to 18:00 hrs) Sarabeshwarar Pooja is also performed.

39 SRI ADIKESAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE

Here, the granite pillars are ancient but the idols themselves, of Adikesavaperumal and Amirthavalli Thayar, are relatively new. The temple has a ‘Deepa sthambam’, which is a typical feature of a village temple as opposed to a town temple. There is also a palanquin dated 1094, indicating that the temple is nearly 1,000 years old.

SRI PANDURANGASWAMY TEMPLE, ADAMBAKKAM

Located in Adambakkam the main deity Pandurangan along with is very beautiful indeed. The Abang mela during the end of January is highly popular. The activities of the Shree Vittal Mandali revolves around “Shree Vittal & Rukmayee”, the presiding deities of Shree Vittal Temple, situated inside Karpaga Vinayagar Temple Complex, Shanthi Nagar 9th Street, Adambakkam, Chennai 600 088. The temple was constructed with the active co-operation of “Sthala Bagavathas” and bakthas and consecration was performed as per vaideka prathishta system, by Sri Ganapathy Maharaj of , on 8 th Feb, 2004. The foundation of the temple was sprinkled with Chandrabhaga river water and sand brought by bagavathas. The walls of the temple is made out of with “Vittal Nama” written on them, by many bagavathas and bakthas.

The idols of Shri Vittal and Rukmayee installed in the sanctum sanctorum are brought from Pandharpur , blessed by Sri Sri. Krishna Premi Maharaj. A Panchaloka idol of Sadguru Sri Sri Gnanananda Giri Maharaj of Thapovanam was also installed inside the Garbagraham. The Garbhagraha Vimanam is the replica of Pandarpur temple vimanam but miniature in size. Garudalwar sannadhi is located in front of the Moolavar, as per instructions of Sri Sri. Krishnapremi Maharaj. The mandapam in front of the Garbhagraham connecting Garudalwar sannidhi is used for regular bhajans and sevarthis for worshipping. The mandapam walls are decorated with sudhais of Santh Tukaram Vaikunta Arohanam, Shree Vittumaja Lenkurwala, Sant Thukaram singing with bakthi and Sant Das painted beautifully which reminds us the bakthi cult of .

SRI NANDHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT ADAMBAKKAM

Location: Very near to the Parangimalai (St.Thomas Mount) Railway station

Specials: Very ancient temple, Pradhosha Pooja

Main deity: Nandeeswarar with Arunthava Nayaki in separate shrines.

40 Legend: Lord Shiva gave dharshan to Sage Bringi in the form of Nandhi and so the deity is called Nandheeswarar. Since Sage Bringi stayed at the hill nearby, it was called Bringimalai and over a period got changed to Parangimalai. During the British period it got hijacked completely by Christians and called St Thomas mount wiping out all traces of Sage Bringi

Temple: pooja is very special here and a cow comes around during the Pradhoshams even today. There will be lot of cows roaming around here. Cow represents Avudai and Bull represents Nandhi. Thiruvotriyur Avudaiamman temple and this had connections as per the culvert found in Thiruvotriyur temple. There are other deities like Sundara Vinakar, Naga , Vishnu, Bairavar, Chandran, Dakshina moorthy, Brahma, Durgai, Chandeeswarar & Navagraha.

Sthala vruksham: Nagalinga.

SHRI SANTHAANA MUTHUMAARI AMMAN TEMPLE

This Amman temple, popularly known by the name Shri Santhaana Muthumaari Amman Temple, is located in Ex-Service Men Colony in Adambakkam.

PAZHANDI AMMAN TEMPLE

Adambakkam has a gramma Devadai "Pazhandi Amman Temple". This temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Mother Shakthi, is located near St.Thomas Mount Railway Station

LORD SUBRAHMANYA TEMPLE

This Subramaniar Temple is located in the Brindavan Nagar, Adambakkam. This temple is dedicated to Sri Murugan as Subramania Swamy along with Valli and Devayanai Amman.

SRI BHUVANESHWARI AMMAN TEMPLE (VADA PUDHUGAI)

The Bhuvaneswari Amman Temple is located in the Andal Nagar, Adambakkam. This temple is dedicated to Divine Mother Shakti as Mata Bhuvaneswari.

SRI RANGANATHA SWAMY TEMPLE (VADA THIRUVARANGAM)

Located at Mohanapuri 2nd Street, this temple is dedicated to Sri Ranganatha Swamy.

41 SUNDARA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Elephant God Ganesha who is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings. This Temple is located at the NGO Colony.

SRI SARVAMANGALA SANEESWARA BHAGHAVAN / DEVI NAGAMUTHU MARIAMMAN TEMPLE (VADA THIRUNALLARU)

Sri Sarvamangala Saneeswara Bhaghavan Temple is situated in E. B Colony at Adambakkam. Devoted to Lord Saneeswara (Planet Saturn), the temple was constructed in 1984. Devotees believe that sufferings can be averted by visiting Shaneeswara temples and doing special poojas to satisfy Saneeswara. Minor shrines of Sri Devi, Nagamuthu and Mariamman are also seen inside the temple. The important festivals celebrated in the temple are Adi Pooram, festivals and Sanipeyarchi

SRI VARASIDHI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

Located Opposite to the Adambakkam Police Station, this temple is dedicated to sri Varasidhi Vinayagar. Vinayaka is a common name for Lord Ganesha that appears in the Puranas and in Buddhist . This name is reflected in the naming of the eight famous Ganesha temples in Maharashtra known as the Ashtavinayak The names Vighnesha and Vighneshvara refers to his primary function in Hindu mythology as the master and remover of obstacles (vighna).

SRI KARPAGA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

Located at Shanthi Nagar in Adambakkam, this temple is dedicated to Sri Karpaga Vinayagar (Lord Ganesha). Ganesha — the elephant-deity riding a mouse — has become one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. This not only suggests the importance of Ganesha, but also shows how popular and pervasive this deity is in the minds of the masses.

AYYAPPAN TEMPLE

This Ayyappan temple is located at EB Colony, Adambakkam. The name "Ayyappan" is used as a respectful form of address in the Tamil and languages. The mantra Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa can be translated as, "Oh Ayyappa! I seek refuge in you".

PUTTRU (SNAKE) TEMPLE

This snake temple is located at EB Colony in Adambakkam.

42 SRI SARVA SIDHI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

This Vinayagar temple is located at Ramakrishnapuram in Adambakkam. Devotees offer Vinayaka sweets such as modaka and small sweet balls (laddus). He is often shown carrying a bowl of sweets, called a modakapatra. Because of his identification with the color red, he is often worshipped with red paste (raktacandana) or red flowers. Durva grass (Cynodon dactylon) and other materials are also used in his worship.

SRI SAKTHI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

This temple is located at Nilamangai Nagar in Adambakkam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha as Sakthi Vinayagar. Ganesha is worshipped on many religious and secular occasions; especially at the beginning of ventures such as buying a vehicle or starting a business. There can hardly be a Hindu home [in India] which does not house an idol of Ganapati. Ganapati, being the most popular deity in India, is worshipped by almost all and in all parts of the country. Devotees believe that if Ganesha is propitiated, he grants success, prosperity and protection against adversity

SRI DEVI KARUMARIAMMAN TEMPLE

Located at Balaji Nagar Main Road in Adambakkam, this temple is dedicated to Sri Devi Karumariamman. Mari which means rain is a very popular Goddess of Tamil Nadu. While scholars believe that she is a goddess of the pre days, most of the common people believe her as Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva or Durga who arose from her to kill the . Some people believe her to be Renuka, the mother of Lord Parasurama. Normally the in her temples do not belong to the Community. The common people pray to her for bringing rain and avoiding epidemics. In her temple festivals, it is common to see people walk bare footed on glowing embers.

SRI SATHYANARAYAN TEMPLE

This temple is located at Mahalakshmi Nagar in Adambakkam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here the diety is known by the name Sathyanarayana.

ARULMIGU SRI MUTHUMAARIAMMAN TEMPLE

Located at Kakkan Nagar 2nd Street in Adambakkam, this temple is dedicated to Sri Muthumaariamman.

SHIRDI SAI BABA TEMPLE

This Shirdi Sai Baba temple is located at Lake View Street near Adambakkam Water Tank.

43 / Pazhavanthangal

Nanganallur can be called as the Chinna Kanchipuram of Chennai due to the numerous temples it has in and around.

SRI ANJANEYAR TEMPLE

Sri Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Bhaktha Anjaneyaswami Temple is the landmark and the most popular temple of Nanganallur. The temple work was started in 1989 with the blessings of Sri Ragavendra swami and Sri Kanchi Paramacharyar. The great Paramacharya took the stone on his head to offer his blessings. and the Kumbabishekam was consummated in 1995.

The temple is always buzzing with the activities of homams, archanas and sevas by bhakthas and volunteers at different corners of the temple. The very unique feature of this temple is the continuous distribution of Prasadam during the temple hours, which changes hourly according to the offering given to the Lord. Anjaneyar here is of 32 feet high sculpted out of a monolithic stone. Sri Vinayagar, Sri Ramar and Sri Krishnar are also present in separate shrines.

Several Sevas are undertaken as per the Vaishnava Sampradhaya (vaikanasa agamam). The core content of these sevas is ensuring no deviation from age-old dictates and also to encourage actions that would enhance the sanctity and spiritual aura of the temple. The Temple opens as the clock strikes five in the morning. The cow and calf are brought before the Lord for the Ghopooja and immediately there after fresh milk is offered to the Lord as Neivaidyam. It is indeed a very pleasing sight to behold at that hour in the morning. Immediately thereafter preparations are made for the bath for the Lord and sequentially thereafter several Sevas are held in His honor.

SRI AYYAPPAN TEMPLE

Located at 3rd main road, Ram Nagar. The deity came from Sabaraimala itself and the Melsanthi (head ) of the Sabarimala temple in 1991 is the head priest here. Sri Maligapurathu Manja Matha Devi, Sri Kannimula Ganapathi, Sri Nagaraja, Sri Valiyakadutha Swami, Sri Karuppa Swami and Sri Karuppayi Amman shrines are also present.

It is said that nowhere in the world, there are two powerful Bharmachari swamies standing back to back and giving to devotees in the world. It is said that visiting both Ayyappan and Anjaneyar temples for 9 weeks on saturdays will ward of any kind of evil and unpleasantnesses in life.. trust me, it is truth.

44 SRI UTHARA GURUVAYOORAPPAN TEMPLE

The temple in Kerala style is having Sri Guruvayoorappan very similar to the Kerala Guruvayoor deity. Bhagavathi amman is present in a separate shrine and She is a feast to the eyes. Goddess Bhagavathi is ‘Deepa Swaroopam’ and represents the Trinity of Goddesses – Mahalakshmi, Saraswati and Durga. There are shrines for Sri Dharmasastha, Sri Prasanna Vinayaka and the Navagrahas. There is also a separate shrine for Lord . There is a huge Peepul tree as the sthalavriksham and an idol of Sankarshana is installed beneath the Peepul tree in a separate enclosure.

SRI VARASIDDHI VINAYAHAR TEMPLE

Located at Nanganallur 2nd main road, this is one of the two oldest temples along with Rajarajeswari Temple. Kanchi Maha Periyavar used to stay only here whenever he comes to Nanganallur.

SRI RAGHAVENDHRA TEMPLE

This Mithrika brindhavan of Sri Raghavendhra who was born in 1595 A.D. is located very near to the Anjaneyar temple. Temple is reknowned as Dakshina and is an abode of peace and simpleness and the beautiful image of Lord Raghavendra in the mandap opposite to the temple is also a must see.

SRI RAJARAJESWARI / SRI LAKSHMI SAMETHA SATHYANARAYANA PERUMAL TEMPLE

This very powerful, beautiful and popular twin temple unfortunately is located in a typical house in a narrow street at ThillaiGanga Nagar. If you go by car, better park it in main road and do a little walk.

Because of the presence of Raja Rajeswari temple, this place was called Nangai Nallur once and later became Nanganallur. It is said that the main deity here came up from a kundam. The devotees should go around the temple only in anti-clockwise direction. There are 16 steps to this temple and each signifies a special meaning.

Sri Sathyanarayana Perumal temple is also located within the Rajarajeswari temple. Those who are unable to do Sathyanarayana Pooja at home can participate in the pooja here to get the benefit of doing the Sathyanarayana pooja. Sri Lakshmi normally seen by the side of Perumal is present here at the chest of Perumal who is in a standing posture facing west.

Navagrahas, normally not seen in Perumal temples are seen here in a straight line which is unique. Panchamuga anjaneyar is also present here.

45 SRI LAKSHMI HAYAGREEVAR TEMPLE

This is one of the very few Hayagreevar temples of Tamilnadu. Hayagreevar is the God of Knowledge. Here Lord hayagreevar is seen along with Lakshmi Devi sitting in his lap.

SRI NAVANEETHA KRISHNAN SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHAR TEMPLE (OLD)

Lord Nrasimhar is seen here in the santha roopam along with Goddess Lakshmi. Many hundred years ago, this temple was hidden under the ground and some pooja items of the temple showed up first. Upon further digging, the complete temple showed up. With the findings, this is believed to be more ancient than 8th century.

The deities present here are Sri Ranganathar at South, Sri Krishnan at North and Lakshmi Narasimhar at East. There is a Prayer Chakra at the Perumal’s hand which was one of the findings when the temple was unearthed. Praying by touching the Chakra is believed to get one’s prayers answered. The Anjaneyar here is seen always with alankaram.

An ancient temple, which had totally disappeared due to the ravages of time but was restored to its glory is the Lakshmi Nrisimha, Navaneethakrishnan Temple in modern Nanganallur, a suburb of Chennai, whose original name according to scholars was Nangainallur or the place where Goddess Mahalakshmi is enshrined and worshipped. It abounds with numerous temples, the most important among them being the Lakshmi Narasimha Navaneethakrishnan Temple, the Anjaneyar Temple with the over 30-ft high statue of Ramadhootha in it, and the Ardhanareeswarar Temple, where an ancient Sivalingam, found in a temple tank and identified by the Paramacharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, as that of Ardhanareeswara, has been enshrined. While the last two mentioned are strictly modern structures, the Narasimha temple has been built over the remnants of what was an ancient temple, which existed during the pre-Pallava period.

The Narasimha temple, which has been built on a 10-ground site, was over 1,500 years old, according to the " Prasnam" conducted by Sri Narayana Namboodiri of . The Prasnam revealed that the original temple had shrines for Lords Lakshmi Narasimha, Navaneethakrishnan, Rama and Srinivasa and new shrines for these deities should be built.

It also said the entire temple complex was razed to the ground in a fire centuries ago and "Bhoomi Sankarshana" should be performed there. It was also predicted that the digging would bring up some idols and puja articles along with the ruins of the ancient temple.

The levelling of the temple site started on April 5, 1974, and a , a plate and a lamp were recovered. The bell is said to be of rare kind as its top portion contains the

46 images of both Sudharsana ( and the Panchajanya one inlaid in the other. A stone with an inscription was also found and it said that a land gift was made by " Thenkarai Ravichathiran" to keep the two "Nandavilakkus" going. These articles as well as the five- and-a-half feet high idol of Mahavishnu found made the archaeologists conclude that the temple was built in the eighth century during the Pallava rule.

SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHAR TEMPLE (NEW)

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar on the first floor of the temple in 24th Street of Thillaiganga nagar is the recent addition to the list of temples in Nanganallur. The Lord blesses here with His Consort, in santha roopam under the umbrella of the five headed snake. Lord Dhanvandhri is in a separate shrine here.

SRI DEVI KARUMARI AMMAN TEMPLE

This old temple is just the adjoining temple to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar temple (new). Lord Srinivasar (Balaji) gives beautiful dharshan in a separate shrine at the entrance itself. The temple faces the new highway laid recently for connecting Velacheri with the GST road at the Thillaiganganagar point.

SRI SAI BABA TEMPLE

This temple is just at the end of the road of Raghavendra temple and the temple is developed by local devotees who join to sing Baba bhajans and spread the message of . Thursdays 7 pm is the best time one can really enjoy the fullness of this temple

VISA ANJANEYAR

This is the small Anjaneyar temple very close to Modern school in Nanganallur, where people believe that prayers at this temple brings them opportunties abroad :-) Sounds funny, but its again, believes and thats turn true I guess...so try your luck.

SRI SARVAMANGALAMBIKAI SAMETHA SRI DHARMALINGESWARAR (DHANMEESAR) TEMPLE

This temple is located in south Nanganallur and is said to be the oldest temple in the area. Build during , more than 1000 years old, this temple is an indication of an established during good olden days as well in Nanganallur. This Semponkoil Dhanmeesar (Dharmalingeswar temple) temple was unearthed during the digging up for a house construction. The temple was later renovated. The principal deity is Lord Shiva in the form of Dhanmeesar and there is a separate shrine for Goddess Sarvamangalambikai. The Navagrahas, Bairvar and Anjaneyar are seen in the inner prakaram and Vinayagar is enshrined in the outer prakaram.

47 SRI ARDHANAREESWARAR AND SRI ASHTABHUJA DURGAI TEMPLES

It is located near the Pazhavanthangal railway station in the 4th Main Road in a very busy market area. In the 1960s, the Paramacharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam discovered this ancient temple when he was performing a morning puja at the abandoned temple tank here. He spotted an ancient Lingam in the tank as “Ardhanareeswarar”. Since then the temple was functioning in thatched sheds and the Kumbaabhezam took place in March 2004. This temple is also a “Kethu sthalam”.

A life-size idol of Sri Ashtabhuja Shanthi Durga, said to be bigger than that of ancient Patteeswaram temple near Kumbakonam is installed in a separate shrine just at the rear of the Ardhanareeswarar temple. The well sculpted durga is a please to the eyes of the devotees and is well known as sarvabhishta pala nayaki.

A beautiful and not-to-be-missed temple.

VEMBULI AMMAN TEMPLE

This is a three hundred years old temple located at Pazhavanthangal near the subway. This goddess was found in a field while ploughing. She is a village deity. There are seven such grama devathais in and around the area. The seven virgin in the temple are Brahmini, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Vaaraahi, Indraani and Chamundi. They represent the seven in the human body. The sthala vriksham is a neem tree. Saidapet

SRI KARANEESWARAR TEMPLE

This temple is located next to the railway station. This temple has a 7-storied Rajagopuram with two prakarams. The main deity is Lord Karaneeswara and Goddess Swarnaambikai. This temple has a beautiful tank.

SRI PRASANNA NARASIMHA PERUMAL TEMPLE

This is a 12th Century temple by the Viyayanagar empire near the railway station. It is said that initially Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal alone was incarnated in the sanctum sanctorum with SriDevi and BooDevi and Narasimha Perumal was incarnated later and hence Perumal was named as Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal. Sri Parthasarthy Swamy of Triplicane visits this temple yearly once. There is Adhisesha near

48 the Azhwar shrine to eliminate the ‘Sarpa Dosham’ of the worshippers. Alarmelu Mangai Thayar shrine is present facing east. There is an Anjaneyar temple just opposite the Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal temple

SUBRAMANYA SWAMY TEMPLE, SAIDAPET

This 400 years old temple is present near the Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple. This temple is situated in the center of Saidapet. Its main deity is Lord Subramanya Swamy (Muruga) and has a 5 storied gopuram. Annual brahmotsavam takes place in the month of Masi and the deity is taken in procession for 10 days.

SRI THRIPURASUNDARI UDANNURAI SRI SOUNDREESWARAR TEMPLE (VADATHIRUNARAIYUR)

One of the oldest temples of Saidapet. Its old name is “VadaThiruNaraiyur”. Here the Goddess Parvathi worshiped God Shiva in the form of stork (narai) and hence the name.

Sthala virksham: Vanni tree (Indian Mesquit).

The main deity is Lord Soundareswarar and Lord Thirupurasundari. Lord Varasithi Vinayar facing West is a famous one. The Stala Virutcham is Vanni Maram. The temple is also known as Vada Thirunaraiyur. Vanni, Vilvam and Konrai, the three trees are known for Shiva's worship, are available in this temple. Leaves of Vanni maram is used for the archana for Saneesvaran. Annual brahmotsavam take place in the month of Ani and the deity is taken in processing for 10 days. This Temples comes under HR&CE control West

SRI KOTHANDARAMAR TEMPLE AT WEST MAMBALAM

This Temple is located to the left of the Madley Road subway while going from T.Nagar bus stand. This 150 years old temple has the main deity as Pattabiramar with Seetha devi at his left lap in Pattibhisheka kolam. Kothandaramar is also installed later just behind the Pattibesheha Ramar. So, just in one shrine, you can worship both Pattibesheha Ramar and the Kothanda Ramar. Also Ranganathar, Thayar Ranganayaki, Yoha Narasimhar, Sanjeeva Paravatha Anjaneyar are having separate shrines. Anjaneyar

49 is having Sanjeeva Parvatha hill in his right hand and his facing north (Gubera corner) is considered very special.

A clean temple tank is also present within the temple campus.

SRI KASI VISWANATHAR AND KASI VISALAKSHI TEMPLE AT WEST MAMBALAM

The temple is located at the end of the Madley road bridge on the right side while going from T.Nagar bus stand. This is a 400 years old beautiful temple and has been renovated recently. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kasi Viswanathar and his consort Kasi Visalakshi. Sankara Mutt is present next to the Kasi Viswananathar temple

MURUGASHRAMAM

This is near at West Mambalam. No Hundi collection, no individual archanas – only Muruga bakthi here. This ashram is under the able blessings of Sri Swami Sankaranandha for the past 40 years. Muruga devotees will definitely get some pleasing experience here.

MAMBALAM SATHYANARAYANA TEMPLE Sathya Narayanam Devam Vanthyeham Kamadham Prabum Leelaya Vidhadham Vishnum Yena Thasmai Namo Namaha.

Worshipping any deity on Pournami ( full moon ) is auspicious but if one Lord Sathyanarayana who is identified with Pournami on that day , it is believed that the Lord will bless us with the bountiful health and wealth.

Lord Sathyanaraya who is one of the divine forms of Mahavishnu is consecrated in a separate temple in West Mambalam in Chennai. The temple is the only one of its kind in Tamil Nadu. Situated in the Srinivasa Street near Ayodhya Mandapam, West Mambalam, the main deity of the temple is Sri Mahalakshmi Sametha Sri Sathya Narayana Perumal. The other deities present in this temple are: Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal, Thaayaar, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Anjaneyar, Sudharsana Azhwar, Ramar, Lakshmanar and Seetha.

This temple is very famous and is often referred to as “Maabila ”. Every Pournami, Sathya Narayana Poojai is being performed. Whenever the Jeeyar Swamigal or Srimad Andavan Swamigal comes to Mambalam, they pay a visit to this Kshetram.

SRINIVASAR TEMPLE

50 In this temple, the main deity is Lord Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal

PERIYANJANAEYAR TEMPLE

This temple which is located in Mambalam is dedicated to Ram Bhaktha Hanuman. The Temple is popularly known as Periyanjanaeyar Temple.

MADI SRINIVASAR TEMPLE

This Temple is dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal.

VALLABAGANAPATHY TEMPLE

Vallabha Ganapathi is a rare form of Ganapathi who has eleven arms and is the protector of the universe. There are a few temples dedicated to this form of Ganapathi and one of them is in Mambalam, Chennai.

KALI BARI TEMPLE

The Kali Bari Temple is located in the Umapathy Street Extension, West Mambalam, Chennai. The temple is around 3 km from the T. Nagar bus terminus. The temple can also be approached from the Ashok Nagar side. The Kali Bari Temple is dedicated to Divine Mother Shakti as Bhavatarini Kali. This temple is a miniature replica of the famous near . Thyagaraya Nagar (T.Nagar)

MUPPATHAMMAN KOIL

Muppathamman temple is a popular amman temple located in Maharajapuram Santhanam Salai, T.Nagar, Chennai.

SHIVA VISHNU TEMPLE

The Shiva Vishnu Temple is located near the T. Nagar bus terminus. (Between T.Nagar bus stand and ). The Shiva Vishnu Temple is dedicated to Sri Shiva as Kedareswarar with Divine Mother Shakti as Parvati Ambal and Sri Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal with Divine Mother Shakti as Devi Mahalakshmi. 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 .

THIRUMALA THIRUPATHI DEVASTHANAM

51 Thirupathy dharshan / lodging bookings are done here. The Devasthanam Temple is dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal and Divine Mother Shakti as Padmavathi Thayar. Lord Venketeshwara has a beautiful crown adorning his head embedded with precious stones and he has a smiling face. Devotees can stand close to the lord and see the omnipresent lord looking divine and powerful. Goddess Lakshmi is also adorned with jewels and a beautiful silk saree. Devotees can get a close glimpse of the goddess and pray for prosperity and wealth

AGASTHIAR TEMPLE NEAR

A very ancient temple and the lingam is well below the ground level. Here Sage Agasthiar is present with his wife Lopamudra. (pronounced as Agasthiar in South India) was one of the most famous mythological saints of Hinduism. The stories related to this great saint could be found in North India as well as South India. Due to his connection with a lot of mythological events in South India, you can find the idol of Agastya in many South Indian temples. This temple in T Nagar area of Chennai city, which is named as Agastyar temple or Agastyar ashram. is located very near to Pondy Bazaar. Although the temple is called as Agasthiar temple, the main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. It is not known who built this temple and how many years old. However, this temple remains as a popular one in this region for many years and it is evident that the current structure of the temple and expansion are done in the modern days. The unique feature of this temple is that all the Navagraha idols (nine planets) are found along with their respective vaahans. As mentioned earlier, the main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. He is found in the form of a Shiv Linga and named as Vanibeshwarar. The Shiv Linga is found in the underground and behind Shiv Linga the idols of Shiva and Parvati are found. It is very rare to find Shiv-Parvati figures behind the Shiv Linga in South Indian temples. There is a separate shrine for the Goddess Vadivambigai. As per the name, the idol of the Goddess is extremely beautiful.

SRINGERI SARADHAMBAL TEMPLE

A beautiful temple and horoscope registration / exchange are taking place on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. Ashok Nagar

SRI ANJANEYAR TEMPLE

The temple is very popular and the deity is about 20 feet high and is seen either in Vennai (butter) kappu or Sandhana (sandal) kappu almost on all the days. I am not sure whether he is seen on any day without any of these. The Anjaneyar Temple is located in Anjaneyar Koil Street, Ashok Nagar, Chennai. The temple is around one km away from the Ashok Pillar. The Anjaneyar Temple is dedicated to Ram Bhakta Sri

52 Anjaneyar. Ram Bhakta Sri Anjaneyar and Sri Ganesha are the main deities in this temple

SWARNAPURISWAR TEMPLE

In Ashok Nagar area, the temple of Swarna Pureeswarar is located in a small street (45th street corner) at 8th Avenue . The temple is around 40 years old and well maintained. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form a big Shiv Linga named as Swarna Pureeswarar in this temple. The goddess Swarnambigai is located in a separate shrine and the goddess is found with two hands in the standing posture. This small temple also houses other shrines for Nava Siddhi Vinayak, Anjaneya, Ayyappa, Vallaba Ganapati (Ganesh with his consort and with 10 hands), Lakshmi, Bala Muruga, Navagraha, and Kalyana Muruga (Subramanya with his consorts Valli and Devasena). The wall surrounding the shrine of Swarna Pureeswarar has the idols of Nardhana Ganapati (the dancing Ganesh), Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbava, Brahma, Durga, and Chandikeswara. The wall surrounding the shrine of Swarnambika has the idols of Icha Sakthi, Kriya Sakthi, and Gnana Sakthi

KARUMARI THRIPURASUNDARI (VARAPRASADHI) TEMPLE WITH 2 SRINIVASARS AND 2 DURGAS.

Karumari Thripurasundari (Varaprasadhi) Amman temple. It is a most powerful Amman temple with 2 Srinivasars and 2 Durgas.

ANJANEYA (HANUMAN) TEMPLE

The Anjaneyar Temple is located in Anjaneyar Koil Street, Ashok Nagar, Chennai. The temple is around one km away from the Ashok Pillar. The Anjaneyar Temple is dedicated to Ram Bhakta Sri Anjaneyar. The Anjaneya once had one lakh Vadamala. The deity is about 20 feet high and is seen either in Vennai kappu or Sandhana kappu almost on all the days.

KASI VISWANATHAR WITH GOTHANDARAMAR AND SATHYA NARAYANA PERUMAL TEMPLE

This Lord shiva temple located near Ashok Pillar. Here Lord shiva as Kasi Viswanathar is blessing the devotees. Kothandaramar and Sathya Narayana Perumal Sannathis are also present in this Temple.

SARVAPRIYA GANAPATHY TEMPLE

53 This Temple is located at 7th Avenue Ashok Nagar. Lord Ganesh as Sarvapriya Ganapathy is the main deity.

MALLIKESHWARAR TEMPLE NEAR ASHOK PILLAR

This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here the Lord is called as Mallikeshwarar. This Temple is located near Ashok Pillar.

AYYAPPAN TEMPLE

This Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. During Mandala season, Devotees throng the Ayyappa Temple.

TWIN TEMPLES OF KOYAMBEDU SRI KURUNGALEESWARAR TEMPLE AND SRI VAIKUNDAVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE

A perfect example of Shiva-Vaishnav unison, both these temples are located adjacent to each other and very near to the Koyampedu Bus Terminus. Both have legendary connection to the Ramayan.

Sri Kurungaleeswarar Temple:

This is also called Kusalavapuriswarar temple. The legend has it that Rama’s twin sons Lava and Kucha were brought up in Valmiki’s Ashram here. They fought with Lakshman and won over him without knowing the identity, over the Ashwametha horse sent by Ramar. They got the Gothrahathi dhosha due to this and the Sage advises them to do Pradhosha pooja for Shiva. The moolavar in this temple is a Swaymbu lingam of palm size, as formed by the kids. Pradhosha dharshan here is considered equivalent to 1000 pradhosha dharshans. There is also a Sarabeswarar shrine and the Rahuhala (4:30 PM to 6:00PM) Puja every Sunday is very special. Due to this, the Sunday Pradhosham sees heavy crowd.

Sri Vaikundavasa Perumal Temple:

Lava and Kusha worshipped the Perumal here. Generally Vaikundavasar will be seen in a sitting pose but here He is seen in a standing pose with his consorts Sridevi and Boodevi. The main deity is being decorated differently on every Saturday.

54

SRI SANTHANA SRINIVASAR TEMPLE AT MOGAPPAIR

This 650 years old temple is very powerful to give the boon of a child (santhanam) which is called ‘Mahapperu’ in tamil and that’s how the place became Mugappair. The main deity Santhana Srinivasar is 9.5 feet high. Couples praying for child take the Santhana Srinivasar vigraham in their lap as part of their prayer. Thulabharam is also being done.

In this temple, poojas are taking place throughout the day till the Ekantha in the night as in Thirumala

KANAKA DURGA TEMPLE

The is located in Kalamegam Salai, Mogappair West, Chennai. The temple is around 2 km away from the Mogappair West bus terminus. The Kanaka Durga Temple is dedicated to Divine Mother Shakti as Kanaka Durga.

Main Shrines:

· Devi as Kanaka Durga · Sri Vishnu: · Sri (Lakshmi samet) Satyanarayan Perumal · Sri Thirupathi Venkatachalapathy · Sri · Sri Veera Sarabeswarar · Sri Dakshinamurthy · Sri Bhairavar · Sri Kameswara - (Kameswari) · Sri Shiva - (Parvati) · Sri Lakshmi (samet Satyanarayan Perumal) · Sri Atharvana Kali Ugra Devi · Devi Bhuvaneswari · Devi Mahalakshmi · Sri (Kameswara) - Kameswari · Sri Maha Lakshmi · Sri Kanaka Durga · Sri Saraswati · Sri (Shiva) - Parvati · Sri Valampuri Jyoti Vinayagar

55

SRI CHANDRAMOULISHWARAR TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Sri Chandramoulishwarar (Lord Shiva ). This Temple at Anna Nagar Chennai (15th Main Road, Anna Nagar) is a nice temple to visit. The temple conducts Annadanam regularly

PIDARI AMMAN TEMPLE

Peedari MaaKali Amman Sidhi Vinayagar Temple is situated on third main road near Nalli silks in ANNA NAGAR, Chennai.The main deity here is known as Mahalingeshwarar and his consort Goddess Kamakshi.The other deities inside the temple are Lord Ganesh,Lord Muruga with consorts,Peedari Maakali,Adi Peedari Maakali and Lord Hanuman.Initially this temple contained Goddess Adi Peedaari Maakali,later a sprawling temple was constructed in the year 1990 and the Kumbabisekham performed in 1992.

KALIKAMBAL TEMPLE

The Kalikambal Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalikambal (Kamakshi) and Lord Kamateswarar

SHIVA VISHNU TEMPLE

The Shiva Vishnu temple is an important Hindu religious place. Shaivaism and (two important paths of theology in practicing Hinduism) converge at the Shiva Vishnu Temple. The temple is unique in the sense that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are worshipped under one roof.

BALAMURUGAN TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga in the form of Balamurugan. This temple is located at No 3, Thendral Colony, 3rd Street, , Chennai 600040 ( Landmark : Near Sun Star Music School )

VARASIDDHI VINAYAKAR TEMPLE

This Temple, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Elephant God Vinayaka (Ganapathi). Here Lord Ganesha is giving blessings to devotees as Varasidhi Vinayakar.

56

SRI AGASTHEESWARAR – SRI ASALATHAMMAN TEMPLES

King Bommarajan who ruled this place once, got Sula disease and prayed to Perumal. He guided him to take bath in the Agastheeswarar temple tank and worship Shiva here. He did the same and got his disease cured. Goddess Akilandeswari has a separate shrine here next only to Thiruvanaikkaval.

At one corner of the temple tank is present the Swayambu amman Asalathamman.

SRI PRASANNA VENKATESA PERUMAL TEMPLE

Nearby Shiva temple, the Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple is also present. The Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple is dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal and Divine Mother Shakti as Padmavathy Thayar.

Anajaneyar, present in a separate shrine is considered very powerful.

BHARTHUKESAVAR TEMPLE

One of the oldest temples in Kodambakkam is the Bharthukesavar temple which is over 500 years old.

SRI BHARADWAJESWARAR TEMPLE

About 700 years old temple. Vali worshipped Easwaran here and later Sage Bharadwajar worshipped.Goddess: Swarnambihai

SRI MURUGAN TEMPLE AT VADAPALANI

Located centrally between Vyakrapureeswarar Temple and Bharadwajeswarar Temple, this temple is about 100 years old and is a very popular one. Built about

57 125 years back, this much-hallowed and regularly frequented Muruga sannidhi has emerged from a thatched shed, an unostentatious one enshrining a Murugan picture only, and established for itself a name on par with ancient places of worship. Around 7,000 couples are married here each year.

According to the sthalapurana, one Muruga devotee by name Annaswami Tambiran with his limited means built a small thatched hut and kept a Murugan painting for his personal worship primarily. During his meditation and worship, he used to experience some divine power entering his body and inspiring him to utter some mysterious things -- whatever he said in his trance was found true. His utterance went by the name of arulvak and relieved people in several ways, like curing diseases and getting jobs, solemnising marriages, etc.

Once he fell ill suddenly. At the instance of a , he visited Tiruttani and prayed to Muruga offering a part of his tongue cut with a knife at Balipeeta. On his return, the disease took to flight.

He paid a visit to by foot and had some strange experiences there. He continued his worship in the hut he built, and when he felt his end was nearing he requested a close friend by name Ratnaswami to continue the devotional activities to the painting he was worshipping. Strangely enough, this Ratnaswami too started giving arulvak after building a small shrine and worshipping as promised to his friend.

The money that public gave was put to building purpose. But Ratnaswami also passed away before completing it. Another like mind took the building project with the money he was getting from arulvak just like his predecessors. Unluckily, he too passed away.

Then entered into the arena some humanist philanthropists who metamorphosed that simple hut into a superb spiritual abode. Among the builders, the renowned Saiva Pravakta Kripananda Variyar's name takes first place. Thus emerged this great Muruga kshetra, and now a great temple drawing a steady streams of pilgrims throughout the year.

There are very many sannidhis in the vast courtyards, like Varasiddhi Vinayaka, Chokkanāthar, Mother Parvati, Kāli, Bhairava, Shanmuga with Valli and Devasenā, et al.

The moolavar in standing posture resembles the Palani Muruga in every respect. In the inner prakara, there are many niches housing Dakshina , Chandikeswar, Mahalakshmi, et al. It has a spacious hall used for conducting marriages and religious discourses. It is one of the most-frequented Murugan shrines in the city of Chennai.

The entrance to this temple is crowned with a rajagopuram adorned with several stucco images depicting legends from the Skanda puranam. In front of the temple is the temple tank. The eastern tower rises to a height of 40.8 metres. The 108 natyam dance gestures can be seen on the eastern tower as well.

58 SRI VENGEESWARAR TEMPLE AT VADAPALANI

A small ancient temple just opposite Vadaplani Murugan temple (i.e. across the Arcot street). One can’t miss the Rajagopuram built by Cholas from the 100 feet road as you enter Vadaplani signal junction. In this ancient Shiva temple, it is believed that the saints and Vyagrapathar worshiped Lord Shiva. The Vengeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Sri Shiva as Vengeeswarar and Divine Mother Shakti as Santha Nayaki Amman. Mahalingapuram

SRI AYYAPPAN – GURUVAYURAPPAN TEMPLE AT MAHALINGAPURAM

Built in 1974, this is the 2nd of the Ayyappa temples built in the city. Lord Ayyappa temple in the Mahalingapuram area near the famous Kodambakkam bridge, is one of the three popular Ayyappa temples in Chennai. The temples is very popular that a lot of devotees keep visiting this temple daily. Especially during the months of November and December, you can find more number of devotees visiting this temple. The main deity of the temple is Lord Ayyappa. There is another shrine having equal importance in this temple, which is dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappa. There are also small shrines in the temple, dedicated to Manjanamatha, Ganesha, and Subramanya with his two consorts. There is also an idol of Lord Ranganath (Lord Vishnu in sleeping posture) located in this temple. The temple looks beautiful in the evening as it is lit by natural light majorly.

In March 1974 the idol of Lord Ayyappa was installed in the shrine by the head priest of Sabarimala temple. The elders of this area say that at the time of installing the idol a (eagle) flew over the shrine thrice which is believed to be a good omen.

SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHANSWAMY TEMPLE

This is a small but ancient temple. This 1000 year old temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The main diety here is, as the name suggests, Narasimhaswamy along with Lakshmi Devi.

SRIVELVEESWARAR TEMPLE OR SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

This is a 12th Century Chola temple. The temple is called as Velveeswarar temple or Agastheeswarar temple. It is believed that this temple belongs to the period of

59 Kulothungan Chola and around 800 years old. The main shrine of the temple has Velveeswarar in the form of a big Shiv Ling facing the east direction with a Nandi idol in front. There is no rajagopuram (tower) or flag staff found in this ancient temple. Adjacent to the shrine of Velveeswarar, there is another shrine with big Shiv Ling named Agastheeswarar. This shrine also faces the east direction. The temple is named after these two Shiv Lingas.The Goddess of the temple Sundari is found in a separate shrine facing the south direction. Alappakkam

VALLISERAPALEESHWARAR TEMPLE AT ALAPPAKKAM

This Shiva temple is related with Vali in Ramayanam. It is said that Vali got the secret powers from Lord Shiva by doing tapas here only and so the name of the deity as Vali-sera-paleeshwarar which is now called as Valliserapaleeshwarar. In olden days native people of call this temple as otta-pulla-kovil as a type of grass in tamil called otta pull has grown surrounding the temple Vaanagaram

SRINIVASAR TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This Srinivasar temple has a beautiful Lakshmi Narasimha statue.

This temple is just opposite to TVS-CVAT school on the main road.

OUSHATHAMBAL SAMETHA AGNEESWARAR TEMPLE

This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here Lord Shiva is called Agneeswarar. Along with his consort Oushathambal, this temple has a beautiful and big Shiva Lingam. Chinthadripet

SHIVA AND VISHNU TWIN TEMPLE

One of the oldest temples, considered belongs to 7th Century this is a twin temple of Lord Shiva and Vishnu in adjacent complexes. The names of the deities confirm the

60 puranic nature of the temple. Lord Shiva is Aadhipureeswarar with Goddess Thirupurasundari. Lord Vishnu is Aadhikesava Perumal with Goddess Aadhilakshmi. Vinayagar is Aadhi Vinayahar.

ARTHANARISWARAR TEMPLE

It will be difficult to find out this temple in the midst of bustling Egmore. It is in a narrow lane behind Dasaprakash. The main deity is a beautiful and big lingam.

Thirunavukkarasar has sung on this temple and it is supposed to be 1300 years old going by that. He has mentioned Egmore as ‘Elum oor’, a place of awakening.

SRINIVASAR PERUMAL TEMPLE

This Srinivasa Perumal temple is located at temple street. The main diety in this temple is Srinivasa Perumal.

VARADARAJAR TEMPLE

There is another temple in the Kilpauk area which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here the Perumal is known as Varadarajar. Purasaiwakkam

SRI GANGADESWARAR TEMPLE

The temple is about 2000 years old. Once King Baheeradhan ridiculed Sage Naradhar and got his curse. To get off from the curse he worshipped 1008 Shivalingams. When he searched a proper place for his 1008th Shivalinga pooja, a holy voice pointed to this place. The place where he kept the water kamandalam is the temple well. Even if the whole Chennai becomes water starved, this well serves water. Within the temple tank there were 7 wells but all but this specific one had been already covered up since they went dry.

61 When the temple tank dried up, as is the case with many city temples, the authorities, instead of taking effort to refill the tank through proper rain water harvesting, got the brilliant idea (as usual) to completely close the tank and make it as a park. When they were pumping out water from the tank, they were unable to control the water inflow from one particular well (thank God). They thought it was the underground drainage water but on tests it was found to be pure water that came from the side of the sanctum sanctorum. In the Southeast corner of the temple, there is a rare Kurundai tree which can not be seen in any other temple. It is said that Manicka Vasagar preached under this tree.

Sage Bageeratha sage is believed to have done penance and brought Ganga to the earth at this place. Hence Lord shiva is known as Gangadeeswarar and Goddess is known as Pankajakshi. This temple is mentioned in Thevaram by . He has not visited Purasai but has sung on the lord as vaipu thalam (singing without visiting the temple).

SRI SRINIVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE

This is located at Vellala street off Purasawalkam High Road. Originally there was a Bhajan Temple here with a small stone idol which can be seen even today in the main shrine. The Bhajan Temple was built more than 300 years ago and the present temple came into existence in 1850.

PONNIAMMAN KOIL

Ponniamman is believed to be something like a “kaaval deivam” of Purasai. Legend says that in those days, the place around Millers road and Flowers road etc used to be full of fields. Goddess graces everyone with her beautiful smile. Ponniamman Koil is located at Millers Road / Flowers road junction at Purasawalkam.

SRI PARASURAMALINGESWARAR TEMPLE AT AYANAVARAM

This is a 1000 years old temple. Prasuramar, a form of Mahavishnu, killed his mother at the behest of his father. In order to clear off his sin due to this, he worshipped Shiva here. Brahma, called Ayan, took bath in this temple tank and worshipped Shiva and that’s why the place is called Ayanpuram and later Ayyanavaram.

SRI KASI VISWANATHAR TEMPLE AT AYANAVARAM

Built in 1804, this temple was built as per the dream of two Gujarathi women who brought a lingam from Kasi. There is a Kasi Viswanathar Temple tank.

62 Guindy

PADAHACHERI SWAMY SHIVA TEMPLE

Very ancient shiva temple near ; to the side of bridge; Renovated by Kumbakonam Padahacheri Swamigal.

SHIRADI SAIBABA TEMPLE

Shiradi Saibaba temple is located at hardly a 50 feet away from Padahacheri Shiva Temple.

SRI KASI VISWANATHAR TEMPLE

This temple is very near to St.Thomas Mound Railway Station. Sri Kasi Viswanathar with Kasi Visalakshi worshipped by Sage Bringi – this was on top of the hill once. Sage Bringi did tapas at the hill nearby and so it was called Bringumalai and now as Parankimalai. British took over the hill during their period, named it as St Thomas Mount and built many churches around, completely wiping out the traces of the ancient places of Sage Bringu. Today it is completely hijacked by Christians. Just opposite the Kasi Viswanathar temple, there is a big well with Gopuram; with steps to go to the bottom of the well to fetch water. The well is now in a ruined state.

THIRUMANEESWARAR TEMPLE AT PALLAVARAM

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Shiva temple has a pretty big lingam. Devotees throng this temple during Pradosham days which is considered a holy day for Shaivaites. Thiruneermalai

PERUMAL TEMPLE, THIRUNEERMALAI

Special: One of 108 Divya desams; considered as mukthi sthala

Location: In the Guindy-Tambaram GST Road, take the road opposite Pond’s factory (towards West) at Pallavaram and go further for about 3-4 kms to reach the temple.

63 Main deity: Vishnu in 4 different forms together in one divya desam

Legend: Sage Valmiki, after completing the Ramayana, visited the hillock top temple and came down and prayed Rama. Ranganathar and Ranganayaki, whom he saw gave dharshan at the base temple as Rama and Seetha; Adhisesha as Lakshman; Sanku, Chakra as Bharatha, Sathrugna; Garuda as Hanuman and Viswakarma as Sugreeva

Temple: This place is a small hill surrounded by green fields all around and there are two temples one at the hillock top with 108 steps and the other at the base. When Thirumangai Azhwar visited the place, this hill was surrounded by water and so is the name of the place ‘Thiruneermalai’. The hillock top temple has Ranganatha swamy and Ranganayaki thayar ‘Kidantha’ (lying) posture in the front shrine and as we go around we see Thiruvikrama perumal in ‘Nadantha’ (walking) posture known as ‘Ulagalandha Perumal’, and third deity Santha Narasimhar in ‘Iruntha’ (sitting) posture. The base temple has Kalyana Ramar as the main deity in the name of Neervannan in ‘Ninra’ (standing) posture.

Theertham: Ksheera, Karunya, & Swarna pushkarani together as big pond, known as Manikarnika. Trisulam

THRISULANADHAR TEMPLE AT TRISULAM

Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Thrisulanadhar with Goddess Thripura Sundari in separate shrines

Location: In the GST Road towards Tambaram, after the Trisulam railway station, take the road to the left immediately after it, just opposite the Airport. At about 1.5 km from the GST road, this ancient Shiva temple can be located.

Legend: Brahma, after affected by the curse of Shiva, worshipped Shiva at various places and this is one such place. It is believed that Brahma’s four faces are present as four hills around chanting the four Vedas.

Temple: This place is one of the Chathurvethi Mangalams and was called Vanavan Madhevi Chathurvethi Mangalam. The temple was built by Klothunga Cholan I. The name Tirisoolam came from Thiruchuram, churam meaning a place of hills and forests. The ambal shrine was damaged during the invasion by the muslims and foreigners and so a new Ambal idol was installed. While thinking of dumping the old idol, it was instructed in the dream of an archahar to install the old idol along with the main deity and so was done.

Theertham: Brahma teertham

64 Chrompet

SRI TEMPLE AT CHROMPET

This is a Murugan temple on a small hill with about 100 steps and is located within the Chrompet town. From city, while going towards Tambaram take the left side (East) of the Chrompet road over bridge and take the first left at the end of the bridge and go further for about half a km to reach the temple.

Way back in 1956, when Paramacharya visited , looking at the hill, he said a temple for Murugan would come up there. It happened 20 years later. The temple for Siddhi Vinayakar was the first to be built in 1956. While clearing the hill side for a path, a lance (Vael) was found and this inspired the devotees to speed up work. The Swaminathaswamy temple took shape and consecration was performed in 1979. Gradually the hill acquired more shrines and the temple has been expanded and consecration conducted at regular intervals.

This temple is a replica of the original in . Thanks to its location between the southern district and Delhi that has a temple for the deity, it is referred to as Dakshina . Tambaram

SRI RAMA ANJANEYA AND SRI VAIDYANATHA SWAMY TWIN TEMPLE

This twin temple of Shaiva Sri Vaidyanatha Swamy temple and Vaishnav Sri Rama Anjaneyar temple is on the GST Road itself at . While going from Guindy, it is on the right side of the GST road, just before National Sidhdha Unit.and in the Ramanjeya Premise. A private trust temple and so very cleanly and beautifully maintained. A wonderful serene atmosphere.

Vinayakar,Murugar, Vishnu Durgai, Thaiyal Nayagi,Dakshina Murthy, Navagrahas are in the Vaidyanatha swamy premises

Anjaneyar, Mahalakshmi Thayar, Sri Chakrathalwar,Sri Narasimar, Sri Andal are in the Sri Rama anjaneyar premises. Anjaneyar is very powerful. devotees used to tie dry praying for the fulfilment of prayers of marriage, examination, health etc. Visited by all madathipathis.

65 Guindy – Poonamallee

SRI KOTHANDARAMAR TEMPLE AT NANDAMBAKKAM

This temple for Lord Rama is one of the oldest in the city and is in the street just opposite the Trade Centre. According to legend, Lord Rama on his way to Lanka, offered homage to Sage Bhringi, who was doing penance on a hill named after him (Bhringimalai is now called Parankimalai). Sage Bhringi requested Lord Rama to stay with him. A garden was laid near the hill where Lord Rama spent his time, which came to be known as Nandavanam and later Nandambakkam.

The descendants of rulers constructed this temple for Rama, and , around 750 years ago, in the place where Lord Rama stayed. The original idols that the sage worshipped were installed in this temple.

Shrines for Lord Srinivasa of Tirumala, Goddess Alarmelmangai Thayar, Nandavana Kannan, Ananda Anjaneyar, Azhwars and were later installed and the temple became a big complex.

The special features of this temple are that it faces south and Sita is found sitting on Rama’s lap. The temple is also called `Then Thirupathi of Thondai Mandalam’. An eternal lamp burns in the Vasantha mandapam with 288 lamps around it. The Ananda Anjaneyar is 7 feet high and is beautiful.

Note: As an identification of Rama having stayed at Ramavaram, there are places in the name of Ramavaram, Seethavaram and Devipuram around.

SRI RAMALINGESWARAR TEMPLE AT NANDAMBAKKAM

This ancient Shiva temple is located very near to the Ramar temple. Sri Rama, the hero of Ramayana worshipped this lingam during his stay here.

Nandambakkam is located at the south-west of Chennai on the Mount-Poonamallee Road

66 Porur

SRI RAMANADESWARAR TEMPLE AT PORUR (CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – GURU)

This is a being considered as a Guru (Jupiter) sthalam for Navagraha worship. This temple is located in the Eswaran Koil Street near the Porur main junction. Ramar worshipped Shiva here and the lingam present as Guru, is huge and beautiful. This is also called as ‘Uthara Rameswaram’. The speciality of this temple is the offering of Sadari and Theertham to devotees. This is usually done only in Vishnu temples. This practice is followed here to honour Rama’s devotion to Siva Peruman.

The alternate to this Gurusthalam, is the Shiva Temple at Kundrathur. Poonamallee

SRI VARADHARAJA PERUMAL / SRI THIRUKKACHCHI NAMBIGAL TEMPLE AT POONAMALLEE

Poovirundavalli, more popularly known in its corrupted form as Poonamallee, the birth place of Thirukatchi Nambi Azhwar, a staunch devotee of Varadaraja Perumal. The name Poonamallee is attributed to the fact that the area around was full of jasmine (jasmine means ‘ Malli” in Tamil). In Sanskrit, the place was called Pushpakavalli. Pushpam’ means flower and Valli denotes Goddess. There is a legend that Goddess Lakshmi rose from jasmine flower and gave darashan to Thirukatchi Nambi Azhwar. It is also said the Azhwar worshipped God Varadaraja, deity at Kanchi with the jasmine flowers plucked from here. This place was also called ‘Lakshmipuram’ and ‘Ulagu Vuyya Konda Cholapuram’.

The main deity of this 10th century temple near the Poonamalle bus stand is Lord Varadaraja Perumal with His Consort, Pushpakavalli Thayar. It is also known as Arulaperumal. Moved by the prayers of Thirukatchi Nambi Azhwar, Sri Varadarajaswami, Sri Venkatesaperumal and Sri Ranganathar gave dharshan to him simultaneously at this place. There is also a shrine for Thirukatchi Nambi Azhwar. There is a strong belief that the sun God and Mars (Angarga) worshipped the Lord of this temple. Every year during February – March between the 21st and 25th at 6.00 AM, the sun’s rays fall on the face of the Lord of this temple. Like His counterpart at the Kanchi Varadaraja temple, the Perumal here also faces west.

67 SRI THAIYAL NAYAGI UDANURAI VAITHEESWARAN TEMPLE AT POONAMALLE (CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – SEVVAI)

This is being considered as the Sevvai (Angaraka – Mars) sthalam for the Navagraha worship. The temple is lavish, big and well maintained. Here the temple has a separate Sevvai Padam (legs) and a statue of the Sthala Vruksha Thaazhi Palm tree and also 3 Chakrams which were established by the (Sri Chakram, Subramania Chakram and Shanmuga Chakram) near the Subramania Swami shrine. The front mandapam near the Shiva Shrine has beautiful carvings on the roof. The South entrance has some interesting on either side. The main deity is known as ‘Theera Vinai Theertha Perumal’. Noombal

NOOMBAL AGASTHEESWARA TEMPLE

Noombal Agastheeswara Temple is almost covered on all sides by high rise buildings of companies and it is better to enquire at street corners to reach the Temple. Noombal just before Karaiyanchavadi/Poondhamalli and the Temple is an ancient one. Gaja Brishta vimanam is seen on Moolavar's garbagrugam and the Temple is said to attract lot of devotees on festive days.

One may wind up the pilgrimage of Shiva Temples on the banks of Coovam at the last destination at Poondhamalli Vaidhyanatha Swami Temple. Sculptures at the Main entrance convey the message that the Historic Temple was under the care of many rulers. Gerugambakkam

SRI NEELAKANDESWARAR TEMPLE AT GERUGAMBAKKAM (CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM - KETHU)

This is being considered as the Kethu sthalam for the Navagraha worship. It is located in the Porur - Kundrathur Road.

At the left hand of the entrance we can see a separate Snake idol being worshipped as the Kethu shrine. The Amman strikes your sight and attracts your attention as it is facing the entrance. So, big, majestic and beautiful! is this Aadhi Kamakshi Amman. Only those who see it can believe it!!

68 Recently, Tamilnadu Tourism has made arrangements to organize package tour to all 9 Navagraha Sthalams around Chennai and hence the turnout of people is gradually increasing here. Pozhichalur

SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT POZHICHALLUR (CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – SANI)

Pozhichalur Agastheeswarar Temple is also known as Vada Thirunallaaru. Thirunallaru is famous for saneeswarar Temple. Pallavaram Railway station is the nearest Railhead

This temple is about 800 years old and has a big pond on the western side of the temple. This Tamil Nadu temple is called as Agastheeswarar temple as Agasthiyar is said to have worshiped Shiva here on his return from ,the Amman is called as Anandavalli.

The temple enshrines Agastheeswarar as the presiding deity along with his divine consort Anandavalli. The sanctum of the Lord faces east and that of his consort faces south. Though Agastheeswarar Temple doesn’t match to the grandeur of the ancient Chola temples, the architecture style denotes that the temple belongs to 12th century. The style of construction with the gaja-brashta- (resembling the shape of an elephant's behind) and the stone inscription stands as a testimony to this fact. Most noteworthy feature of the shrine is that the temple has a shrine dedicated to Lord Sani; the shrine of Sani is considered to be next to that of . Traditionally, all the temples visited by Sage Agastya are known as Agastheeswaram. It is said that the temple was visited by Sage Agastya; hence the name Agastheeswarar Temple. Mahashivaratri, Karthikai Deepam, Sani Peyarchi and Guru Peyarchi are the major festivals celebrated amid much pomp and splendor. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine every year.

It is said that the Shivalingam appeared when the native Mudaliars ploughed the land.

SRI AMIRTHAMBIHAI SAMETHA SRI ARKEESWARAR TEMPLE AT PAMMAL ( AMMAN TEMPLE)

This is a 11th century temple at Pammal. Recently some idols were found during construction work inside the Surya Amman Temple. Officials of the Hindu Religious and

69 Charitable Endowments Department said they might belong to the 8th century Chola period. The idols were recovered when preliminary work for building a ‘vasantha mandapam’ at the Amirthambigai Samedha Sri Arkeeswarar Surya Amman temple began on Thursday. One of the workers who had dug about two feet to raise pillars for a mandapam realised that he had hit a piece of metal or stone, officials said. He informed others at the temple, who came to the spot. On clearing the mud they found 11 idols one below the other. They informed the temple trustees who called officials of the HR and CE Department. A team of officials from the department came to the spot and measured and weighed the idols, which they said were made from ‘panchaloha’ (a mix of five metals). They identified the idols as that of Vinayagar, Somaskandar, Amman, three Amman idols, Skandar, Manickavasagar, Gnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar and Sandikeswarar. Of them, an Amman idol was the tallest, at 90 centimetres and weighed 56 kg, kilograms, while the Skandar idol was only 19-cm centimetres high and weighed one kg. kilogram. Kundrathur

SRI MURUGAN TEMPLE

This is a small hill temple located at Kundrathur which is in the middle of Porur, Poonamalee and Pallavaram for Lord Subramaniar with His two consorts. This temple was built by King Klothunga Chola – II. Legend has it that Lord Subramaniar stayed in the hill on an auspicious day during His travel from Thirupporur to Thiruthani. This place is also known as ‘South Thanigai’ since Lord Subramaniar is sitting in the direction of north facing Thanigai and this is the only Murugan temple in Tamilnadu where the God is facing north. The other specialty being that Lord Subramaniar can be seen with only one Goddess at a time though He is present with both of His consorts.

The God cannot be seen with both the Goddess at the same time. If the God is viewed from one side he can be seen along with Goddess Valli and viewed from the other side, he can be seen along with Goddess Deivanai

SRI THIRU-URAGA PERUMAL TEMPLE

In the road towards the Murugan temple, this temple is located just about 100 meters before the Murugan temple. The main deity, Thiru-Uraga Perumal, is seven feet tall and the thayar, Thiruvirundhavalli Thayar are usually very well decorated. The deities’ decorations very clearly demonstrate the devotion of the Bhattacharyars towards their Master. It is sure that anybody passing through the road will automatically be attracted inside with the little and beautiful glimpse of the deity from the road. The remains of a pillared mandapam spoke of a grand edifice built probably during Klothunga or Karikala Chozhan’s period. The inscriptions found inside the temple indicate that this was well patronized during the reign of the Vijayanagar dynasty also. A very recent inscription was interesting. It recorded verses on the deity that had appeared in the dreams of a local Tamil teacher which when recited gave the area copious rain!

70 SRI KANDAZHEESWARAR NAGAIMUKAVALLI ESWARAN TEMPLE

A chola period temple located very near the Thiru Uraga Perumal temple. Sri Nagaimukavalli Sametha Kandazheeswarar Temple. Surya prayed to Lord Shiva to get his power revived and hence the name. The Lord is seen as a huge Lingam and Goddess is seen facing South with the left foot forward, indicating that this temple is a parihara sthalam. Also the fact that the base of the shiva lingam is square in shape indicates the same. The unique feature of the temple gopuram is that it looks like an elephant's back which is seen in Kulothunga chozan architecture. The uniqueness of this temple is that Lord Bhairavar is seen in all three forms Gnana Bhairavar, Aghora Bhairavar and Swarna Akarshna Bhairavar.

SEEKIZHAR TEMPLE

Located just opposite the Kandazieswarar temple. Sezkhizhar who was the chief of Kulothuga Chozha II alias Anabaya.wrote periyapuranam (tamil). He was born in kundrathur. so this temple is dedicated for him.

SRI VEMBULIAMMAN TEMPLE

The Vembuli Amman Temple is dedicated to Divine Mother Shakti as Vembuli Amman.

SRI BALAMBIKA SAMEDHA VALEESWARAR TEMPLE ON NATHAM ROAD

This Temple is atleast 1000 years old. In this Temple, the main dieties are Valeeswarar (Lord Shiva) and his consort Balambikai (Parvathi). A speciality in this temple is the gajabrushta type stone sanctum sanctorum

ANGALA PAREMESHWARI TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakthi as Angala Parameshwari.

BOOPALA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Elephant God Ganapathi. Here Lord is called as Boopala Vinayagar.

PRASANNA VENKATESA PERUMAL TEMPLE

In this Temple, the main diety is Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal (Lord Vishnu).

71 DEVI MOOKAMBIGAI TEMPLE

The main diety of this temple is Devi Mookambigai.

SIDDHI BUDDHI SAMETHA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

According to Bhargava Purana, when Vinayaka attained adolescence, Mother Parvathi Devi, as all other mothers do, began to think about celebrating the marriage. At that time, Naradha suggested that Siddhi and Buddhi, the two daughters of Brahma would be the ideal brides for Ganesha. The former signifying Fulfilment and the latter Wisdom. In this temple, Lord Ganesha is seen along with his consorts Sidhi and Budhi.

KATHYAYANI AMMAN TEMPLE

The Shiv Puran states that “Dakshprajapati", father of Goddess who is the consort of Lord Shiva, organized a big Yagna and he did not invite Lord Shiva. When Sati came to know that here father had insulted Lord Shiva, she jumped into the fire. Lord Shiva took the burning body of Sati on his shoulders and performed the Tandav dance (dance of destruction). According to the legend it is believed that when Lord Vishnu saw mass destruction all around he tried to normalize Lord Shiva and cut the burning body of Sati into pieces with his Chakra (Mace). It is said that the various spots where parts of Devi Sati fell became Shakti Peeth Sthans all the around the country. There are supposed to be 108 such Sthans, out of which only 51 are known today. It is stated that the hair of Goddess Sati fell in Brij and the spot is known as Peeth. This Amman temple located in Kundrathur is dedicated to Kathyayani Amman.

BALAMBIGAI SAMETHA SADAIYANDEESWARAR TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here the Lord is seen along with his consort Balambigai

SRI KAMAKSHI SAMETHA NAGESWARAR TEMPLE (CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – RAAHU)

This is considered as the Raagu sthalam for the Navagraha worship and was built by the descendents of Sekkizhaar (who wrote ). Here the Nagabharanam around the linga is supposed to be the Rahu for worship. This place is also called as Vada . The temple and its tank are clean and well maintained. Sri Kamakshi Sametha Nageshwarar is the presiding deity here. The temple also houses Kasi Viswanathar, Arunachaleshwarar in the inner praharam and in the outer praharam there is a temple for Lord Saneeswaran. This temple is also considered as one of Navakailasam's in Tamil Nadu.

72 SREE PONNIAMMAN TEMPLE

This temple is situated about 600 mtrs. to the North of Thirunageswaram Sivan Temple. The main deity is called Ponniamman a goddess with a 'Soolam' - 3 forked spear. This goddess is worshiped as family deity (Kula Deivam - each family in Hindus has one) by many families in and around Kundrathur. Adjacent to the temple there is pond belonging to Ponniamman Temple of about 1 acre area fenced with grills. Every year 'Theppothsavam' (Float Festival) is conducted. Paal Kudam - carrying milk in silver or brass pots overhead around the village from Thirunageswaram Sivan Temple to Sri Ponniamman Temple is also celebrated in grand manner every year. Sirukalathur

SRI AMARATHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT SIRUKALATHUR

This is an ancient temple that was in a dilapidated condition and has been renovated recently. This temple is at Sirukalathur village, just 3 km from Kunrathur, closer to .The presiding deity is Lord Amaratheeswarar and the goddess is Parvathavardhini.

This temple belongs to 13th Century built by Chola kings at the time of Sekkizhar,(the great Siva baktha who wrote Periyapuranam) who lived in Kunrathur. The temple also had sannidhis of Varasiddhi vinayagar, Arumuga peruman, Sukravara Amman, Kala bairavar, Suryabaghavan and for Sekkizhar himself. Maha Periyaval had visited this temple and prayed to the presiding deity. Now the main deity remains covered, and a balalayam maintained awaiting repairs to temple and a kumbabishekam. When will it be??? Mahaganapathi statue from outer wall had already been stolen, Luckly the utsava vigrahams are for the last 15 years under custody of the Kovur Sundareswarar temple. The Nandikeswarar in the dilapidated small shelter is very impressive and faces the Lord ‘Sannidhi. RAMANATHESWARAR TEMPLE AT SIRUKALATHUR

An ancient temple on a tiny hillock in a beautiful location that needs attention. Mahalakshmi shrine is also present.

This ancient temple for Sri Ramanaadheswarar is located in Porur, very near to Porur junction, off. Kunrathur Road. This ancient temple is connected to the Ramayana period. According to the history, Sri Rama on His way to rested here in this place which was then a forest. While resting under an Amla tree (‘Nelli’ in Thamizh), He realized that there was a Shiva Lingam under the ground and his feet had touched the head of the Lingam unknowingly.

73 Sri Rama acquired a Dhosham as He had touched the Lingam with His feet. So he undertook a penance towards Lord Shiva for 48 days with just one Amla fruit as his , to recover from the Dhosham and to bring out the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva pleased with Sri Rama’s penance came out from the earth and gave Viswaroopa Dharshan to Sri Rama. Sri Rama overwhelmed by the Lord’s named the Shiva Lingam as Sri Ramanaadheswarar and worshipped Him. Goddess Parvathi too appeared and gave Dharshan to Sri Rama as Sri Sivakaama Sundhari.

As Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva as His Guru, this place became a Guru Sthalam among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). Here Lord Shiva Himself is worshipped as Sri Guru .

Also this place is called Uthara Raameswaram, as Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here, similar to Raameswaram. Also according to temple sources, it is said that Porur was called as Uthara Raameswaram in ancient days. It is also said that, this temple is equivalent to Raameswaram and those who are not able to go pilgrimage to Raameswaram can visit this place and be blessed by the Lord.

The main deity Sri Ramanaadheswarar is too gigantic and beautifully decorated, facing east. This huge deity is a Lingam (self evolved). Goddess Sivakaama Sundhari has a separate shrine in the temple. Mangadu

SRI TAPAS

Location: Near Poonamalle

Special: A highly popular Amman temple; Kamakshi amman penanced here and got married to Shiva at Kanchipuram.

Legend: Once Parvathi Devi closed the eyes of Shiva for fun which resulted in total darkness of the whole universe. Shiva was displeased by her act and she had to come down to earth and do penance to join Shiva once again. Here She penanced standing on tip of Her left leg on fire and so She is known as Tapas Kamakshi. Shiva while coming to give dharshan to Her, met Sukracharyar on way and He asked Kamakshi to end her penance and go to Kancheepuram (Kamakshi came to Kanchi, made a Shiva linga of mud and started her pooja once again. She was then married to Shiva at Kanchipuram where She is known as Kalyana kamakshi). While going in an anxiety, she did not put down the Yagna fire and so all the living beings around were suffering due to the heat generated. When Aadhi Shankarar was passing through, he installed a SriChakram called Arthameru made of 8 herbs and reduced the heat. Still people feared with the Kamakshi idol in

74 penance and so the later Sankaracharyas shifted this idol to the side of the temple and installed another Kamakshi in Santha roopam, called Aadhi Kamakshi, with Sugarcane stick in one hand and Parrot in the other.

Temple: In front of the main deity, there is a tortoise shaped bottom with a 16 petal lotus flower three steps above it, on which the highly powerful Sri Chakra is installed. It has 43 corners representing 43 Devathas. The main deity takes the Abhisheham and only Kumkum archanai is being done for the meru Sri Chakram since it is made of herbs.

SRI VELLEESWARAR TEMPLE (CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – SUKRAN)

This is considered as the Sukra (Venus) Sthala for the Navagraha worship. It is said that Sukra worshipped the lingam here and it is believed that those who have eye ailments will get cured by worshipping this lord. The Shivalinga (Velleeswarar) is huge in size and was worshipped by Sage Bargava and Goddess Parvathi in penance seen at Maangadu Amman temple. Vishnu who solemnized the marriage of Shiva-Parvathi also has a temple nearby. Vishnu carries the jewels for the marriage in his hands!. Subramanya swamy, made of single stone, is seen with and Ganesha is seen with mango in his hand. As Sri Sukran (Velli in Thamizh) worshipped Lord Shiva here, the Lord came to be known as Sri Velleeswarar and also called as Sri Bhaargaveswarar.

This temple is Sukran Sthalam among the Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). Sri Sukran blesses people with wealth, prosperity, good family, vehicles, fame and social status. The main deity Sri Velleeswarar is huge and looks very grand, facing east. Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga are seen at either side of the entrance of the sanctum. Lord Ganesha here is holding a Mango fruit in His hand and is called ‘Maangani Vinayagar’. The place Maangaadu itself had got its name as it was once a vast Mango forest.

All the three temples (Velleeswarar, Maangadu Amman and Vishnu) are near to each other.

SRI VAIKUNDA PERUMAL TEMPLE

This temple is situated near Sri Kamakshiamman Temple. Sri Vaikunda Perumal here is in sitting pose with Sridevi and Boodevi. Lord Vishnu solemnized the marriage of Shiva-Parvathi and He carries the jewels for the marriage in His hands! All these three temples – Velleeswarar, Maangadu Amman and Lord Vishnu have legend connection and also very near to each other.

75 Kovur

SRI SUNDARESWARAR / SRI THIRUMEYNEESWARAR SHIVA TEMPLE AT KOVUR (CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – BUDHAN)

The main deity is Sri Sundareswarar with Goddess Soundarambihai. This is being considered as the Budhan (Mercury) Sthalam for the Navagraha worship. The entrance is picturesque with an array of houses and tall Asoka Trees on either side. This temple has the unique Maha Vilvam as its Sthala Vruksham which has bunch of 27 leaves in one single stalk!!!. Saint Thyagaraja’s Pancha Rathna Keerthanas on Lord Rama is very popular and he rarely sang in praise of other Gods. This is the place where he sang the Panchartana keerthanas on Shiva and is called Kovur Pancharathnam. Kolapakkam

SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT KOZHAPAKKAM / KOLAPAKKAM (CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – SURYAN)

The temple lies in the Manappakkam-Gerugambakkam (Kundrathur) road.

This is being considered as the Surya (sun) sthalam for the Navagraha worship. The unique feature is that the three main deities – The Sun God, Bairava Idol and the Shivalingam are to be seen through Salaram (window) all at the same time. The landscape and garden around this temple is maintained excellently. A beautiful water pond is in front of the temple.

SRI VELLEESWARAR TEMPLE MANAPAKKAM

This temple is more than 300 years old. Prominent Daeities are Sri Velleeswarar (Lord Shiva) and Sri Thripurambikai

76

SRI BHEEMESWARAR TEMPLE AT MUDICHUR

This is a 1000 year old temple. The Bheemeswarar Temple is a Shiva - Vishnu temple dedicated to Sri Shiva as Bheemeswarar, Divine Mother Shakti as Dharmanbigai and Sri Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal. The temple has a big temple tank. On the periphery of the temple tank also lie the Seliamman Temple dedicated to Divine Mother Shakti as Seliamman.

SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT MUDICHUR

This Shiva Temple is considered very powerful in getting marriage related wishes granted.

SRI VIDHYAMBHIKA TEMPLE – MUDICHUR

Sri Vidhyambhika temple – Mudichur All of us are familiar with the portrayal of the divine wedding of Lord Siva and Meenakshi. Lord Vishnu offers His sister Meenakshi to Lord Siva in marriage. Goddess Meenakshi is seen in the middle with Lord Siva on one side and Lord Vishnu on the other. The beauty of the idols of Lord Siva and Goddess Meenakshi at the Mudichoor temple is beyond description. The scene is portrayed with Lord Siva in the middle and Lord Vishnu and Goddess Parvathy each on either of His sides. The idol was found on 20 – 6 – 1997 while digging the land for cleaning the temple. And, it was installed on 26th. After this miraculous incident, the number of women devotees with prayer requests for marriage has increased multifold.

Mudichur – reason for the name

Around 1,300 ago, the place was a barren land. Kameswaran, a devotee, was worshipping a lingam here which he found on his way. Vasuki, the only daughter of a person named Viswam, also was worshipping the lingam. Lord Siva wished to unite the two in the sacred bond of wedding. But Viswam was not favorably inclined. Lord Siva appeared before Viswam as Bheemeswara along with His consort Vidhyambhika. The divine couple conducted the marriage in the place of the parents of Vasuki. The place got the name ‘Manamudicha nalloor’ due to the reason that the Lord and the Goddess conducted the marriage. In the year 1,800, Sreeman Appaariyar Swamigal brought out a book in print compiling the 4,000 ‘Divya prabhandas’. He functioned from this place and completed his spiritual service. The original name ‘Manamudicha nalloor’ became Mudichur because of this fact, it is said.

Mudichur – how it became a ‘Thirumana sthala’

77 The Pallava king deputed one by name Haridas to handle the responsibility of constructing the Mudichur temple. The work was carried out with utmost care and perfection. At this juncture, an aged couple came to the spot after sunset. Haridas gave them food and helped them sleep at the temple ‘mandap’. In the morning, he found the couple wearing the ‘vastras’ that had been put on the Lord and the Goddess. Realizing that they were no other than the divine couple, Haridas fell at their feet. The couple disappeared after telling that the women who came and worshipped there would get a good husband and an early marriage. Both the daughters of Haridas got married immediately after their prayer requests, it is said. From that day onward, the shrine became a ‘Thirumana sthala’.

Procedure for prayer request

The number of the yellow strings tied with wedding prayers for early marriage has exceeded 7,000! On paying Rs. 11, they give a yellow ‘thaali’ and a piece at the temple. After praying to Goddess Vidhyambhika, the woman has to tie the yellow string to the pillar facing the ‘sannidhi’. And, the ‘mantra’ ‘Devi Devi Jaganmathaa, Jagathanandhakaarani’ has to be chanted for 11 times for 11 days in the morning after taking bath. And, the woman has to pray sincerely and intensely. The women who come here with prayer request for marriage boon firmly believe that their prayer requests would be granted without fail. The prayer commitment is completed when the couple performs an ‘abhishek’ after the marriage is held.

Location : The temple is situated at 5 km distance from Tambaram on the Tambaram – Kancheepuram route, to the south-west of Chennai.

Date of the temple

The ancient temple was built around 1,300 years ago. The architecture belongs to the Pallava age. At the sanctum is installed the idol of Sri Bheemeswara along with His consort Sri Vidhyambhika. The images of Selva Vinayaka, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothpava, Muruga with His consorts Valli and Devyani, Sri Durga, Chandikeswara, ‘Navagrahas’, Sri Damodara with His consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi and ‘Yoga’ Hanuman have also been installed as temple deities. The statues of Sivalaya moorthis, Bhairavar, Sivasurya and Muruga are made of ‘Chandrakanta’ stones which are resonant.

SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT PERUNGALATHUR

This is dedicated to Sri Shiva as Agastheeswarar and Divine Mother Shakti as Ananda Valli Ambal.

78 New Perungalathur

SELVA VINAGAYAR / KAMKASHI AMMAN TEMPLE AT NEW PERUNGALATHUR

This is a highly popular temple at New Perungalathur. This temple has a history dating back to 63 years. Since then this temple is located in the New Perungalathur, Kamarajar highways. Initially Sree Selva Vinayagar temple was consecrated here. After that the strong penance of Sri Santha Kamatchi Ammaiyar and the efforts of the terrestrialGod Kanchi sree maha swamigal paved way for the prathista of the Sree Kamatchi Amman, saviour of the earth. Kamatchi Amman sanithi exists in this temple for the past 25 years.The inmates of this area have tasted the all might of this mother Kamatchi. Kamatchi Amman of this temple has always blessed abundantly those who offer poojas with utmost fervour and sincerity.

Devotees throng this temple to get rid of Thirumana Dhosam, Puthira Dosham and to get success in their business.

PERUMAL TEMPLE AT NEW PERUNGALATHUR

The Srinivasa Perumal Temple is located in Kamaraja High Road, Perungalathur, Chennai suburb. The temple is around 1 km from the Perungalathur railway station. The Srinivasa Perumal Temple is dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal and Divine Mother Shakti as Padmavathi Thayar.

SRIMAT SADHANANDA SWAMIGAL JEEVASAMADHI / ASHRAM AT SADHANANDHAPURAM, NEW PERUNGULATHUR

This is a highly peaceful and pollution free place. Swami Sadhananda was born in Thiruvidaimaruthur. He worked as railways stationmaster. He learned Navakanda and practice from Thiruvidaimaruthur Avaduth Mouna Swamigal who take Sri Dattatreya Bhagavan as guru. Srimath Sadhananda's him self preferred place and time for Jeeva Samaathi , also order his disciples Narayana Swamy and Velusamy to do all his last ritual . 1922 During 22nd of Tamil month Thai - Magam Nakshathra , Sadhananda Swamigal prepared himself for his Jeeva Samathi (Spirit leaving the body while sitting in Dhyana) and entered into the endless spiritual journey.This place also has samadhi's of his disciples Narayana swamingal,Veluswami swamingal, Pichai swamingal, agandapuri swamigal, Mayaa swamigal and gopal swamingal. People are coming to jeeva samadhi and are receiving the blessings of Lord Siva-Sath-Gurunathar

79 Somangalam

SRI SOMANATHEESWARAR TEMPLE, SOMANGALAM (CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – MOON)

Location: Somangalam is 6 kms from beyond Sairam Engineering College. It can also be reached via the Kundrathur – road also.

Significance: This is considered as the (Moon) sthalam for the Navagraha worship.

Legend: Once Moon God was cursed by King Dakshan and lost his beauty. Distressed by this, Soman penanced here towards Lord Siva and regained his lost charm. Another legend says that Nandhi was cursed to look the opposite side, as it got over-confident and thought that he was better than the Lord Himself on winning a war against invaders!! Sources say that a sage named Somanathar attained Jeeva Samadhi at the feet of Lord Nandhikeswarar, who is believed to have guarded Lord Soman (Moon) against any disturbances while doing penance.

Temple: This ancient tempe was built by the Chola king, Kulothunga, in 1073 A.D., This has Somanatheeswarar as the main deity with the Chandra adorning Shiva. This temple also has an unique statue of Brahma Subramaniar – Subramania who did the work of Brahma when Brahma was put behind bars by Subrahmania himself!!.

Worship Benefits: It is a general belief that those who worship Lord Somanatheeswarar are blessed with timely marriage, progeny, peaceful and healthy life. Manimangalam

DHARMESHVARAR – VEDHAVALLI TEMPLE

This temple is more than 1400 years old. This is an Archeological Society of India () maintained temple and so, like other ASI maintained temples, this is also nicely fenced and landscaped. The temple is very beautiful and is present in a nice environment with a mammoth Peepul tree in the huge open space in front. This ancient temple was built by Klothunga Chola and so has the Gajaprashta Vimanam. One is assured of immense satisfaction and peace with the serene atmosphere of the temple and the village.

80 VAIYAALESHWARA TEMPLE

This is an ancient temple in Manimangalam. Manimangalam is 20 km to the east of , 10 kms to the west of Tambaram and about 32 km to the east of Kanchipuram. Manimangalam is the gateway to Kancheepuram while travelling from . Manimangalam is an ancient pilgrimage center. It finds a place in the as the place where Narasimha Varma Pallava defeated the Chalukyas in the 7th century A.D. This fact is mentioned in the copper plates discovered at Kooram. has written about the Manimangalam battle in his book ‘Sivagamiyin Sabatham’. He describes how Mahendra Varma Pallava was injured in the battle at Manimangalam, and how his son Narasimha Varma Pallava and his trusted lieutenant Paranjoti vanquished Pulikesin’s army. It has been found from old records that this village had borne this name 'Manimangalam' even in the 7th century Pallava period. 'Mani' means gem.

KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE

This temple is built by Rajendra Chola and is more than 1000 years. In Kancheepuram alone we can see many Shiva and Vaishnavite temples built during various periods of our great sages and kings who ruled the erstwhile area. One such temple is Kailasanathar temple built in a d 950 by the then king Vijaya Balaya Cholan. this temple was worshiped and then renovated by the then kings viz. 1st Raja Raja Cholan during A D 985; king Rajendra Cholan in A.D.1014; king 1st Kulothungam in A.D.1070.

This temple has the distinction of hosting one of the nayanmars of shaivite cult viz.siru thonda nayanar. He was none other than the army general of the king of Pallava by name who was engaged in the war between the king 2nd Pulikesi of west Chalukyas vs Pallavas.

SRI RAJAGOPALAR TEMPLE

Manimangalam is the birthplace of Sri Ramanuja. The presiding deity at this ancient temple is Sri Rajagopalar, who is seen in a standing posture facing east, with His consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. There is a separate shrine for Senkamalavalli Thayar. A peculiarity of the deity here is that He holds the conch in His right hand and the Sudarsana Chakram in His left hand. The temple is said to 1000 year old constructed during the chola era.

VAIKUNTANATHAR TEMPLE

This temple is as old as the Rajagopala temple. Here, the main diety is Lord Vishnu in the form of Vaikuntanathar. The utsavamurthis of the Vaikuntanatha temple are kept in the Rajagopala temple for safety reasons.

81

MANNEESWARAR TEMPLE AT MANNIVAKKAM

The Manneeswarar Temple is located in Manivakkam, Chennai suburb. The temple is near the Manivakkam bus terminus and around 2 km from the Manivakkam junction. Manivakkam comes on the Tambaram-Padappai route. The Manneeswarar Temple is dedicated to Sri Shiva as Manneeswarar and Divine Mother Shakti as Maragadambigai. Adanoor

SIVA TEMPLE AT ADANOOR

This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is believed to be a more than 2000 years old temple. Karasangal

MALLEESWARER TEMPLE AT KARASANGAL

The Malleeswarar Temple is located in Karasangal. Karasangal is in the Tambaram-Padappai route and comes after Manivakkam bus stop. The Malleeswarar Temple is dedicated to Sri Shiva as Malleeswarar and Divine Mother Shakti as Maragadambigai. Sri Brahma, Sri Mahavishnu, Sri Shiva, Sri Dakshinamurthy, Devi Durgai, Sri Karpaga Vinayagar, Sri Valli Subramaniar Deivanai, Sri Chandikeswarar and Navagrahas are the other shrines in this temple. Maragaathambigai sametha Malleeswarer temple is famous for lighting 10,008 lamps on the occasion of Maha Sivarathri. Padappai

SRINIVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT PADAPPAI

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The main diety of this temple is Srinivasa Perumal.

82 SRI VEERATTESWAR TEMPLE AT KEEZH PADAPPAI

Planet Moon appears in the front Mandap of the temple with flowers in his hand showing his worship to Lord Shiva in the past. The idol is made of a single stone on a pillar. The Navagraha shrine in the corridor-prakara is on a lotus designed peeta. Thirunavukkarasar is believed to have visited this place

SRI KAMATCHI AMBAL SAMETHA SRI THAZHUVA KOZHUNTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT MEL PADAPPAI

Legend:

Moon god got his curse cleared off; Sambandhar believed to have visited this place.

Temple:

Nandhivarma Pallavan constructed 108 Shiva temples around Kanchipurm and did Kumbabhisheham on the same day. This is one of those temples. There is a Sarabeswarar shrine and Sunday Rahuhala pooja is special here. Worship Benefits: Blessed with good marriage

AADHI KARANEESWARAR SHIVA TEMPLE AT PEERKANKARANAI

In this Shiva temple situated at Peerkankaranai, Lord Shiva as Aadhi Karaneeswarar is blessing the devotees. Sadhanandhapuram

MURUGAN TEMPLE AT SADHANANDHAPURAM

This temple is located in Sadhanandhapuram. The temple is on a hillock. The main diety of this temple is Lord Muruga.

83 Nedungundram

SHIVA TEMPLE AT NEDUNGUNDRAM

Nedungundram Sri Agasthishwaraswamy temple is situated at 3 kms from perungalathur railway station. In this temple, the main diety is Lord Shiva.

Koyambedu – Poonamalle

SHIVA TEMPLE

Nerkunram is a "Thevara Vaippu Sthalam" , located close to the highway leading to Poonamalli. One must be lucky to have dharshan of the Deites here because the Temple is mostly closed except during the Puja time in the morning. But the Temple is in a good condition and the greenery around it presents an awesome picture. Nerkunravaanar of this place had written Thiruppugalur andhadhi , a celebrated work in in praise of Lord Agneeswara of Thirupugalur. Ayanambakkam

SRI YETTEESWARAR KARBAGAMBAL TEMPLE AT AYANAMBAKKAM

The temple is located near / Thiruverkadu and there is an easy approach from Vanagaram new bridge. Lord Brahma worshipped Shiva at this temple with Goddess Saraswathi. Since the Yedu (palm leaf) was presented to Shiva, the deity is known as Yetteeswarar (Thaleswar). Temple gives good education, wealth etc.

84 SRI KARI VARADHARAJA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT AYANAMBAKKAM

In this temple which is located at Ayanambakkam, the main diety is Lord Vishnu blessing the devotees as Sri Kari Varadharaja Perumal. Thiruverkadu

SRI KARUMARIAMMAN TEMPLE AT THIRUVERKADU

This is a very popular temple. Since there was a Velvalankadu (forest) in this area, this is called Thiruverkadu. Also this is the place where Lord Muruga got his ‘Vel’ from Parasakthi to destroy Suran and so is called Velkadu or Thiruverkadu. Trimoorthies worshipped Parasakthi here and she is known as Karumari. Ka represents Brahma, Ru represents Rudhara (Shiva) and Ma represents Vishnu.

SRI BALAMBIHAI SAMETHA VEDAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE AT THIRUVERKADU

Significance: One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; 2000 years old ancient temple; birth place of Moorka Nayanar; Poison has no effect in Thiruverkadu.

Location: Thiruverkadu is 7kms from poondamalli and the temple is about 1 km from the popular Karumariamman temple. The place is also known as Veda .

Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Vedapureeswarar with Goddess Balambikai

Legend: Agasthiar got the Shiva-Parvathi Thirukailaya marriage dharshan here. In the sanctum sanctorum, behind the main deity, the marriage scene has been painted in the wall. Lord Subramanyar acquired his Vel from Parasakthi to defeat Suran, hence the name Verkadu (Vel Kadu became Verkadu). After the Soorasamharam, Murugar came here and created the ‘Velayutha Theertham’ with his Vel. Arunagiri nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Muruga.

Theertham: Velayutha Theertham, Veda teertham.

Sthala vruksham: Velvela tree.

85 – Villivakkam

SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT VILLIVAKKAM

This is a 9th century temple spread over a 2 acre space. Sage Agasthiar got the Brammaharthi dhosham after killing the demons Villavan and Vathabi. Since the demon Villavan was killed here, this is called Villavanpakkam and later Villivakkam. Agasthiar got his dhosham cleared off by worshipping Shiva here and Shiva gave dharshan to Agasthiar on a Tuesday. One of the Navagrahas Angarahan (Mars – Tuesday) took bath in the temple tank, now called Angaraha Theertham and worshipped Shiva to clear off his dhosham. So taking a bath in the temple tank on a Tuesday is considered very sacred.

Lord Shiva, in the name Agastheeswarar is facing east and Ambal Swarnambikai is facing south.

As Ambal and Guru are facing each other directly in this Kshetra, it is said that all those girls who worship Ambal receive the grace of Guru and get married soon.

SRI SOWMYA DHAMODHRA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT VILLIVAKKAM

This is a 10th century temple. There are very few temples dedicated to Damodaran, another name of Lord Krishna and this is one among them. The temple is near the Villivakkam bus terminus. The Sowmya Damodara Perumal Temple is dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Sowmya Damodara Perumal and Divine Mother Shakti as Amrithavalli Thayar Padi

THIRUVALLESWAR TEMPLE, PADI

Tiruvaleeswarar temple is located at about 1/2 km inside from the Avadi main road. A popular poet Thirungyana has composed hymns at this temple. The east tower has 3 tiers and acts as the main entrance to the temple. Inside the main entrance, there is broad inner courtyard on all the four sides of the main shrine. A garden along the walls of outer corridor decorates the temple. Entering the inner mandapam, the main sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva is situated. The sanctum is semi-circular in shape

86 at the back. This type of architecture is called Gaja Brishta Vimana or Thoonganai Maadam in Tamil as this resembles the back of a sleeping elephant. The main deity is known as Tiruvalleeswarar. To the right of him is the shrine for the female deity Jagathambikai. On the 4 walls of the inner corridor encircling the main sanctum sanctorum, there are sculptured images of Sun God, Balasubramania, Vinayagar, Dakshinamoorthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Durgai, etc.

There are separate shrines inside the temple for Somaskandar, Murugan with his concerts Valli and Deivanai, Anjaneyar and Meenakshi Sundareswarar. There is also a sivalingam supposed to have been worshipped by Sage Bharadwaj Maharishi.

The pillars in this temple have beautifully carved images of Hindu Gods, Natarajar, Murugan, Kothandaramar, Machavathara Moorthy, Koormavadhara Moorthy etc.

According to mythology, Lord Brahma's two daughters Kamali and Valli wished to marry Lord Shiva. Knowing that their wish is very diffuclt to be fulfilled, Lord Brahma sent them to worship Lord Shiva on the banks of river Paalaru. Shiva, being pleased with their penance, appeared before them and told them that it is not possible for them to marry him as he is already married to Parvathi and advised them to marry Lord Ganapathy. Accordingly, they married Lord Ganapathy, who was returning after conquering the demon king Gajamukasuran

SRI THIRUVALLIDHAYAR TEMPLE AT PADI

Significance: One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns

Location: Near Padi main junction, just opposite TVS group of factories, about 200 meters from the main road.

Main deity: Thiruvalinadhar and Jagandhambal also known as Thayammai in separate shrines

Legend: The legend goes back to Mahabharatha days as Sage Bharadwaj (Dhrona’s father) had visited this temple. The name Validhayam comes from Valiyan – the bird. Once Sage Bharadwaj took birth as a bird due to a curse and he worshipped Shiva here to clear off his curse. Legend also holds that Vinayahar got married to Kamalai and Vimalai daughter of Brahma in this place. Brahaspathi, Vishnu, Hanuman, Sugreeva, Rama, Agasthiar, , Indhra, Agni, Sun God and Moon God worshipped Shiva here.

Temple: This is considered as one of the Guru Parihara sthalams and Guru Bhagwan has a separate shrine here. A three tiered Rajagopuram and a Gajaprishta vimanam adorn this temple which spans an area of over an acre.

Sthala vruksham: Padiri.

87 Theertham: Baradwaja teertham.

Note: The legend of Sage Bhardwaj also connects to Kodambakkam. Bharadwajeswarar temple, where he worshipped Lord Shiva and Thirukkazhukunram where he got the dharshan of Lord Shiva as Vedagiri.

PADAVETTAMMAN TEMPLE AT PADI

Legend has it that this Padi was actually called as Padai Veedu (a strong room or house for storing weapons). This area is one of the places used by the kings to station their armies in times of war. The Mariamman temple (shakthi) located here near Lucas TVS, is called as PADAVETTAMMAN (Both Padai Veetu Amman and Padai Veedu got abridged to Padavattamman and Padi down the time).

GURU BHAGAVAN TEMPLE AT AYAPPAKKAM NEAR AMBATHUR

This is a new temple with a 16 foot tall Guru Bhagvan Ambathur i) Shiva temple: Behind Ambathur corparation building. Very old temple. ii) Vinnaraya perumal temple: In Ambathur Indutrial estate, near telephone exchange. Melur

SRI THIRUVUDAI AMMAN SAMETHA THIRUMANANGEESWARAR TEMPLE AT MELUR

The temple is located at Melur, before / and is more popular in the name of Thiruvudai amman. The lingam is a Swayambu lingam of sand putru and is being given a silver covering. The legend has it that a cow that was yielding milk didn’t for some time and it was found to be going to a nearby forest and raining milk over a bush regularly. On checking, a Swayambu lingam was found and this temple was built. It is rare to see Lord Brahma as seen here with moustache and beard.

88 Thiruvotriyur

SRI THIAGARAJAR SWAMY SAMETHA SRI VADIVUDAIAMMAN TEMPLE

Located at Thiruvotriyur, this 1500 years old temple is one of the 275 Thevara padal petra sthalams. Since Easwaran blessed Brahma to create the world by making way for the pralaya water to recede, this place is called Thiruvotriyur (votra or vatra means receding water). Thiruvotriyur is the place of jeeva Samadhi for Pattinathar. At the behest of Lord Shiva, Sundarar married Sangili Nachiar under the Mahizha tree here. It is believed that just entering this place will remove all the hard diseases.

The main deity is a big Swayambu lingam in the form of a sand putru with Lord Vishnu on the right side and Lord Brahma on the left side. On the two days after the Karthihai full moon day, the covers for the lingams are removed and one can worship the lingam as sand putru itself. There are 27 Shiva lingams one for each star. There are also two more temples here – Pattinathar temple with a Swayambu lingam and a 600 years old Nandhikeswarar temple. Apart from various sages, Kambar, , Muthuswamy Dikshithar, Ramlingar and Maraimalai Adihal worshipped Shiva here. Thyagaraja Swamihal, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama had never sung on any other Gods especially Goddesses but here, mesmerized by the beauty of the Goddess, he had sung a verse here.

There is also a separate Guru temple in the front.

Note: The Jeeva Samadhi of Pattinathar is located in Thiruvotriyur near the sea.

Note also the Jeeva Samadhi of the Saint Padagachery (Don’t confuse with the Vadalur Ramalinga Swamigal) is located near the temple.

Full moon day Amman dharshan

It is considered very sacred to worship Vadiudai Amman at Thiruvotriyur, Thiruvudai Amman at Melur and Kodiyudai Amman at Thirumullaivayal on a Friday Full moon day. All the three ammans are considered sisters and forms of Parvathi devi and they have been sculptured out form the same stone.

 From 6 AM to 12 PM one has to worship Melur Thiruvudai Amman, the form of Icha chakthi, with an offering of Yellow cloth to be blessed with wealth, fame, happiness, uprise, salvation and removal of all negativity and sorrow.  From 12 noon to 6 PM, one has to worship Thiruvotriyur Vadivudai Amman, the form of Gnana Sakthi, with an offering of Red cloth to be blessed with Education, Knowledge and Talent.

89  From 6 PM to 12 midnight, one has to worship Thirumullaivayal Kodiyudai Amman, the form of Kriya Sakthi, with an offering of Green cloth to be blessed with courage, valour, activeness and success

SRI KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE AT MADHAVARAM

This is a 7th century temple built by the Pallava King Nandhivarman II. Madhavaram was once called Mahathavapuram due to the tapas by Shiva and Parvathi separately and also by Sage Vyasar who wrote Mahabharatha. The main Shivalingam is made of maragatha stone with about 4.5 feet high on a 16 feet circumference base. It is very rare to see such a big lingam made of maragatha stone and it is beautiful to see the lingam glittering through the milk poured on it during the abhishehams. It is also very rare that the temple is present at the esana corner of the town. The 12 dwathasa Jyothir lingams are present here and the Nandhi is big and beautiful. Kolathur

AMUTHAMBIHAI SAMETHA SRI SOMANATHESWAR TEMPLE AT KOLATHUR

Location:

The temple is around 1.5kms from the Kolathur junction towards Ganga theather / Villivakkam Railway

Legend:

Moon god was once affected by a curse and lost all his 16 vital talents. He took bath in this temple tank (called Chandra Theertham), got the dharshan of Shiva and got his curse cleared off. Soman is the name of moon god and so the deity here is called Somanatheswar. Demon Vilvalan and Vathapi were once troubling sages at a place called Vilvatharanyam (now called Villivakkam). Sage Agasthiar ate demon Vathapi in the form of a mango and killed him in his stomach itself. The place where Agasthiar killed him is called Konnur (Konnur High road) and the place where he burnt the demon (such

90 that he can not reappear) is called Koluthur (koluthu means ‘to burn’) and now called Kolathur.

Temple:

Lingam made of maragatha stone. As an example of a Shiva-Vaishnav unison, Sridevi- Boodevi sametha Amirtha raja Perumal is having a separate shrine in the outer praharam.

Worship Benefits:

Out of the Navagraha gods, Moon is related to mind and so this God is believed to cure mind related diseases and problems. People not being able to come out of bad habits and people who suffer due to none of their faults will be blessed by this God. Kaladipet

SRI KALYANA VARADHARAJA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT KALADIPET

This 200 years old temple is present in Thiruvotriyur Highroad Kaladipet market street. It is hardly 500 meters from the main road connecting Chennai and Tiruvottriyur. The temple was built in the 18th century AD, and it has an interesting story. Joseph Collet was the Governor of Madras (the erstwhile Chennai) for the period 1717 - 1719. Veeraraghava, a Brahmin, who was in a high post in the British Government, was very good at work and he became close to Collet. However, Collet didn't like Veeraraghava's habit of travelling to Kanchipuram city often to visit his favorite temple of Varadaraja Perumal, as he used to report late to the office. He provided some fund and also allowed him to collect some fund from the people to built a temple for Lord Varadaraja in his area. Thus the temple of Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal came into existence in Kaladipet. In fact, the area was named after the Governor as Colletpet, and it became Kaladipet today. Thandayarpet

SRI ARUNACHALESWARAR TEMPLE AT THANDAYARPET

This temple was built in 1779. The main deity is Arunachaleswarar with Goddess Abitha Gujambikai.

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SRI MARAHATHAMBAL SAMETHA SRI IRAVEESWARAR TEMPLE AT VYASARPADI

Since Sage Vyasar worshipped Shiva here, the place is called Vyasarpadi. Sun God stayed here for some time under the Vanni tree and worshipped Shiva after taking bath at the temple tank called Surya Theertham.

MASILAMANISWARA AND KODI IDAI AMBAL TEMPLE

Vada Tirumullaivayil or Masilamaniswara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Chennai-Avadi road, India. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Thevaram and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Sundarar [1] Ramalinga Swamigal and Arunagirinathar.

Legend of the temple:

In ancient times, the forest surrounding Thirumullaivoyal was occupied by two Kurumbars named Vanan and Onan. King Thondaiman who was the emperor there tried to end the atrocities by waging a war against them. En route to the war-field, his elephant's leg was surrounded by mullai creepers. The king, while cutting those climbers,found blood oozing out of it and later found that it was the Siva linga from which the blood was oozing. The king was deeply worried; but, according to the Temple History, the Lord appeared before him and pacified the king saying, 'In spite of the blood I am Pure' -- hence the name Masilamani. The king duly defeated the kurumbas and brought with him the two white-erukku pillars from their palace and used them while building the temple for Masilmaninathar. The pillars can be seen in the main sanctum.

It is believed that the Lord supported the king in destroying the Kurumbas by sending the Nandi. The unique feature of the temple is the Nandi facing eastward away from Lord Shiva. as he is being sent by the lord to battle to help the King Thondaiman. This is one of the few temples where the positions of the Lord and Ambal are interchanged. . Normally Ambal sannidhi is found to the left of the Sivan sannidhi Kodiyidai amman is found on the right hand side of Sivan before the Sivan sannidhi.This is believed to be because of the urgency in providing darshan to the king ambal and Sivan as they stood at that time. The ambal Kodiyidai Nayagi is in standing posture facing east and is a very tall Idol The main sanctum has a huge sivalingam Maasilamanishwarar (means one who has no blemish) The lord is covered in sandalwood paste all year long to prevent the pain of the sword lashing!. Abhishekams are for the avudiar only.

92 The Ambal has a special connection with Tiruvotriyur and Melur.

· Tiruvudai Amman, Melur: (near Minjur) - Iccha Shakthi (thought) · Kodiyidai Amman, Tirumullaivoyil: - Kriya Shakthi (deed) · Vadivudai Amman, Tiruvotriyur: - Gnana Shakthi (mind)

It is believed that you must visit the above three temples in a single day for prosperity and answer of our prayers.

SRI VAISHNAVI TEMPLE

Nearby is the Vaishnavi Temple (near Rly. Stn.) next to Vaishnodevi. Famous in the season of Navratri, In Thirumullaivoyal. Right on the National Highway 205 you can see the police station and next to this you can see the arch of the temple leading into a serene temple situated in lush 50 acres of private land. The temple is run by volunteers and you have the privilege of doing pooja archanai or abhishekam yourself all under guidance by the volunteer devotees. The temple houses the idols of Ganesha and Muruga. A small shrine for Ganesha near the tree and another for Dakshinamurthy are also found. Navagraha idols are also installed in this temple. The temple entrance has two small idols of Hayagreevar and Agastya. Sri Parthasarathy, the son of Srinivasa , a famous Indian national leader, got the idol of Vaishnavi Devi as a gift from some unknown person maybe a siddhar. He built this temple of Vaishnavi Devi in 1954. The main idol of the temple Vaishnavi Devi is extraordinarily beautiful.The samadhi of sri Parthasarathy can be seen in the forefront here.

The temple is open on all days except first Monday of every month in the mornings. The Vaishnavi Temple is located in Kulakkarai Street, Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai suburb. The temple is located near the Vaishnavi Nagar bus stop in Thirumullaivoyal.

PACHAIAMMAN TEMPLE

The Pachaiamman Temple is located in Kulakkarai Street, Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai suburb, near the main road. The Pachaiamman Temple is dedicated to Divine Mother Shakti as Pachaiamman. There is a shrine for Devi Katyayi Amman also.

SRI SAKTHI BHUVANESWARI AMMAN TEMPLE

The Sri Sakthi Bhuvaneswari Amman Temple is located in Sri Sakthi Nagar, Thirukural Main Road, Avadi RCC Chennai 600 109 (near ).

93 AYYA VAIKUNDA SWAMI TEMPLE

Ayya Vaikunda Swami Temple is located at Chozhambedu High Road in Thirumulaivoyal. , according to Akilattirattu Ammanai (or Akilam), a scripture of the , was a Manu (father, sovereign) of Narayana, incarnated as Muthukutty or Mudisoodum Perumal (1810-1851). He is referred to as Sampooranathevan, a deva (a deity). Ayya in Tamil means 'Father' and vazhi, 'the pathway' The simple derivative in the sense is 'The Pathway of (or) towards Father'.

Ayya Vaikundar, who arose from the sea at Thiruchendur (As per Akilathirattu Ammanai or Akilam - the religious book followed by the followers of Ayya Vaikundar) on 20th of the Tamil Month of Masi, (March 4, 1833 3/4/1833) is considered a unique Avatar by the followers of Ayyavazhi. Akilam, speaks about it in great detail, as summarized below:

In each of the five prior to the transformation of Ayya Vaikundar, as each fragment of (evil or Devil) came into physical form, the Lord Vishnu incarnated as well, destroying them. However, in this the sixth yuga, the evil was called Kali, (not the Hindu deity) and having no physical form (see Pre-Incarnational Events for this account) he occupied the mind of people of earth as the Mayai (illusion), causing them to behave discourteously. claimed, it was impossible to destroy him in this yuga as in the previous ones as he held the boon from gods, it was impossible for Narayan, or any others, to incarnate in the world to destroy him. Since God could not incarnate directly, He incarnated as Ayya Vaikundar in three stages.

The first stage of Avatar was the born dead child (birth of the Body).

Next, immediately the of Sampooranathevan was installed into the body, along with the Spirit (not Soul) of Narayana kept in Parvatha Ucchi Malai (a mythical mountain believed to be in this region) after the completion of the Krishna Avatar. This was the second stage of the Avatar.

Then in the sea (during the 24th year), the soul of Sampooranathevan was granted moksha (liberation from the cycle of death and birth, synonymous with heaven), unified to the Ultimate Soul. Now, the Spirit of Narayana along with the Ultimate Soul (Paramatma) incarnated in the body of a human being (Muthukutty). This is the third stage of Avatar and from then he was called Ayya Vaikundar. Then Ayya Vaikundar was given Vinchai by Narayanar.

The Hindu and Ayyavazhi ideologies are closely tied to each other. The place where Ayyavazhi and Hinduism depart from each other is at the advent of . Akilam says that until Kali Yuga, the Vedas and all other Hindu scriptures remain with divinity. Each of the gods referred to in scriptures (Hindu) also remain with all their

94 powers. But from the beginning of Kali Yuga, they and all their virtues collapsed. Kaliyan was a part of the mundane primordial manifestation who spread or illusion upon the existing scriptures and Devas. In Kali Yuga, all true scriptures are bound to maya and are unhelpful.

The reason, as stated in Akilam for the disintegration of the entire system is that, towards the end of Dwapara Yuga there in Kailash, Siva believing the words of devas, created Kaliyan without discussing to Vishnu, he who had the responsibility to destroy the Kaliyan as per the previous deeds. So Vishnu refused to take birth in the world to destroy Kaliyan. So Siva and Brahma surrendered all their powers to Vishnu. Until this event, Siva was the supreme power as per Akilam. It is notable that this is a theological idea something similar to , where Siva is supreme to all. Now onwards, however, Vishnu is the supreme power. Here the ideology changes similar to that of Vaishnavism. This supremacy of Vishnu remains like this from the beginning of Kali Yuga until the incarnation of Vaikundar, from where it changes further.

The 'Tri-Kumbas' over the Palliyarai, symbolizing the presence of Trinity within Ayya, revealing his supremacy.During the incarnation, Vishnu himself cannot incarnate directly in the world to destroy Kaliyan, since he (Kaliyan) had bought as boon the power of Devas, including Vishnu's, and spread it all over the world as maya. So God needs to be incarnated with a new set of rules and with unique importance. A total universal transformation of the power relation of god-heads, the rules of scriptures, the dharma, etc., took place, and Vaikundar was given birth by taking in the power of , by Lakshmi and Vishnu conjoining together inside the sea.

And from now onwards all the powers were handled over from Vishnu to Vaikundar inside the sea. Siva, Vishnu and Brahma therefore form a part within Vaikundar. This ideology about Trimurthi (three are equal in power) is similar to that of Smartism. Vishnu alone forms a double role; one, within Vaikundar, and the other, as the father of him, remain inside the sea and regulating Vaikundar through Vinchais. After Vaikundar was given birth to, by assuming the Power of Ekam, Vaikundar was supreme to Vishnu and all other God-heads, though Vishnu playing the role of Father to Vaikundar. However, Vaikundar had to obey the order of Vishnu, since Vaikundar was given birth to perform the duties of Vishnu, which he (Vishnu) could not do. Vaikundar (and scriptures given by him) is the manifestation of the supreme Ekam so, in Ayyavazhi , he is the only worshippable universal power.

Regarding scriptures, the first part of Akilam is summed-up events of the previous yugas, which are present in Hindu scriptures. The second part says about the universal transformation and the uniqueness of Vaikundar and his incarnational activities. So as a summary, till the beginning of Kali yuga, what is Hinduism, that is Ayyavazhi. From then onwards for a series of reasons, Akilam says that 'Hindu' scriptures and its ideology had lost its purity and was destroyed, and so the Dharma was re-configured in the name of Akilam and Vaikundar and the 'Hindu' ideas were re-formed.

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