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 Sri Pallikondeswarar Temple, Surutapalli, Chitoor

Sri Parvathi samedha Pallikondaeswarar
Sri Maraghadhambigai samedha Sri Vaalmikieshwarar

Surutapalli Pallikondeswarar "Sayana Sivan" (sleeping Shiva) and the importance of Pradosham. Guruji says once you get the Pradosham pooja done at this temple it will help you ward off all the daridrya dukha.

Pallikondeswara Swamy Surutapalli Devasthanam

The Pallikondeswarar Swamy Surutapalli Temple is located in Andhra Pradesh state and is approximately 2 kms from Uthukottai in the Chennai-Periyapalayam-Tirupati road. Pradosha is celebrated with great shradha, popularity and vigour here and as per beliefs, it was here where practice of celebrating Pradosha Kalam started in origin.

It is a unique Shiva temple since Shiva is seen to be in a reclining pose on the lap of Goddess Parvathi similar to Vishnu's Ananthasayana pose. This place is also sacred with stones carrying foot marks of Lava & Kusa being traced to period of Ramayana. Dakshinamoorthy is considered very powerful and popular to offer prayers here. Goddess Parvathi is called Marahathambikai and is very beautiful along the side of Valmikiswarar Syambhu Lingam. Kanchipuram Sankara Paramacharya is considered to have spent lot of time here meditating and he is the person who traced this place to Ramayana period findings.

Purana Legend
Once Devaraj Indra, the King of Gods, while riding on his white elephant Iravatha came across Sage Durvasa who offered him a special garland. Indra accepted the garland but without giving much importance he gave it to his elephant. Iravatha was irritated by the smell of the flowers in the garland and therefore threw the garland on the floor and stamped on it. This act enraged sage Durvasa as he got the garland from “Sridevi” as prasada. Immediately Durvasa cursed Indra and all devas to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune.
Due to this curse, in the battles that followed Devas were defeated and Asuras led by Mahabali chakravarthy, gained control of the universe. Devas sought help from Lord Vishnu who advised them to take the path of diplomacy with Asuras and the only way to regain lost glory was to drink Amrutham/nectar. Devas came to an agreement with asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality and to share it among them. However, Lord Vishu told Devas that he would ensure Amrutha (Nectar) does not get to Asuras.

Pallikondeswara
During the Samudra Mathan (churning) of the Ocean of Milk Mount Mandaranchal was used as the dasher (churning tool), and Vasuki, the king of serpents, became the churning rope. The gods held the tail of the snake, while the demons (Asuras) held its head, and they pulled on it alternately causing the mountain to rotate, which in turn churned the ocean. However, once the mountain was placed on the ocean, it began to sink. With request from both Devas and Asuras Lord Vishnu took the form of a turtle (Kurma avatara), came to their rescue and supported the mountain on his back.
Poison was the first to come when churning started and this terrified the Devas and Asuras because, the poison was so toxic that it might have destroyed all of creation. On the advice of Vishnu, both Devas and Asuras approached Shiva for help and protection. Out of compassion for living beings, Shiva drank the poison. It was so potent that it changed the color of Shiva's neck to blue and therefore he is also called Neelakantha (the blue-necked one, nila = "blue", kantha = "throat"). Parvati immediately realized the deeds of Shiva and put her hand to stop the Kalakutta poison from entering Lord Shiva’s body. Lord Shiva felt very dizzy and lay down with his head on Parvathi’s lap and the whole world went dark. [SURUTAPALLI TEMPLE IN ANDHRA PRADESH] JUST ACROSS TAMIL NADU BORDER BUILT BY HARI HARA BUKKARAYA DEPICTS THIS AND IS THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD WHERE LORD SHIVA IS IN THE FORM OF SAYANAM (NORMALLY VISHNU'S FORM IN TEMPLES). As soon as the effect of poison diminished and Lord Shiva came back to normalcy all Devas and Asuras wanted to have his Darshan. When they approach Nandi (Sacred Bull) for permission to see Lord Shiva, Nandi refused and asked them to pray and wait since, Lord Shiva and Parvati were together. With prayers from devas and asuras, Lord Shiva gave them Darshan doing Ananda Thandavam on top of the forehead of Rishaba Vahana. This period when Lord Shiva gave them Darshan is known as Pradosha Kalam.

This day, when the Devas, Brahma, Vishnu, Narada and Saptarishis had Shiva darshan was a Krishnapaksha Trayodasi (Stiravaram, Saturday). This is the Mahapradosham day. Pradhosham, generally, is a significant occasion observed with great piety at all Shiva temples.

It is believed that all the Devas & Gods are assembled in the Shiva temples during Pradosham time.

Sri Pallikondeswara Swamy Devasthanam,
Surutapalli, Dasukuppam Post, Nagalapuram M.D.,
Chittoor District Pin-517 588 (A.P.)

Darshan Time:
Morning : 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Evening : 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Pradosham days morning 6.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Location:
Sri Pallikondeswarar Temple, Surutapalli, Chitoor

 Sri Vaidhyanadhaswamy Temple, Chromepet

Moolavar: Sri Vaidhyanadhaswamy
Amman: Sri Thayalnayagi
Place: Chromepet Chennai

Sri Vaidhyanatha Swamy temple is on the Chrompet main road. Separate Sannadhis for Vaidyanatha swamy and Sri Ramar and the Anjaneyar in this temple is known for granting wishes to the devotees who tie a set of coconuts praying this lord. A well maintained temple and surely worth a visit.

Location:
Sri Vaidhyanadhaswamy Temple, Chromepet

 Sri Bharadvajeshwarar or Valishwarar Temple, Kodambakkam

Moolavar: Sri Bharadvajeshwarar
Amman: Sri Swarnambikai
Place: Kodambakkam, Chennai

Valishwarar temple gets its name as sage Bharadwaja and the monkey king Vali are believed to have offered worship at this place. The main sanctum enshrining a Siva linga belongs to the Chola period, a few Tamil inscriptions found on its north and west walls, datable to the 13th century testify the antiquity of this monument. Beautiful miniature sculptures of a linga worshipped by a cow, another worshipped by a snake, and yet one more by Vali adorn the outer walls of this ancient shrine.

Goddess Swarnambika in a standing posture is installed in a separate shrine facing south. Images of Ganesha, Muruga and his consorts, Chandesha, Bhairava, Navagrahas and Hanuman are also enshrined in this temple complex.

An exquisite stone sculpture of a standing Ganesha, datable to the Chola period, originally placed in one of the niches of the main sanctum is now carefully preserved just outside the entrance of the main shrine.

The annual Brahmotsavam in this temple concluded recently in the month of Chittirai.

A beautifully renovated with an amazing architecture and detailing is a must to see

Location:
Sri Valishwarar Temple, Kodambakkam

 Sri Gangadeshwarar Temple, Purasaiwakkam

Moolavar: Sri Gangadheeswarar
Amman: Sri Bangajaambal
Place: Purasaiwalkam, Chennai

Gangadeeswarar temple is one of the ancient temples of Chennai city, the city which is considered as the gateway to South India. Gangadeeswarar is the name of Lord Shiva in this temple. As Lord Shiva held the river Ganga on his head when it was falling from heaven to the earth, the Lord got the name 'Gangadeeswarar'. It is believed that the king Bhageerath who was trying to bring the river Ganga to the earth prayed to Lord Shiva and only then Shiva let the Ganges to flow down from his head. It is also believed that the site where the temple is located today is where the king Bhageerath prayed to Lord Shiva. gangadeeswarar temple.
 

As per another legend, the king Bhagirath got a curse. As per the advice from the saint Narad, he installed 1008 Shiv Lings in various places. The site where he installed 1008th Shiv Linga is the current day's Gangadeeswarar temple. It is also believed that the place where he spilled Ganga water was formed as the temple tank. It is said that there are seven tanks in this temple complex, however only one is seen nowadays.Gangadeeswarar temple is a big temple built in the typical South Indian architectural style. It has a beautiful rajagopuram (tower), flag staff (dwajasthambha) and bali peeth. gangadeeswarar temple purasawalkam

Before you enter into the sanctum sanctorum, you can find the shrines of Siddhi Vinayak, Bala Subramanya and Vaideeswarar (Shiv Linga) along with Ganesha. purasawalkam gangadeeswarar koil purasawalkam gangadeeswarar temple purasawalkam gangadeeswarar temple 

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

Location:
Sri Gangadeshwarar Temple, Purasaiwakkam 

 Sri Idaichuranathar(Gnanapureeswarar) Temple, Thiruvudaichuram

 

Moolavar: Sri Idaichuranathar(Gnanapureeswarar)
Amman: Sri Kovardhanambikai (Imayamadakodi)
Place: Thiruvudaichuram, Chengalpattu

The temple is praised by Saint Tirugnana Sambandar in his Thevaram hymns. This is the 27th Shiva temple in Thondainadu region praised in Thevaram hymns

Parvathi in the form of Cow identified Shiva Lingam to the Villagers:
As per the legend, Goddess Parvathi took the form of Kamadhenu (cow) and came to this village. One day villagers here saw the cow pouring its milk by its own, on an ant hill. They dissolved the ant hill to find a beautiful Shiva Lingam inside. They installed the deity in the same place and formed this temple. As the cow poured milk by itself on God, the place came to be known as Thiru Idai Churam, and Goddess is called as Govardhana Ambigai (In Sanskrit ‘Go’ means cow).

Lord Shiva served Gnanasambandar with food:
Once Gnanasambandar was walking toward Thiruporur and was resting under a tree. He was hungry when the lord came to him in the guise of a cowherd (Edayan) and offered him curd rice in a mud pot. The saint refused saying he must pray in a Shiva temple and only then have his meal. The cow herd brought him to this temple and the saint had a bath at the pond nearby and the cowherd vanished into the sanctum when the saint realised who had directed him to the temple and fed him. The name of the place was Thiru edai Churam (Shepherd who fed) which has been corrupted as Thiruvadi Soolam.

Etymology:
Lord came to the saint on his way and left on the way -Idai in Tamil. Hence, Lord is praised as Idai Suranathar. Sambandar sang Pathigam-10 verses in praise of Lord. It is also said that this place got its name as this village is surrounded by hills. In Thamizh, the place between hills is called “Churam”.
Gowthama Rishi worshipped Shiva here:
The Lord here is also said to have been worshipped by an ancient sage called Gowthama Rishi.

Ambica with back foot posture:
Lord Shiva once set out to help child saint Tirugnanasambandar who was tired then. When Ambica too joined Him, Lord asked her to be back as any child would recognize the Mother who fed it. He will easily recognize both. Lord simply wanted to go alone. As Ambica was ready to accompany the Lord, She is seen ready to go walking with Lord, it is described. Those with disfigured legs pray to Ambica.

Also 31feet Devi karumariamman and choolam and gigantic biravar statue located near this temple

Location:
Sri Idaichuranathar Temple, Thiruvudaichuram 

 Sri Dhandeeswarar Temple, Velachery

Moolavar: Sri Dhandeeswarar
Amman: Sri karunambikai
Place: Velachery, Chennai

Demon Somasura snatched the Vedas from Lord Brahmma. Lord Vishnu recovered them from the demon. As the Vedas stayed with the demon for sometime, their sanctity was lost. They performed penance on Lord Shiva to become as pure and holy as they were earlier. Lord Shiva purified the Vedas with their original glory. As Vedas worshipped here, the place was called Vedachery, which in the days that followed changed as Velachery. The scriptural name is Vedasreni.

Generally Lord Veerabadra appears in temples in a standing posture with a Danda. With all Lord Shiva attributes, Lord Veerabadra in this temple graces the devotees in a sitting form holding the traditional deer, Mazhu. He is praised as protector of women.

Saptha Kannikas the seven virgins set out to destroy a demon, killed a sage by mistake. The demon also came to know that the Kannikas would be coming to kill him. While being afflicted with the dosha of killing the sage by mistake, the Kannikas were also afraid of the demon. To protect the Kannikas, Lord Shiva deputed Veerabadra. He killed the demon and also protected the virgins. Based on this event, Lord Veerabadra is along with the Kannikas as their guardian deity.

Lord Veerabadra is in a sitting posture with His right leg folded and holding Rudraksha mala instead of a Danda and a Mazhu, something like an axe. Nandhi is on a peeta. Special abishek and aaradhanas are performed on Poornima-full moon day. As He is Guardian Deity of women, they pray to him for relief from the atrocities faced by them in society from various quarters. They offer milk abishek with betel leaves garlands. They worship Chamundi as Chelliamman. Saptha Kannika shrine is called Chelliamman Sannidhi.

Sri Nandhi appears in a polite form with his head bowing. It is also noteworthy that the Sri Chakra installed by eminent Vedic Scholar Sri Appiah Dikshithar is in the Shrine of Mother Karunambika. The rays of Sun fall on the Shivalinga on the first day of Thai month, almost on the 14th January or a day before or after in some years rarely. As Lord Shiva removed the Doshas that fell on Vedas, Lord Dakshinamurthy in the temple is revered as Yoga Dakshinamurthy. There is Nandhi on his peeta.
Lord Shiva hit Yama the Lord of Death when he tried to take off the life of His devotee Markandeya. He also dismissed him from the job. To regain the position, Yama created a spring here and worshipped Lord Shiva and at various places. Lord Shiva pardoned Yama, gave him back his danda and reinstated him in the job. Hence, Lord is praised as Dandeeswarar. People who lost their jobs pray to Lord Dandeeswarar to regain their jobs

Location:
Sri Dhandeeswarar Temple, Velachery

 Sri Mahalingeswarar sivan temple, Thavasimadai, Dindigul

Legend:
While returning to Ayodhya with Mother Sita, on the way, Sri Rama stayed in the hermitage of Maharshi Bharadwaja and accepted his hospitality. To honour Anjaneya on the occasion, Sri Rama shared the food served to him with Anjaneya by drawing a line on the leaf. Since that moment, plantain leaves grew naturally with a partition line, according to stories linked with Ramayana. Jubilant host Bharadwaja came to this shrine to worship Lord Mahalingeswara, says the Sthala Puana – history of the place. Maharshi Bharadwaja is one of the five, who installed Mother Meenakshi in Madurai. Mother Meenakshi also bears the name Pancharaja Madhangi based on this belief. (Pancha-Five).

Miracle Based: Following Shivarathri, the rays of Sun fall on the presiding deity continuously for 30 days in the mornings and on Sri Bhairava in the evenings. While we see only one Ambica in Shiva shrines, there are two in this temple

 Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple, Perungudi

Moolavar: Sri Vedapureeswarar
Amman: Sri Balambigai
Place: Perungudi, Chennai

Vedapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Perungudi.

The temple is directly opposite to rajiv nagar park in Perungudi. Seperate sannidhis for anjaneyar, hayagrewar, aiyappan, kalabairavar, vishnu, siva dhurgai, guru sri dhakshinamurthi are present here

Temple Timings: Morning 6 to 11 A.M and evening 5.30 to 8.00 P.M

Location:
Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple, Perungudi

 Sri Velvishwarar Temple, Valasaravakkam

Moolavar: Sri Velvishwarar

Amman: Sri Tripurasundari Ambal

Place: Valasaravakkam, Chennai

There are so many old Shiva temples in and around Chennai and this is one of them which is almost a 1000 years old. Every shiva temple has its own 3 special things which are the Murthy or the Idol, the thalam or the place, thirtham or the temple pond. This temple too has these elements and the lord Velvishwarar and Agasthiswarar has been worshiped by many saints and mahans of those years.

It is said that you pray to these lords here in this temple you will be ridden of any mental related ailments and stress. Also those who perform yagam or homam called Velvi in Tamil, feel that there has been some mistake in the way they had performed the velvi or if they are not satisfied, they can come here and pray to Sri Velvishwarar and all those mistakes would be forgiven and you will get satisfied results of your velvi or yagam.

The thirtham or the pond is called Sukra thirtham. It is said that the Sukra Bhagwan one of Navagrahas worshipped this lord here to get his eye sight back. He had lost it as he tried to protect Maha Bali from Mahavishnu and in the bargain lost his eye sight. He created this thirtham here and as he Shukran worshipped the lord the lord is also called as Velishwarar.

Towards the north side of this temple you can find inscriptions on the stones dating to AD 1248 inscribed by the Chola king Rajendra the third. Also incriptions have been found in the grabhagriham or sanctum of this temple

From the puliyurkotam’s perur (now porur) a place known as Kozhumadi Vakkam hailed a person named Jayamkonda Chozh Bramharayan who has donated lot of wealth for the regular puja and maintenance of this temple.. the details of which are found in the inscriptions on the walls.

During the Chola period this place was called valliserupakkam which later years has changed to the current Valasaravakkam.

When Agasthiar came to this Valliserupakkam he installed a shivalingam in this Velvishwarar temple and that lord is called Agasthishwarar.

Interesting fact is that this temple is on the middle of Vadapalani Vengeeshwarar, Poonamallee Vaithishwarar temple and porur Ramanatheeswarar.

Location:

Sri Velvishwarar Temple, Valasaravakkam 

 Sri Aadaleswarar Temple, Kayar, Kanchipuram

Moolavar: Sri Aadaleswarar
Amman: Sri Vedanayagi
Place: Kayar, Kanchipuram

This Temple is almost 1100 years old stone temple with a big temple tank. The main deity, lingam, has a square Aavudaiyar.

There are inscriptions belong to Adithya Chola are available in this Temple. 

It is situated in Tambaram – Thiruporur stretch

Contact: +91 92836 68486 / 94980 78413

Location:
Sri Aadaleswarar Temple, Kayar, Kanchipuram

 Sri Malleeswarar Temple, Padapai

Moolavar: Sri Malleeswarar
Amman: Sri Maragadhambigai
Place: Karasangal, Padapai

The Malleeswarar Temple is located in Karasangal, Chennai suburb. The temple is around 2 km from the Karasangal bus stop. Karasangal is in the Tambaram-Padappai route and comes after Manivakkam bus stop

The temple is facing east with and entrance arch on the south side.. nandhi, palipedam and Deepa sthambam with Nandhi playing miruthangam relief are in front of the mandapam.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antrala and muka mandapam. The temple was built with brick and plastered with lime. In KoshtamNarthana Vinayagar, Dhakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Durgai. A relief of squatting lion ( similar to Pallava period ) is installed on the wall of the sanctum below Brahma.

In the prakaram sanndhi for Karpaga Vinayagar ( in front there are 4 half pillars standing seems to be of very old ), Valli devasena subramaniyar with elephant vahana and Navagrahas. Ambala is in a separate sannadhi facing south.

Gurukal claims that the temple is of 400 to 500 years old. ( may be much more older too ). It was told that 10,008 Lamps will be lit during maha shiva rathiri day and celebrated in grand manner.

Location:
Sri Malleeswarar Temple, Padapai

 Sri Methalishwarar Temple, Kundrathur

Moolavar: Sri Methalishwarar
Amman: Sri Abhyambigai
Place: Kundrathur, Chennai

A beautiful shiva temple in midst of a residential locality called Metha Nagar. This is a very recent temple built around 5 years ago. The prophesy has that the lord is residing here in a single palm tree and the localities searched through the thick vegetations to find the lone palm tree in this locality and built this temple next to the tree.

Palm tree is called Thali Maram in Tamil and the letter Meh is added in respect and hence the name Methalishwarar.

The temple has separate Sannidhi for Sri Venugopala Swamy and Anjaneyar. Also a large mandapam which can accommodate a large number of people is also found.

A serene and beautiful temple for the localities here a must visit for those who are in and around Chennai

Location:
Sri Methalishwarar Temple, Kundrathur

 Sri Jambulingeswarar Temple, Sembakkam

Moolavar: Sri Jambulingeswarar

Amman: Sri Akilandeswari

Place: Sembakkam, Chennai

Excellent temple recently renovated with lot of space in and around. 

It has beautiful lingam and Ambal.

Iyyapan temple is also there inside

Location:
Sri Jambulingeswarar Temple, Sembakkam

 Sri Chandrasudeswarar Temple, Kovilanchery

Moolavar: Sri Chandrasudeswarar
Amman: Sri Vadivambigai
Place: Kovilanchery, Medavakkam, Chennai

A good 1000 year old Sivalingam has been found here in a well and later a temple has been built around it . In earlier days it’s said that this temple was spanned in an area of 7 acres. Now there is not even a proper approach road to this temple which is really a sad state of affair.

There is a unique stone Natarajar here along with Sivakami Ambal. Also you have an old murthy of Karaikal Amayar and few Nayanmargal

Devi Vadivanbal is facing south. Separate Sannidhi for Navagraham, Anjaneyar, Byiravar.

You also have all ghosta murthies as found in any shiva temple.

This temple really needs more support and contributions for care taking. 

Contact: A devotee named Gunasekara is taking care of this temple and can be reached on 9796905273

Location:
Sri Chandrasudeswarar Temple, Kovilanchery

 Sri Thiruvaleeshwarar Temple, Chengelpet

Moolavar: Sri Thiruvaleeshwarar
Amman: Sri Thirupurasundari
Place: Kattankulathur, Chengelpet

It is believed that this lingam was installed by Vaali from the Ramayan time. Kulothuga cholan has been belived to have worshiped this temple in AD 1200. The lingam is very unique and unlike other lingams we see which will have a smoother finish, this lingam has a rough finish.

The lord was found buried under the peepal(Arasa) tree here and later was excavated and installed in the shrine.The lingam and ambal is adored by Vetriver malai.

Separate Sannidhi for RathnaGanapathi,Balamurugan, Bairavar and Navagrahas are found. Naga devars can be seen under the peepal tree

Another very unique and interesting thing to be noticed is the Navagrahas are all facing east and installed in a semi circle form

Location:
Sri Thiruvaleeshwarar Temple, Chengelpet

 Jambukeshwarar Temple, Thiruvaanaikaval (Pancha Bootha Sthalam - Water)

Moolavar: Sri Jambukeshwarar
Amman: Sri Akhilandeswari
Place: Thiruvaanaikaval, Trichy

This temple is situated in Coromandel between two rivers, Cauvery in south, coleroon in North. It is one of the five element shrines or Pancha Bootha sthalams and is renowned for the worship of lord Siva as representing the element of water (appulinga).

As an Elephant was blessed here after worshipping here, this temple came to be known as ‘Thiruvanaikka’. As Lord Siva is seated below Jambu tree at this temple, it got its name Jambukeswaram. When Goddess Ahilandeswari penanced here, Lord Siva satisfied by her prayer blessed her. For this reason this temple is also known as Gnanashethram.

A spider, which worshipped Lord Jambukeswarar in its previous life, was blessed to born as Kochengat cholan in its next birth. He constructed this temple about 2500 years ago. Uma Deviyar, Thirumal, Brahman, Attathikku Balakhar, Attavasukkal, Jambu Munivar, Gowthamar, Aghasthiyar, a spider known as Gananatharul maliyavan, an elephant named Pushbadhanthan, Suryan and Chandran attained glory by worshipping at this temple.

Thirugnana Sambanthar, Appar, Sundarar, Arunagirinathar, Iyyadigal kadawarkon, Thayumanavar have enchanted the glory of Lord Jambukeswarar in theirliterary works. Goddess blessed poet Kalamega Pulavar with the talent to write poems at this temple.

This temple is endowed with 5 praharams.(corridor) As lord Siva himself built the 5th praharam, appearing in the form of Spider, it is known as ‘Thiruneettan thirumathil’. It is here lord Siva blessed a spider and elephant to attain moksha.

Monolithic stone pillars (made from single stone) are found in the mandapam, situated at the entrance of Aariyavittan tower in 3rd Praharam. Stone chains and 12 zodiac signs are beautifully carved on these pillars. Pillars found in 1000 pillar hall and in various parts of temple have artistic sculptural works. Temple cars In the year 1910, 2 big temple cars were made for god & goddess. ‘Coratham’(used for procession) and several wooden Vahanas are present in this temple. Inscriptions 156 Inscriptions have been found at this temple. Inscriptions of King Madurai konda Parakesari varman paranthaka cholan is the oldest among them. Informations about renovations and wealth of this temple are found in these inscriptions.

Location:
Sri Jambukeshwarar Temple, Thiruvaanaikaval

 Sri Manneeswarar Temple, Mannivakkam

Moolavar: Sri Manneeswarar
Amman: Sri Maragadhambikai
Place: Mannivakkam 

The earlier name of this lord has been Mukthishwarar which in turn as changed to Maneeshwarar.

The temple is a good 1200 years old temple, but there are no epigraph available, but there are recent epigraphs of 18th and 19th century found at the base of the sanctum.

Just like in Somamangalam temple the Nandhi is facing east instead of facing the lord Shiva, as he was requested by Kulothunga chozhan to participate in the war while the temple construction was in progress.

The moolavar Sri Maneeshwarar is little tall and very beautiful.Goddess Maragadhambikai is in a separate Sannidhi facing the south.The goshta murthies are really beautiful and specially Guru Dhakshinamurthy is really very beautiful.

The outer prakaram has Dhwajasthambam. Nandhi mandapam and Balipeedam. Also separate Sannidhi for Ganapathy, Valli Devasena Subramaniam

Location:
Sri Manneeswarar Temple, Mannivakkam 

 Sri Aadhikaraneeswarar Temple and Sri Karaneeswarar Temple, Peerkankaranai

Sri Swarnanbigai samedha Sri Aadhikaraneeswarar
Sri Karunyambal sametha Sri Karaneeswarar
Sri Sarabeswarar

Place: Peerkankaranai

Seems to be an old temple and recently been renovated. Swaranbigai is facing South and lord Aadhipureeshwarar is facing east.

Separate Sannidhi for Sri Swaranakarshna Byiravar and Sarabeshwarar is found in this temple. Byiravar is in a very shantha swarupam with his consort on his lap and has a beautiful kalasam in his hand.

The Sarabeshwar has human body 8 legs 4 hands has a nose of Gaurudan and a mouth of yazhi and has 2 big wings and at his foot you can see Narasimhan with folded hands. It is said that to tame the ferocious Narasimhan in his avatharam lord shiva took the form of a more ferocious form which is called Sarabheshwarar.

Very uniquely you can see Ardhanareeswarar in the goshta murthies.

Opposite to the temple tank there is another Aadhikaraneeswarar temple and the Ambal is called karunyambal. This seems to be very old temple and very unique. You have all the goshta murthies and separate Sannidhi for Selvakumara Swamy, KanakaDurgai and Kalabyravar

Location:
Sri Aadhikaraneeswarar Temple and Sri Karaneeswarar Temple, Peerkankaranai

 Sri Kailasanadhar Temple, Manimangalam

Moolavar: Sri Kailasanadhar

Amman: Sri Gnanambigai

Place: Manimangalam, Tambaram

The sivalingam is good 3000 years old and the temple was built by the Telugu Chola King Vijaya Baalaya Chola in 950 CE. Later, it was renovated by Raja Raja Chola, Rajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola.

The east facing temple is completely renovated now. Except for the granite sanctum sanctorum and probably the main deity, everything else in the temple is new.The temple does not have tower (Raja gopuram). The sanctum sanctorum enshrines Shiva Linga called as Kailasanathar.

The Goddess Gnanambikai is found in a separate south facing shrine. She is found in the standing posture and has four arms.Nandhi mandapa and bali peetha are found facing towards the main shrine.

The exterior wall around the sanctorum has the niche idols of Nardana Ganapati, Dakshninamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Vishnu Durga.The idols of Chandikeshwara, Navagraha and Bhairav are also found in the temple.

In the prakara the sub shrines of Selva Vinayaka and Shanmukha with his two consorts are located. Shanmukha idol is beautiful. He has six faces and twelve arms and is seated on a peacock.

Manimangalam is a historical site. The great battle between the Chalukya King Pulikesi and the Pallava King Narasimha Pallava was fought in Manimangalam in the 7th century CE. The locality has few ancient temples and a must visit for all.

Contact: Trustee Mr.Chandrasekar @9840980724

Location:

Sri Kailasanadhar Temple, Manimangalam 

 Sri Sangameswarar Temple, Kottaimedu, Coimbatore

Moolavar: Sri Sangameswarar
Amman: Sri Akilandeswari
Place: Kottaimedu, Coimbatore

Chola king Karikala was harbouring the grief of not having heir to succeed him to the throne. He had a dream on a day about the miracles Lord Shiva in various places. He spoke to his Guru and scholars about the dream he had and believed that it could also grant him a child boon. As advised by them, he built 36 Shiva temples. This is the 31st temple built by Karikala.

A demon performed severe penance on Lord Shiva and attained powerful boons that he could not be killed by any. Aiming to rule the Deva Loka (celestial world), he began to harass them and the sages. When they approached Indira for safety, he told them that Lord Shiva alone could save them. They came to this place which was full of Sangu pushpam flower plants and prayed Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva killed the demon.

The lines of Brahmma Sutra are written on the head of the Shivalinga. Hence prayer to him will save people from adverse destinies and even bring back life of the younger people facing their end.

Location:
Sri Sangameswarar Temple, Kottaimedu, Coimbatore

 Sri Vaseeswarar Temple, Tirupasur

Moolavar: Sri Vaseeswarar
Amman: Sri Thankaathali Amman
Place: Tirupasur, Trivallur

This temple is the 16th “Padal Petra” Sthalam in the series of 275 temples.

Lord Shiva, a swayambulinga appears on a square peeta in the sanctum with a scar on the head, slightly leaning on the left side. As there is a scar on the head, pujas are performed without touching the deity. The Linga was found in the bamboo jungle, the Lord is named Pasura Nathar – Pasu-Bamboo. As Lord Shiva removed evils of Perumal, He is praised as “Perumal Vinai Theertha Easwara” gracing from a separate shrine.

The story goes like this. Demons Madhu and Kaidaba stole the Vedas from Lord Brahmma and hid them under the sea. Brahmma could not continue His creation work in the absence of the Vedas. Lord Vishnu came to his rescue, incarnated as Matsya –Fish, went deep into sea, recovered the Vedas and killed the demons. The killing left their evil marks on Lord Vishnu who prayed to Lord Shiva for a remedy. Lord Shiva advised to worship Him in this place for removal of evil effects. Vishnu followed the advice and got remedied. Lord Shiva came out as a Swayambu in the midst of the bamboo forest.

The region was once a dense forest of bamboo trees. One of the cows grazing here was pouring its milk on a particular place here slightly higher from the ground level. Noticing this, the shepherd informed the king. As instructed by the king, his men dug the place with a tool called Vasi. Seeing blood oozing from there, the king was shocked and turned back in fear.

Next day, his enemies came there and gave him a pot containing a highly poisonous snake. Before the king opened the pot, a snake charmer came there and caught the snake in it and went away. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and said that He was the snake charmer and directed him to build a temple in the bamboo forest. The temple thus came into being.

For killing demons, Lord Vishnu lost 11 type of wealth of the 16 under His rule. To regain them, He prayed to Lord Shiva and as advised, installed 11 Vinayakas here, according to one story. Remembering this event, there are 11 Vinayakas in a small mandap called Vinayaka Mandap. Three of them are facing east. Behind is a Big Vinayaka among small ones on both sides. Planet Kethu is nearby. Lord Vinayaka is he deity for this planet.

Godess Thankaathali graces from a shrine right of the Lord believed to be wedding form of the divine couple. In between are the shrines of Lord Vinayaka and Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai – a rare form showing Lord Shiva family in a line.

The Lord of the temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of saint Tirunavukkarasar. This is the 16th Shiva temple in Thondai Mandalam region praised in Thevaram hymns.

The Sri Chakra, installed by Sri Adi Sankara is in the Artha Mandapa.

While the Vimana of Lord is of Gajabrushta design, that of Mother is like a tower. Mother Vishnu Durga in the wall around the sanctum is without demon Mahishasura under Her feet, a rarity in itself.

Location:
Sri Vaseeswarar Temple, Tirupasur

 Sri Murugeeswarar Temple, Kelambakkam

Moolavar: Sri Murugeeswarar
Amman: Sri Maragadhambikai
Place: Kelambakkam

The actual name of lord has been Azhagiya Sokkanathar and Devi as Maragathavalli. Later days it has changed to Murugeeswarar.

A nice temple to the south west of Kelambakkam and to the west of Senkanmal(eswara temple). The drive to the temple is amazing with lovely greenery and rural settting. Hundred of cows greet you on the way. Temple is said to be more than 2000 years but the present structure could probably belong to the Chola period. Evidence of Chola patronage to this temple (alongwith six others of this region) is apparently available in the Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur

There are very interesting Statues dating 9th Century. To mention the Vinayagar here does not have a tummy like usual and very uniquely he has a Radish in his hand. The lord Muruga here is a replica of Thiruporur Kandhaswamy, showing the connectivity of both temples. The kalabyravar has around 9 serpents on his body.

The carvings on the outer Praharam is really amazing and has very astonishing figures of Chines and Mangol figures. Shows the relationship of the pallavas with the outer countries thousands of years ago.

Location:
Sri Murugeeswarar Temple, Kelambakkam

 Sri Vimeeshwarar Temple, Padapai

 

Moolavar: Sri Vimeeshwarar (Vinmeengal Eshwarar)
Amman: Sri Swarnabigai
Place: Serapanancheri

Serapanancheri is a small village located near Padappai on the Tambaram-Walajabad road in Kanchipuram district.

A good 2000 years old temple almost in ruins.

During the Rathasapthami time Lord Surya (Sun god) who is the head of navagrhas and provider of health while turning his chariot from south to north (Utharayana kalam) himself found this Shiva temple and came down to earth, created a pond and had his bath in it and prayed to this lord to wash off his sins and dhoshas. Hence this place is very powerful to cleanse all sins and dhoshas as it has helped the Surya bhagawan himself to cleanse his dhoshas.

As Sun being one of the celestial bodies (celestial bodies are called as Vinmeengal in Tamil) came down to pray here this lord is called Vinmeengal Eshwarar (who is the ruler of all 27 star constellations) and in later days turned to be pronounces as Vimeeshwarar.

The name of the goddesses here too has a beautiful history – Once Lord Sukran (one of the navagrha deva) prayed to the devi to get a special place in this temple and wanted to remove mangalya dhosam of ladies who come to pray here. That time the Devi appeared in front of him and removed a golden ornament from her neck and gave it him and told that when the head of navagrahas Suraya bhagawan himself has come in person and prayed here and hence there is no need for Sukran to get a special place here and she also told him that the sanidhyam of navagrahas also belongs to lord shiva himself. Hearing this Sukran bowed to the goddess devi, received the golden (Swarna) ornament and requested her to be in this place as Swarnabikai. Also, he requested her to and bless the people who come here with abundance in gold and prosperity and she agreed to so and stayed at this place as Swanabhikagi.

In between Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram there are many Shiva temples in the form of Thunganai (sleeping elephant) form where the main gopuram on the sanctum will be in a semi-circle form. This temple is the 18th temple in that series. The Mannivakkam Mannishwarar and Serapanancheri Vimeeshwarar temple both have been built by the same sculptor.

The sivalingam in the Vimeeshwarar temple is around 6 feet in height, towards the left of the sivalingam is the Devi Swarnambikai facing the South. There is a standing form of Shiva in front of the lord on which looks like as if he is going to walk and come from the stone…indeed very beautiful to see.

This temple is unique in another aspect; it has 2 large Nandhis unlike other Shiva temples where you just have one Nandhidevar

It is believed that if you pray to the lord and both the nandhis for 3 continues Pradhosham and light a deepam with ghee you will be blessed with a boy child

In AD 1182 it was discovered that both Tamil and Grantha scripts inscribed stones have been laid around the sanctum.

The other speciality in this place is that during the tamil month of Masi ( Feb /Mar) the Sun directly enters the Santum and falls on the Sivalingam as if he is praying like how he did during Rathasapthami.

Location:
Sri Vimeeshwarar Temple, Padapai

 Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple, Neelangarai

Moolavar: Sri Neelakandeswarar
Amman: Sri Neelambari
Place: Neelangarai, ECR

A good 900 years old temple with a huge sivalingam with a huge Avudayar. The earlier name for Neelangarai has been Nerlagandapuram based on this lord and later has chafed to the present day name of Neelangarai.

This place is considered very powerful for praying for all kind of illness.

The Sannidhi has a beautiful vigraham of Sri Neelambari Amman. Also a separate Sannidhi for Sri Sivashakthi Vinayagar which is alp very old vigraham.There are other Sannidhis for Subramanian and Lord Ayyappan.

The Sivan temple needs lord of development 

Location:
Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple, Neelangarai

 Sri Aadhipurishwarar Temple, Chindradripet

Moolavar: Sri Aadhipurishwarar
Amman: Sri Thiripurasundari
Place: Chindradripet

An another big Siva lingam in a beautiful temple, seems very old Architecture temple with lots of statues of other Moorthys, Vinayagar, Muthukumara Swamy, pazhani aandavar, Saraswathi , Lakshmi etc. Added another old structured Aadhi Kesavaperumal by the side.

It is an east facing temple with an outer and inner Prakaram. The temple has a large entrance gateway. A large temple tank in the east is shared with the adjoining Vishnu Temple

Location:
Sri Aadhipurishwarar Temple, Chindradripet

 Sri Otteeswarar Temple, Ottiampakkam

Moolavar: Sri Otteeswarar
Amman: Sri Mangalambikai Amman
Place: Ottiampakkam

The history has it that once the Pallava King with a group of his people were taking this huge Sivalingam to be set in another place. When they reached this place it was late evening they decided to take rest for the night and start again the next day morning. So they placed the sivalingam here and slept. The next day morning when they got up and tried lifting the lord it got stuck to the ground and was not able to move. Hence the lord was called Otteeswarar meaning the lord who got stuck to this place. This place was called Pakkam and because of the name of the lord became Ottiampakkam

Otteeswarar is a giant linga with all charm. In all of Chennai you can never say such a huge Avudayar (the circumference around the linga banam). Also the Avudayar is in the form of a lotus which is also very rare to see. Goddess Mangalambikai faces south in standing posture and all parivara Devathas are available in this Temple. This Temple has a Kubera lingam facing south.

This temple is located very near to the Ottiampakkam bus terminus. Baanam is little big. Moolavar vimanam is Gajabrushta type. In koshtam, Narthana Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhavar, Brahma and Durgai are located. Sannadhi for Ganapathy, Valli Devasena Sametha Siva Subramaniyar, Nagars, Kubera Lingam, Kaalabairavar and Navagrahas (written as Nava Thevars) are located in this Temple. Regular poojas are conducted. No Tamil inscriptions are found to assess the age of the temple. Temple Pond is maintained neatly.

Location:
Sri Otteeswarar Temple, Ottiampakkam

 Sri Aazhikandeswarar Temple, Okkiyam Thoraipakkam

Moolavar: Sri Aazhikandeswarar
Amman: Sri Akhilandeswari
Place: Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, Chennai

A Peaceful temple with separate Sannidhi for Bala Vinayagar, Balasubramanian, Anjaneyar and Navagraha.

It is said that the Siva lingam was found in the middle of a forest and was developed in later years.

There is a old Nandhi that can be found placed at the back.There is a huge temple pond at the backside of the temple

Location:
Sri Aazhikandeswarar Temple, Okkiyam Thoraipakkam

 Sri Manikandeswarar Temple, Padur

Moolavar: Sri Manikandeswarar
Amman: Sri Maragathavalli Amman
Place: Padur, Chennai

A good 2000 years old Shivan temple with a great history around it. This temple dates the king Vikrama Chola period. The history behind the name - Every time when the king finish his digvijayam (victory over an enemy dynasty) he would be honoured by giving him a name and the same name is given to the Lord here. The last name Of the king was Manniodayar which remained since then and in due course changed to Manikandeeswarar .

There is separate Sannidhi for Mahavishnu and the idol was found during the excavation of the area while building the Siva temple. The statue is beloved to be of Vamana Kala Murthy. Very unique Murthy whose chakram is turned toward you as if being aimed to destroy the evil. Thayar in the head of Maha Vishnu instead of his chest.

The Bhuvanachakram found here has inspired the construction of Sri Thiruporur Murugan Temple . The entire villages around this area of the temple once belonged to the temple which was donated by Kaliya Nayar

The temple was destroyed by Mugal invaders as in recent years around 1992-94 Krishnaveni Amma a Siva devotee has done the initial Thirupani and has been the main reason for the development of this temple to todays glory. She still visits the temple at her age of 93 yrs

They do regular Shankhabishekam, Annaabhishekam and other abhishekam here and during that time devotees are slowed to enter the sanctum and perform abhishekam themselves

Outside there is a separate lingam called Jalakandeswarar whom you can do the milk abhishekam yourself by praying and seeking your wishes

 Sri Kasi Vishwanathar Temple, Mangadu

Moolavar: Sri Kasi Vishwanathar
Amman: Sri Kasi Visalakshi Amman
Place: Mangadu, Chennai

The sivalingam is good 1500 years old and was found in the pond nearby for many years and people used to call the pond “linga kuttai” and few years ago and the localities have established a small temple and have installed this 4 1/12 feet lingam. You can see the images of how it was found initially and the installation

Slowly they are developing the temple and looks like they need lot of support to get this to a good shape.

The pond is being extended and plans to install around 1000 lingams around it.

You can see the ghosta murthies as well as Navagraha Sannidhi. A beautiful Byravar statue has been recently installed.

We were really gifted today to see the Linga Moorthy. The way how it was earlier and how it was installed now was amazing. More than that the localities are more gifted to build the small temple and pond also 1000 lingams are planned to be installed surrounding the pond.

Contact:
The sivanadiyars can be reached on 9840551440 and 9791092089 Munnusami and Raghupathy.

Address:
Kasi Viswanather Temple located in Lingakulam, Surya Avenue, Ragunathapuram, Mangadu

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 Sri Bheemeshwar Temple, Mudichur

Moolavar: Sri Bheemeshwar
Amman: Sri Vidyambigai
Place: Mudichur

This is a parihara sthalam for those who are difficulty in getting married.

Below is the story as to how this place became a Prihara sthalam and also the reason for the name Mudichur.

Over 1300 years ago, there was a Shiva Devotee named Kameshwaran in this village. He found a Shivalingam and started worshipping it in a small shrine. In the same village, lived a man called Vishwam with his adopted daughter Vasuki. Kameshwaran and Vasuki fell in love and wanted to get married. But Vishwam was against the match. Not wanting to hurt his feelings, Kameshwaran and Vasuki prayed to Lord Shiva everyday to join them in matrimony.Hearing their sincere prayers, Lord Shiva appeared beforeVishwam as Parameshwaran, the Gurukkal of the temple and asked him to bring Kameshwaran and Vasuki to the temple. Unable to act against the words of the Gurukkal, Vishwam did as told. Parameshwaran got the two of them married. Lord Shiva and Parvathi appeared before the couple, who were overwhelmed with happiness. Since Lord Shiva got Kameshwaran and Vasuki married here, the place came to be known as Manamudicha Nallur ( place where the wedding was conducted), which now is called Mudichur.

Even today, hundreds of eligible men and women go around the Nagapeetam outside the temple and tie yellow threads around the Sanctum Sanctorum praying for successful marriage proposals. The Shivalingam worshipped by Kameshwaran was called Parameshwaran, after the avatar Lord Shiva took to get them married. Slowly he came to be known as Bheemeshwara which is how he is referred to today. The Goddess is a manifestation of the three devis and is called Vidyambigai.

The temple is a great example of Shaiva - Vaishnava unity. The temple complex houses Sridevi Bhoodevi Samedha Damodhara Perumal. This was a sought after Vaishnavite Shrine of Yore. It is believed that Saint Ramanuja had given a Pravachanam here on his way to Shriperumbudur. In the 1800s, Sri Appariyaar Swamy is said to have collected the "Naalayira Divya Prabandham" through manuscripts, and helped collating them for print. Some also say that since the Divya Prabandham work was completed here, the place came to be known as Mudichur.

The temple had been badly damaged during the Manimangalam War fought between Narasimha Varma Pallava (popularly known as Mamalla) and Pulikesi II in 642 AD after which for many many years it lay in a state of neglect. No worship happened. The temple was covered with thick bushes and there were many snakes so people were afraid to go in and pray. The only activity in the temple used to happen on Karthigai Deepam day when a huge lamp was lit on the 1300 year old lamp post opposite to the Damodhara Perumal Shrine. The lamp post stands even today tall and beautiful.

Location:
Sri Bheemeshwar Temple, Mudichur

 Sri Vedagiriswarar Temple, Guduvancheri

Moolavar: Sri Vedagiriswarar
Amman: Sri Tiripura Sundari
Place: Kumizhi, Nallambakkam

Sri Vedagiriswarar Temple was constructed at Kumizhi by a king of the Pallava dynasty, including a Siva Lingam within its premises. Over the course of time, the temple was overgrown with vines and plants of various kinds, giving it the appearance of a ruin, and the temple was lost to the people of the region.

A Brahmin living in this village was suffering from severe illness, making it impossible for him to leave his home. He was extremely worried about not being able to arrange for the marriages of his three young daughters before his death. A traveler who happened to pass through the village, a devotee of Siva, saw the Brahmin's pitiable state, and informed him of Sri Vedagiriswarar Temple that was hidden in the midst of the forest nearby. He told the Brahmin to pray to Sri Vedagiriswarar at the temple, bathe in the temple tank known as "Saroni Thadaagam", and apply its mud on his body. The Brahmin proceeded to do accordingly, and within a few weeks a miracle occurred. The serious illness the Brahmin had suffered from disappeared without a trace, and he began to glow with health. Soon the marriages of his three young daughters also got arranged, and the Brahmin was filled with happiness at having fulfilled his duty towards them. As he began to sing the praises of Sri Vegagiriswarar Temple, the people of the region became aware of the amazing healing powers of the "Saroni Thadaagam", and they flocked in droves to apply its mud on their bodies and become healed of their diseases.

Sri Vedagiriswarar Temple was rediscovered by Mr. Vasu in a dream. With the grace of Lord Siva, he has worked hard to repair the temple at considerable expense to himself, and successfully restored the temple to its lost glory.

The temple tank known as "Saroni Thadaagam" is filled with cool water that does not dry up even in the height of summer. With sweet water in the temple tank, beautiful natural surroundings of dense forest, a peaceful environment that fills devotees' hearts with divine thoughts, a view of three mountains around the temple, a cool medicinal breeze blowing at all times, an endless water spring that quenches the thirst of devotees, a statue of Sri Vedagiriswarar in the form of a Siva Lingam in the sanctum sanctorum, a temple of Sri Thiripura Sundari beside it, and the cool shade of trees such as Vilva Maram and Vanni Maram, this temple at Kumizhi is indeed a pilgrimage site that no devotee of Lord Siva should miss visiting at least once in a lifetime.

Location:
Sri Vedagiriswarar Temple, Guduvancheri

 Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Agaramthen

Moolavar: Sri Kailasanathar
Amman: Sri Thirupurasundari
Place: Paduvanchery, Agaramthen 

A beautiful temple amidst green fields and a very peaceful location.

It seems the lingam here is close to a 1000 years old and was excavated by one person named Krishnamoorthy who had a vision in his dream about the sivalingam and installed the sivalingam during 1994 in the same place it was found.

All other Sannidhis are slowly coming up. Tripurasundhari ambal is facing south and has separate Sannidhi for Anjaneyar, Byravar, Navagrahas.

A must visit temple for all those who are in and around Chennai

Location:
Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Agaramthen

 Sri Vyagrapureeswarar Temple, Chengalpet

 

Moolavar: Sri Vyagrapureeswarar
Amman: Sri Mangalyam Kaatha Narayanee Ambal
Place: Pulipakkam, Chengalpet

This temple is on a small hill at Pulipakkam just after crossing Chengalpet Toll Plaza

As per the legend the Viyagrapatha Munivar obtained the tigers leg to climb up the trees to pluck flowers to offer to the lord.. Hence the lord is called as Vyagrapureeswarar. Hope the name of the place Pulipakkam might have got from this legend.

The temple was constructed during Chozha King Rajaraja period and inscription is available below kumudam of athistanam. During renovation the stones are misplaced and two fragment stones with inscriptions are left out near the sanctum.

The temple is facing east with out any rajagopuram and compound wall. Nandhi mandapam and Palipedam are in front of the sanctum. On the hill, sannadhi for Pathanjali Munivar, Ananda Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Vyagrapathar siddhar pedam, Bairavar, Navagrahas, Vinayagar under bhodhi tree, Sandikeswarar and Amman temple.

The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum and antarala. The sanctum was constructed with stone and vimanam is constructed with brick and stopped halfway. In koshtam Vinayagar, Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai. There is a Jeeva Samadhi of Sri Raghava Swamikal near the temple.

This beautiful and serene adobe in located. To the western side after crossing the toll you can notice a Blue board written as “SIVA SIVA” on a small hillock, a few meters of walk or ride on the rugged road to the hillock will take you to the place.

Special on Full moon and New moon days , lots of local people come to get blessings

Location:
Sri Vyagrapureeswarar Temple, Chengalpet

 Sri Kalatheeswar Temple, Kattankulathur

Moolavar: Sri Kalatheeswar
Amman: Sri Gnanambikai
Place: Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram

A good 1500 years old temple. This temple is situated to the west of GST road. This temple is famous as Rahu and Kethu Sthalam. Kattankulathur is a small village on GST Road (the highway connecting Chennai & Trichy) located near Neyveli (outskirts of Chennai). This temple is considered equivalent to that of Kalahasti temple and the belief is that it can cure problems caused due to snake (sarpa dosham).

Kalatheeswar (Lord Shiva) is the main deity of the temple. The goddess is Gnanambikai. There are idols of other Gods and Goddesses such as Ganesha, Subramanya with Valli and Devasena, Bhairava, Vishnu, Durga, Chandikeswara, Brahma, Dakshinamurthy, and others. The highlight of the temple is it doesn’t have Navagraha (nine planets). Instead, it has two idols of Raghu and Kethu alone. The temple pillars has idols of Mangadu Kamatchi, Kalahasti Kannapa Nayanar, Meenatchi, Kamadhenu giving milk to sivalingam and many beautiful carved idols.

As years have gone by the in and around ground levels around the temple has raised so much and the temple has gone lower

The best way to reach this place is either by taxi or on your own vehicle. The other option is local train. The village is at a distance of around 48 km from Chennai. Once you enter into the Kattankulathur village from GST Road, you can reach the temple within 300 meters in a lane. 

Location:
Sri Kalatheeswar Temple, Kattankulathur

 Sri Ramanatheeswarar Temple, Sirukalathur

Moolavar: Sri Ramanatheeswarar
Amman: Sri Parvadhavardhini Ambal
Place: Sirukalathur, Kundrathur Sriperumbudur Road

An ancient temple said to be more than 2000 years old, Sri Ramanatheeswarar temple can be reached while travelling along the Kundrathur Sriperumbudur road, this temple is easily visible. Located slightly above ground level, it is accessible through steps.

It is belived that Lord Rama and Sita got blessings of Lord Shiva here in this temple and hence the name Sri Ramanatheeswarar.

There are ashta lingam around temple. Also one can see all the 63 Nayanmar in the praharam.

You can also see separate Sannidhi for Kasi Vishwanathar and inside the Sanctum you have Kasi Visalakshi.

Location:
Sri Ramanatheeswarar Temple, Sirukalathur

 Sri Thiruveneeswarar Temple, Pazhanthandalam

Moolavar: Sri Thiruveneeswarar
Amman: Sri Thirupura Sundari
Place: Pazhanthandalam, Thirumudivakkam

The Shiva Lingam is big and beautiful looking. The temple was built by Pallavas. East facing temple but the entrance is through west. Daily Pooja are performed. This temple was in the middle of the big lake as per history and the same is evident in Thiruneermalai history. 

As it Relate to Thiruneermalai Perumal where it is called Thiruneermalai Kshetram  also called as "Thoyagiri Kshetram" and also as "Thothadri". Thoya means "Water" and Adhiri means "Mountain" (malai). Since the mountain is surrounded by water, this sthalam is named as "Thiru Neermalai"

Location:
Sri Thiruveneeswarar Temple, Pazhanthandalam 

 Sri Amaratheeswarar Temple, Sirukalathur

Moolavar: Sri Amaratheeswarar
Amman: Sri Parvathavardhini Amman
Place: Sirukalathur

Seems like a temple which should be around 1500 plus. Right next to Chembarambakkam Lake in a village called Sirukalathur and close to Ramanatheeswarar at Thirumudivakkam.

It has been in ruins and the local villagers with the support of many others have rebuilt the temple to its today’s glory.

A shivanadiyar named Maari is doing the daily puja for last 20 years.

The temple has all the Goshta murthies and in the outer prakaram has sapatha mathar. There is a dwajasthambam signifies that earlier days there must have been temple festivals held.

Inside a beautiful Ganapathi and Aarumugam with his concerts valli and daivayanai. Also a unique statue of Ayur Amman.

A serene and beautiful village atmosphere away from the hustle bustle of the city a must to visit temple for all those love visiting old temples

Location:
Sri Amaratheeswarar Temple, Sirukalathur

 Sri Gunam Thantha Nadhar Temple, Orakkattupettai

 

 

 

Moolavar: Sri Gunam Thantha Nadhar
Amman: Sri Tripurasundari
Place: Orakkattupettai, Kanchipuram

Orakkattupettai is about 8 kms from Chengalpet in the Chengalpet – Kanchipuram and taking a diversion at around 2 kms before Athur, towards west across Palar river.

This temple is 600 years Old. Presiding deity is called as Gunam Thantha Nathar and Mother is called as Thiripura Sundari. Sthala Vriksham is Sarakondrai Tree and Theertham is Agni Theertham and it is well known for curing all types of diseases.

In this temple, one can find Ashta Lingas (8 Sivalingams, as found in Thiruvannamalai, representing 8 directions) in the temple praharam. The local people say that these Sivalingams were consecrated, based on the divine order received in the form of Asareeri (Divine voice heard from unseen spiritual forces).

Going around this temple for 21 times on Pournami days is equivalent to performing Thiruvannamalai Girivalam once. Recently a miracle took place in this temple. A person, dumb by birth, went around this temple 21 times during every Pournami day. He did this penance continuously for 7 Pournamis and gained the power of speech. Nava Veerabagu Sannathis, a very rare feature is present in this temple.

Temple will remain open from 7 AM to 8 PM 

Contact: Mobile: +91 – 97869 77574 / 94448 96971

Location:
Sri Gunam Thantha Nadhar Temple, Orakkattupettai

Reference:
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/07/gunam-thantha-nadhar-temple.html

 Sri UthiraVaidhyalingeswarar Temple, Kattur

Moolavar: Sri Uthira Vaidhyalingeswarar
Amman: Sri Thaiyal Nayaki Ambal
Place: Kattur, Kanchipuram

This is an ancient temple and the Shiva linga is considered to be installed by Sage Agasthiyar.
The temple is considered equivalent to Vaitheeswaran koil and so is being called Uthra Vaitheeswaran koil. This Temple is a Parihara sthalam for Chevvai. There is a temple pond called Agasthiyar pond located in the Temple. There are shrines for Vinayagar, Balamurugan, Adhi Lakshmi, Navagrahas and Bairavar.

With passage of time, the temple fell into ruins and based on a sage advice the local villagers got together to resurrect the temple, for which the kumbhabhishekam was done on 2004. 
The local villagers assume this temple to be around 1200 years old, and since the ceiling of the temple has a fish sculpture, they also believe that the Pandya's may have been part of the upkeep of the temple over the years. 

The villagers also feel it is as significant as the Vaitheeswaran Temple near Kumbakonam, and since it is in the north direction to it, the name Uthira (North) Vaithiyalingeshwarar. 

A sevvai parihara sthalam, worth visiting.

Information boards about this temple, are placed near the Tiruporur murugan temple and on the road from Tiruporur to Chengalpet. 

Contact:  95516 57839 / 96771 64085

Location:
Sri UthiraVaidhyalingeswarar Temple, Kattur

 Sri Sundareswarar Temple, Padapai

Moolavar: Sri Sundareswarar
Amman: Sri Meenakshi Ambal
Place: Orathur Road, Padapai


Very ancient temple renovated recently and given new name with the inclusion of amman. You can see an Old Lingamoorthy swayambu is still kept at back side of the temple. The Navagraha murthies are with their devis.

The temple opens only by 9 as the old sivanadiyar who is taking care of travels a long distance to reach here.

Contact: Sivanadiyar @ 8124761560

Location:
Sri Sundareswarar Temple, Padapai

 Sri ThiruNeelakandeswarar Temple, Keelkattalai

Ancient shiva temple.Recently renovated.

Naalvar gurupoojai and Thiruvasagam mutrothuthal also happening frequently.

Big temple tank adjacent to temple.Nice blissful place

Location:
Sri ThiruNeelakandeswarar Temple, Keelkattalai

 Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Padapai

Moolavar: Sri Kailasanathar
Amman: Sri Kamakshi Ambal
Place: Karasangal, Padapai

A newly renovated temple in middle of a residential area in Karasangal.

The place has been called Kailasanathar Sabai . In 2000 sivanadiyargal has cleared the place and slowly have rebuilt the temple and in 2006 kumbhabhishekam has been done. 

It’s believed that it was built by 2nd kulothunga Cholan.. The sthala vriksham is a single palm tree

The temple opens by 8:30 am only

Location:
Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Padapai

 Sri Thulaseeswarar Temple, Singaperumal koil

Moolavar: Sri Thulaseeswarar
Amman: Sri Vilvavananayagi
Place: Kolathur Village, Singaperumal koil

When lord Shiva was getting Married to Godess Parvathi, all the devas, Rishis and Gandharvas went to ‘Kailash’ to view this great Thirukalyanam due to which, the Northern side of the Earth sank.
To level this , Lord Shiva sent sage Agasthiya to the Southern side of the Earth. Sage Agasthiya came to the Southern side of Earth and installed 108 Lingas and performed pooja. Lord Thulaseeswarar is one of the 108 Lingas.

Sage Agasthiyar has performed abishekam to the Lord Thulaseeswarar by erecting a Thadagam and performed poojas with Konnai Malar and thulasithalam. That day was Puratasi Powrnami. Lord Thulaseeswarar was pleased by the poojas performed by Sage Agasthiyar and blessed him in the form Ardhanariswarar. Lord Thulaseeswarar is of Ardhanarieswarar lingam.

The lingam is 5ft in length and with a wide square with Avudayar. The idol is facing East and slightly turned towards Eesanya Moolai.

The temple was built during the reign of Vikrama Chola and from the sculptures at the temple, it is understood that the sculptures belonged the period of Vikrama Cholan (1123). This temple is more than 900 years old.  The village Kolathur’s ancient name was ‘Sembian Kolathur’. The name ‘Sembian’ denotes Chola kings.

This village is very famous for Sama Vedic scholars. In this village there are two temples one of Sri Amodhavalli Thayar samedha Sri Thirunarayana Perumal and Sri Vilvavananayagi samedha Sri Thulaseeswarar Temple.

This village is situated at about 5 kms from Singaperumal koil (western side). Singaperumal koil lies on G.S.T from Chennai to Chengelpet

The temple open from 8:00 AM

Contact: Kurukal @ 9444022133

Location:
Sri Thulaseeswarar Temple, Singaperumal koil

 Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Nazarathpettai

Moolavar: Sri Kasi Viswanathar 
Amman: Sri Kasi Visalakshi Ambal 
Place: Nazarathpettai, Thiruvallur

A beautiful temple which seems to have been built by the Pandiya kings over a 1000 years ago. It is said that a Rishi named ‘Karkodaga Maharishi’ got this sivalingam from Kasi ( The lingam here exactly resemble the one in Kasi) and erected it here. 

We can see the fish carved in the roof symbolising that the temple of Pandya era. Every pillar arothere has beautiful sculptures. The inner prakaram has at the entrance two sculptures one of Garudalvar and one Anjaneyar which is very unique in a Shiva temple.

The Ambal Sannidhi is within the inner prakaram and also we can also see Pillayar, Murugan and a Sannidhi for Navagraham withinthe inner prakaram. 

The Mandapam near the kodi maram has some beautiful carvings and sculptures.There is a separate Sannidhi for Sani Bhagwan in this temple.

The temple opened from 7 am onwards till 11:30 am and in the evening from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
A must visit temple and is located at Nazarathpettai which is on the poonamali-Bangalore highway road

Location:
Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Nazarathpettai 

 Sri Muktheeswarar Temple, Athur

 

 

 

Moolavar: Sri Muktheeswarar
Amman: Sri Aram Valartha Naayagi
Place: Athur Village, Kanchipuram

A beautiful temple belonging to the Chola period on the banks of Palar also called Ksheera Nadhi which serves as the Theertham for this temple.  This wonderful temple has the Shiva Lingam facing east and the unique feature of this Lingam is, a thin ray of line separates the top portion (Baanam) of Lingam into two equal halves vertically. It is said that such Lingam is very rare to see and it represents the Ardhanaareeswarar (Shiva & Shakthi in equal halves) form of Lord Shiva.

The inscriptions also reveal that funds were generated from this temple and donated to build one of the Gopurams of Chidambaram Sri Natarajar Temple. It thus shows the prosperity of this temple. 

This temple has beautiful praakaarams. The outer praakaram has Sri Vinayagar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Brahma and Sri Durgai around the sanctum. Just near Sri Dhakshinamurthy shrine, a small underway is seen, which is kept closed using an asbestos sheet. There is a small room under the ground level which is said to be the hiding place during the times of war.

Sri Vinayagar has a separate shrine in the temple’s outer praakaaram and is facing east. There are many stone inscriptions found all along the walls of the temple. According to the inscriptions this Vinayagar was installed by a local villager in this temple, during Chozha reign.

Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Shanmugar has a separate shrine on the praakaaram. The idol of Sri Shanmugar is yet to get Ashtabandhanam done. The idol is wonderfully sculpted with Lord Shanmugar with 6 faces, 12 arms holding weapons and seated majestically on an aesthetic peacock which is holding the snake in its beak. All the details of this idol along with its base is made of single stone and is just kept in the shrine without fixing it (Ashtabandhanam) to the floor. The idol is made in such a way that it aptly balances itself firmly on the ground.

There is a stone marking on one of the walls of the temple, mentioning that the Kumbhabhishekam (Consecration) was held last on 30.08.1917.

On the North West side of the praakaaram Sri Jyeshta Devi is seen facing east. Sri Jyeshta is elder to Sri Lakshmi as she evolved out prior to Sri Lakshmi during the churning of the mighty ocean, Ksheera Saagaram (Paarkadal). It is said that Sri Jyeshta Devi was one of the main deities for the then Chozha rulers.

There are 2 Sthala Virukshams for this temple, Vilvam and Maa Maram (Mango tree). This mango tree has a very unique quality. This tree branches into two from the base and the fruits formed from each half of the tree has different tastes. 

It is said, as Lord Shiva here is in the form of Ardhanaareeswarar the tree too naturally gives fruits with 2 different tastes, symbolising the dual form of Lord Shiva.

This temple has been in a dilapidated condition and the local youth have formed a trust called ‘Srimath Muktheeswarar Nithya Poojai Arakkattalai’ to help bring back the originality of the temple and to conduct Poojas everyday.

The trust is raising funds and contributing to the welfare of the temple. Those willing to visit or help the temple shall contact Sri Ananthasayanan (+91 98422 89081) or Sri Rishikesh (+91 97103 46703), 'Athur Srimath Muktheeswarar Nithya Poojai Arakkattalai', Reddy Street, Aathur Village and Post, Kanchipuram District – 603 101.

Location:
Sri Muktheeswarar Temple, Athur

 Sri Agatheeswarar Temple, Chithalapakkam

Moolavar: Sri Agatheeswarar
Amman: Sri Angammal
Place: Chithalapakkam, Chennai

The temple belongs to Pallavas time and is close to 1000 years old. This is a small temple probably rebuilt over a ruined temple. The last kumbhabhishekam was performed over 20 years ago. As the Shiva Lingam was worshipped by Sage Agasthiar the lord is called Agastheeswarar. 

A very unique Ganesha statue is found here where you can see his neck bent and called Vathapi Ganapathy.

As this lord was worshiped by Rishis and Siddhars long ago this place was called Siddhargal Pakkam (meaning a place where Sidhas live) which in due course has become Chithalapakkam.

It is beloved that the lord has promised to protect this place from all natural calamities and to date this place has not been affected by any natural calamities. During pournami the moon light directly. The Avudayar is square signifying that sidhargal have worshipped and installed this sivalingam.
There is an old Agasthya Idol in the temple premises. A big Peepal tree with branches quite long extending to all sides and a damaged sculpture of Devi points to existence of a big old temple. There is a tank adjacent to the temple which needs good maintenance.

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Sithalapakkam Government School Bus Stop, 4 Kms from Medavakkam

The temple currently is under renovation and opens by 6:30 am.

Contact : 9283294939, 9884942159

Location:
Sri Agatheeswarar Temple, Chithalapakkam 

 Sri Thirumoolanathar Temple, Puzhal

Moolavar: Sri Thirumoolanathar
Amman: Sri Swarnambikai
Place: Puzhal, Chennai

A Pallava period temple and believed to have been constructed 1300 years ago and during  14th Century.The temple is facing east with Dwajasthambam, Palipedam and nandhi and separate sannadhi for Sri Maha Ganapathy, Sri Anjaneyar, Maha Prithiyangara devai, Sarabeswarar, Sri Kasi Viswanathar & Visalakshi and Bairavar.

In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Sakthi Ganapathy,  Shiva Lingam, Gajalakshmi, Veerabathirar, Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Astothara Lingam,  Maha sarasvathy, 63 nayanmar Swarna Akarshna Bairavar, Chandran, Suryan and a mandapam. In koshtam Niruthiya Ganapathy, Dhakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu ( in place of Lingothbavar), Brahma and Durgai.

Moolavar looks beautiful in Nagaabarana kavasam. Ambal is in a separate temple like sannadhi with koshtam. In koshtam Maaheswsri Vaarahii, Brahmani & Narayani.

There is a under ground passage and it is believed that it goes to Thirumullaivayil in Thiruvotriyur.
Sundarar and Thirumoolar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple (Hence called as Thirumoolanathar).  Agasthiyar had seen Lord Shiva’s kalyana kolam in the Shiva Lingam.

Location:
Sri Thirumoolanathar Temple, Puzhal

 Sri Singaandeeswarar Temple, Thiruvur

Moolavar: Sri Singaandeeswarar

Amman: Sri Uthpalaambal

Place: Thiruvur, Thiruvallur

The Shiva Linga here was installed by Sage Rishya Shringa and the temple was built by the Cholas. Originally called Rishyashringeeswaram after the sage, today it is known as Uthpalambika samedha Sringandeeswarar Temple. 

During the 13th Century, when the Chola Kingdom was on the decline, Jatavaraman Sundara Pandyan 1 went all the way upto Tirumala, capturing territories previously under the Cholas. This temple was converted into a stone structure during his rule in 1261 AD by a chieftain named Annamalai Udaiyar, the ruler of Venpaiyur.

The temple was in good shape and regular poojas were conducted during 13th century Pandya Kings. There are totally 12 inscriptions in the temple dating from Jatavaraman Sundara Pandyan1, Telugu Chola King Vijaya Kanda Gopalan and Vijayanagara Kings. There are also two inscription stones belonging to the Vijayanagara Period found outside the temple. One of them belong to the period of Saluva Thimmaiya Deva who has given a grant of coconut groves to the temple in memory of his predecessor Thippaiya Deva.

The other inscription belongs to Immadi Tirumala Nayaka, a general of Krishnadeva Raya, and speaks about lands and gold given to the temple to build a Madavilagam. The Attaka Pillayar temple on the west side of river Coovum receives the maanyam for burning of lamp from the Shiva temple. The temple was completely reconstructed between 1998 to 2004 in stages.

The east facing temple has a three tier Raja gopura with two attractive and big stucco images of Nandi in the entrance belonging to recent times, holding deer and axe, signifying the deer symbolism throughout the temple. Nandi is found in the standing posture with four arms. The inscription slabs along with the symbol of Vijayanagara Kings are also found near the temple tower. The Rajagopuram was built during Vijayanagara period.

The ceiling is covered by an exquisite Ashtadikpalakas panel, with an image of Sastha (Ayyanar/ Sathanar) flanked by two fishes, as well as an image of a fish fighting a monitor lizard. The Fish fighting the monster lizard, probably is to symbolize the victory of the Pandyas over the Cholas. Sculptures of Rameswarar, Tirunageshwarar, Jambukeswarar (Tiruvanaikkaaval), Rishya Sringandeeswarar can be found on all four sides of a pillar in the Artha Mandapam.

The Temple remains open from 05.00 AM to 08.30 AM and 06.00 PM to 10.00 PM. 

Contact:

Temple priest can be reached at 99524 14369 / 93826 64946 / 99524 14369

Location:

Sri Singaandeeswarar Temple, Thiruvur

 Sri Chandramouleeswar Temple, Kannivakkam

Moolavar: Sri Chandramouleeswar
Amman: Sri Soundaranayagi
Place: Kannivakkam, Kanchipuram

A serene temple in the miss of a quite upcoming residential area of Kannivakkam. The temple seems to be recently renovated and kumbhabhishekam performed in year 2014. A huge peepul tree with a beautiful sivalingam can be found here. You have all the ghoshta murthies. Ambal Soundaranayagi is facing south and Sri Chandramouleeswarar facing east. 

There are 2 Nandhi in front of the lord which is very unique one a little smaller one a little bigger. You have small Sannidhi for kala byravar.

The Navagraha mandapam is built very beautifully, you can see 4 bhuthaganam carrying the roof of the mandapam on their head.

A must visit temple to experience the serenity and amazing breeze. You can sit under the peepul tree and meditate

Location:
Sri Chandramouleeswar Temple, Kannivakkam

 Sri SivaKozhundeeswarar Temple, Mangadu

Moolavar: Sri SivaKozhundeeswarar
Amman: Sri Karpagambikai
Place: Kozhumanivakkam, Mangadu

Apparently the sivalingam has been under the sthalavrikshnam (peepul and Neem tree together) for over 80 years plus and 10 years ago the temple was built. 

The lord is facing west like Kapalishwarar which is very rare phenomena as most of the Shiva temples face East. There are no ghosta murthies, in the praharam you have Nalvar Sannidhi, chandeekeshwarar and Navagrahas.

The Temple is located at about 300 meters from Kozhumanivakkam Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Mangadu Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple 

The temple opens by 7 am

Contact: 
D.Panneerselvam 
Ph: 9840310156

Location:
Sri SivaKozhundeeswarar Temple, Mangadu

 Sri Brahadeeshwarar temple, Kazhipattur

Moolavar: Sri Brahadeeshwarar
Amman: Sri Mangalambikai
Place: Kazhipattur, OMR

The age of the Temple is not known, but according to the temple priest, this is one of the oldest temples (1000 years)of this region built by Chola rulers, a document about which is apparently available in Saraswathy Mahal LIBRARY. Shivalinga, Mangalambika and Bhairava idols were lying unattended at the site for several years and in 2001 a temple was erected, and recently reconstructed. 

A lovely, large lily/lotus pond is part of the temple and is opposite the main entrance. On the busy OMR and easy to miss the temple as the temple is in a lane and has a small structure. One could be sure that by the grace of God, many would throng the temple in the years to come, as there are innumerable apartments coming up in this area. The priest in charge is Sri Arunachala Gurukal, MA, B.End, a Tamil Pandit. He has written a long prayer song in Chaste Tamil, praising the Lord and the temple. 

We have separate idol for lord chitragupta also. We have big Kali statue which explains the age of the temple

Location:
Sri Brahadeeshwarar temple, Kazhipattur

 Sri Vaidheeswarar Temple, Perumbakkam

Moolavar: Sri Vaidheeswarar
Amman: Sri Thaiyalnayaghi
Place: Perumbakkam, Chennai

A beautiful Shiva temple in the backdrop of Bolineni hills at Perumbakkam. This square shaped avudayar Lingam was found in the pond nearby. While the cleaning the pond the same is recovered and a temple was built by the side. The look and the finishing of the Lingam seems to be around 1000 years old but there is no evidence or anything to prove the same. All other idols are recently sculptured one. Locals maintain this temple very well.

Recently say a  year before renovation was carried out and consecration was done in a grand manner. All Hindus auspicious days in calendar are celebrated. 

Every theipirai astami & prathosam and full moon days are special days & Pooja's performed around 6 pm onwards

Location:
Sri Vaidheeswarar Temple, Perumbakkam 

 Sri Agatheeswarar temple, Poonthandalam

 

Moolavar: Sri Agatheeswarar 

Amman: Sri Anandavalli

Place: Poonthandalam, Kanchipuram

Very old temple inside a village built during krishnadevaraya period. Big Linga Murthy and aavudayar in this temple. This area was fully covered by Iluppai thoppu earlier. Big temple tank nearby.

Temple opens at 6am, but Pooja starts at 9am.

Location:

Sri Agatheeswarar temple, Poonthandalam

 Sri Aanandheswarar temple, Padappai

 

Moolavar: Sri Aanandheswarar

Amman: Sri Azhagudaya Nayagi 

Place: Azhagur, Padappai 

A 2000 year shivalingam under a shed that has been built around below a neem tree, in middle of open area surrounded by farming lands. 

In earlier days this place was called as Azhagapuri Pattinam and later became Azhagur. The locals have just built this make shift shed and a sivanadiyar is taking care of this place for last 45 years.

Azhagudai Nayagi is a very small Murthy and you have Nandhigeswarar in front of the shivalingam.
There is a Amman Padam impression on the stone which is kept behind the temple

Location:

Sri Aanandheswarar temple, Padappai

 Sri Singeeswarar Temple, Mappedu

Moolavar: Sri Singeeswarar
Amman: Sri Pushpakujambal
Place: Mappedu, Thiruvallur

Mappedu is a small village located near Chennai city. In earlier days it was called "Meip pedu" and later days changed to Meppedu. The nearest landmark to this village is Kadambattur.

Aditya Karikalan II Chola was a great warrior who won Veera Pandian; he was the elder brother of the great Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola. His murder still remains as a historical mystery. He built this temple in 967 CE. In 1501 CE, Ariyanatha Mudaliyar, who served as the Dalavai in Vijayanagar king Krishnadevaraya's kingdom, constructed the compound wall and the tower of this temple. To honor him, his idol in the posture similar to that of Lord Ranganatha (reclined on a serpent) is found in the temple tower.

Lord Shiva danced in Tirvalankadu site; Singi, one of eight Nandis, played mrudankam; he was so devoted that he closed his eyes and missed the divine dance. He requested the Lord to dance again so that he could watch the same. Shiva fulfilled his wish in Mappedu site. As Singi got darshan of Lord Shiva's dance in this place, Shiva is called as Singeeswarar.

Hanuman played amrutavarshini raaga using his veena in this site which turned the dry land into fertile land. Representing this event there is an idol of Sri Anjaneya playing the Veena. Those aspiring skill in music pray to him in particular. 

Hanuman belongs to Moola star. It is noteworthy that the birth star of Kalaivani-Saraswathi, the Goddess of Wisdom is also Moola. It is said that Mother Saraswathi wrote the Singanatha seed letters (Beejakshara – Beeja means seed, Akshara- letters) on the tongue of Sri Anjaneya with the stem of a lotus flower. This gave the Him clarity in his speech and an ability to protect people in distress using tactics needed for the time. He was celebrated as Sollin Selvan in Tamil and Nava Vyakarna Pandit in Sanskrit. Moola people are advised to pray in this temple for gaining excellence in education and speech.

People belonging to Moola star know no idleness and are found very active and fond of arts. They are fair in look. They are particular in food choices and like fruits. They are healthy just like Hanuman.
It is believed that worshipping the Lord by standing on a stone called Nava Vyakarna stone (Nava Vyakarna in Sanskrit means grammar of the language) cures bone and joint related diseases.
There is only one prakara in this temple - wide and big. The sub shrines of Asthana Vinayaka (Laureate Vinayaka), Surya, Subramanya-Valli-Devasena, Varadaraja-SreeDevi-Bhoo Devi and Bhairava are located in the prakara.

Singeeswarar is found in the form of a slightly big Shiva Linga in the sanctum sanctorum. The Goddess Pushpakujambal is found in a separate east facing shrine in the prakara. The mandapa of this shrine has good sculptures.

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. 

Location:
Sri Singeeswarar Temple, Mappedu

 Sri Azhageeswarar Temple, Kelambakkam

Moolavar: Sri Azhageeswarar
Amman: Sri Azhagambigai Ambal 
Place: Thaiyur, Kelambakkam

This is one of the 7 Siva temples in Thaiyur village. A well maintained Temple in middle of the residential area. The moolavar is facing East and Azhagambigai is facing South. 

It is believed the sivalingam is around 2000 years old and was found here in 2004 and then a temple was built around it and all other sannidhis were built.

Separate Sannidhi for Ayyappan, Hyagrivar, Hanuman, Navagrahas and Byravar is there.

Location:
Sri Azhageeswarar Temple, Thaiyur

 Sri Karupaneeswarar Temple, Nallur, Malayampakkam

  

Moolavar: Sri Karupaneeswarar
Amman: Sri Kamakshi Ambal
Place: Nallur, Kanchipuram

A small beautiful temple in midst of a beautiful village just off Kundrathur Sriperampudur Road. The history of the temples not known, but as per the Kurukkal the sivalingam, Nandhi as well as balipeedam has been in this place for over 200 years and only in year 2000 they have built a temple and have conducted the kumbhabhishekam.

The temple property has been set to be sprayed for over 200 acres but today is all been occupied. Kamakshi Ambal is facing south and you have all the ghosta murthies as per ahama sasthram.
Plans of building Sannidhi for lord Byravar and Navagrahas.

Location:
Sri Karupaneeswarar Temple, Nallur, Malayampakkam 

 Sri Vaidheeswarar Temple, Poonamalee

 

Moolavar - Sri Vaidheeswarar
Amman - Sri Thayalnayagi
Place - Poonamalee

Around 1600 yrs old temple and such an amazing prakaram.The Vaitheeswaran temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai dedicated to Angaaragan (Mars in English or Chevvaai in Tamil). It is said that Sri Angaaragan worshipped Lord Shiva at this place.

Sri Angaaragan’s paadham (foot mark) is found in the temple just outside the shrine under the Panai (Palm) tree sculpted in stone.This temple is a parihaara sthalam for Chevvai Dhosham.Special poojas are done here on Tuesdays for Sri Angaaragan.

The temple is huge with vast prakaarams (corridors).The main deity faces east in the form of a Shiva Linga. Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi faces south.There are 3 Chakras installed by Sri Aadhi Shankara in the prakaaram called Sri Chakram, Subramanya Chakram and Shanmuga Chakram. On the northern prakaaram there is a Baana Linga installed facing the entrance. While there is an entrance at the eastern side, the temple has its main entrance and Rajagopuram( king tower) facing north. There are beautiful carvings on either side of the entrance.

This temple is also called 'Uthara Vaitheeswaran Koil'.

 Sri Masilamaneeswarar Temple, Thirumullaivoyal

 

Moolavar - Sri Masilamaneeswarar
Amman - Sri Kodiyidai Amman
Place - Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai, Tamilnadu

This is one of the Shiva Temple in Avadi. The temple was built by King Tondaimaan. Saints like Shri Arunagirinadhar, Shri Sundhara, Shri Vallalar and many others has sung songs in this temple. It is said that the Shiva Linga is found in Mullai (Jasmine) creepers when a king cleared the creepers which twisted the feet of his elephant. The king installed the Shiva Linga and by the grace of Lord Shiva he was successful in the war. This is the 21st of the 32 Tevara Stalams in the Tondai region of South India. It is considered special to worship Shri Kodiyidai Nayaki here and Shri Vadivudai Nayaki at Tiruvotriyur on full moon days. The sanctum here has been in worship since the Sangam period. There are shrines to Shri Rishabantikadevar, Shri Natarajar and Shri Bhikshatanar here.

Shri Kodiyidai Amman is one of the Tri-Shakti. Shri Kodiyidai Amman represents Kriya Shakti (Power of Activity). The other two temples are Melur Shri Thiruvudai Amman Temple representing Iccha Shakti (Power of Will). Thiruvottiyur Shri Vadivudai Amman Temple representing Jnana Shakti (Power of Knowledge).

Elements of Pallava architecture are seen in this temple as in the lion pillars in the Vinayakar shrine. The Nandi faces away from the sanctum in keeping with the story. There are two 'Erukku pillars' in front of the sanctum. Inscriptions from the period of Uttama Chola, speaking of Sembiyan Mahadevi's in 10th century endowments to this temple are seen in this temple


References:
1.http://thirumullaivoyalmasilamaneeswarar.tnhrce.in/
2.http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/New_en.php?id=15

 Sri Ravieaswarar Temple, Vyasarpadi

 

 

 

 

 

Moolavar - Sri Ravieaswarar
Amman - Sri Maragadambal
Place - Vyasarpadi, Chennai, Tamilnadu

 Very interesting fact about Vayasarpadi - Maharshi Veda Vyasa worshipped Lord Ravieaswarear here and hence the place is called Vyasarpadi. Sage Veda Vysa gave us the 18 puranas and the Vedas under four titles.

Raveeswarar Temple is a famous Shiva temple built during Chola's period. It is located at Murthy Iyengar Street, Vyasarpadi.The lord shiva is named Raveeswarar. Ravi meaning Sun. It is said the lord is worshiped by the Sun. The Sun also took bath in the temple tank (Bhrama Theertham) to get rid of his Bhrama Dosham.The Sun god is placed inside the sanctum of lord Shiva facing him. Those worshiping the lord shiva must also worship the Sun god. The temple has three sacred trees, namely Vanni, Vilva and Naga Linga trees. Lots of people visit this temple on Sunday to get rid of various illness and to perform various pariharams.

Samugna Devi, wife of Sun God left Him as she could not bear the heat emanating from Him. She left her shadow called Chaya Devi with Sun. Chaya Devi was impartial to Samugna’s sons. Sun came to know of this only later. On His way in search of his wife, He bypassed a place where Brahmma was conducting a Yagna. Brahmma, not knowing his mission cursed him to be born a human on Earth. To relieve himself from the curse of Brahmma, he installed a Linga in this place and worshipped Lord Shiva. Pleased Lord Shiva appeared before Sun and relieved him
from the curse and also merged in the Linga worshipped by sun. Hence, Lord Shiva got the name Ravi Easwara, Ravi-Sun.

The Indira Vimanam above the Shiva shrine is constructed as a nest without any support. This is visible if one stands close to the shrine and look at the vimana. Lord Shiva is facing east. There is no entrance to this shrine. The devotee has to come through the entrance in the south. On the wall against the Shiva shrine there is a
hole designed as a Shiva Linga. Sri Nandi is in front of the shrine. The rays of Sunfall on the presiding deity through the Shiva Linga hole as if Sun God performs the first puja to Lord Shiva, Only then other morning puja – Kala Sandhi Puja- is performed.

The Sun God graces from the front mandap of the temple. Special pujas are performed to both Lord Shiva and Sun on Sundays, the first day of Dakshinayana and Uthrayana Punyakala days and on Makara Sankaranthi and Ratha Sapthami the seventh day of Sankranthi when the rath of Sun actually turns towards north.

There is a shrine for the Maharshi behind the Shiva shrine. He appears
in a sitting form on a tiger hide with folded legs one upon the other – Padmasana – holding the palm leaves. Special pujas are performed to Him on full moon days with a Vilwa garland. Before admitting children to school, parents bring them here and pray. It is believed that Maharshi Vyasa worships Lord Shiva on Ratha Sapthami day.

Those facing any adverse effects due to Sun planet perform special pujas to Lord Shiva and Sun.

References:
http://www.raveeswarartemple.tnhrce.in/

 Sri Thiruvalishwarar Temple, Nattarasanpattu

 

Moolavar: Sri Thiruvalishwarar
Amman: Sri Tripurasundari
Place: Nattarasanpattu, Orathur Road, Kanchipuram

Very old temple and seems to be over 1000 years old. Thiruvalishwarar is facing East and Ambal Tripurasundari in a separate Sannidhi is facing south.

A very old Pillayar vigraham is there with elephant in front of him instead of Mushigam, this is also very unique.

A beautiful Murthy of Mahavishnu with Thaayar on his lap is found here which is very unique. Subramania Swamy with his peacock vahanam is another beautiful Murthy found here.

A very ancient temple in ruins and needs serious renovation.

Location:
Sri Thiruvalishwarar Temple, Nattarasanpattu

 Sri Muthupureeswarar Temple, Aathur

Moolavar: Sri Muthupureeswarar
Amman: Sri Angayarkanni Ambal
Place: Aathur, Chengelpet

A 1200 year old built by Paranthaka Chola.Around 10 years ago the sivalingam was found under the earth and the shivanadiyar and villagers decided to build the temple. After the bhoomi puja was performed a snake came around a  particular place and circled the place and went. When they dug the place with JCB they also found the Ambal vigraham and now have built a temple for both.

They have also excavated a stone inscription based on which the time period of the temple has been confirmed as 1200 years. 

Nagadevar or snake worship has been belived to be performed in this village from a long time and even today it’s believed that snakes are protecting this place

Recently a year ago kumbhabhishekam has been done to this temple.

Location:
Sri Muthupureeswarar Temple, Aathur

 Sri Aadhi Gubera Jalagandeswarar Temple, Porur

Moolavar:Sri Aadhi Gubera Jalagandeswarar
Amman:Sri Akilandeswari
Place: Porur, Chennai

Sri Aadhi Gubera Jalagandeswarar is a small size temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the banks of Porur lake.It is very beautiful to see big aavudayar and lingamurthy

Location:

Sri Aadhi Gubera Jalagandeswarar Temple, Porur

 Sri Somanadha Eswarar Temple ,Thirumazhisai

Moolavar: Sri Somanadha Eswarar
Amman: Sri Somasundari
Place: Melmannambedu, Thirumazhisai

A good 1000 years old sivalingam and it belongs to the Siddharkadu Sidhars. One of the Sidhar has been belived to have attained Jeeva Samadhi in this place.

They had found the linga banam which was of 5 ½ feet and the Avudayar has been done in sudhai instead of regular granite.

The surrounding lands has all been grabbed illegally and hence there has been no development and the temple is just in a form of shed. But there is Nithya puja going on and also Pradhosham puja also is done regularly.

Location:
Sri Somanadha Eswarar Temple ,Thirumazhisai

 Sri Vazhithunai Paneeswaran Temple, Chengelpattu

This is one of the ancient shiva temples in the Aathur village close to Chengalpet. Sri Paneeswarar is belived to remove obstacles for marriage as well as child birth. Many devotees come and pray here to either get married or those couples without a child pray here to get a child.

Interesting fact is that this temple is surrounded by six other old Shiva temples and they are -

Sri Muktheeswarar
Sri Jalangdeeswarar
Sri Swarnapureeswarar
Sri Muthupureeswarar
Sri Aadhilingeswarar
Sri Kilingeeswarar

The stone incription found in Sri Muktheeswarar temple has the details of this temple and it shows it’s been 1200 years old. The sivalingam is swayambu lingam and the Avudayar is similar to that of Ekambareswarar temple in Kanchi.There is no Ambal Sannidhi yet and apparently the Ambal vigraham seems to below the ground yet to be excavated nearby.

One Sri Rhagavaiya the person who has taken up all the 7 temples and have built them and have done Kumbhabhishekam to all the 6 temples and 7th one is pending.

Regularly a sarpam visits during pradhosham and goes to Muktheeswarar as well.

Location:
Sri Vazhithunai Paneeswaran Temple, Chengelpattu

 Sri Athreeswarar Temple,Tambaram

 

 

 

Moolavar - Sri Athreeswarar
Amman - Sri Anushya Devi
Place - Tambaram, Chennai

A serene place on top of a small hillock at Tambaram. Apparently it is said that there was only the Sivalingam here surrounded by forest and from last few years they have cleared the place around and a temple is being constructed around.

Separate Sannidhi for all deities is yet to be constructed

It is believed that all 18 Siddhar still live around this hill. A place like this in the bustling area of thambaram chrompet road is a must to visit

Location:

Chromepet,Tambaram road, Chennai 

 Sri Kamakala Kameshwarar Temple, Triplicane

Moolavar: Sri Kamakala Kameshwarar

Amman: Sri Kameshwari Ambal

Place: Triplicane, Chennai

The Temple is believed to be built by a family belonging to the Kayasth community, which had its origins in present day Uttar Pradesh.The banam is Shwetha banam meaning white in colour and Ambal thribangini having 3 Curves in her body.

The Nizams of Hyderabad had a tradition of employing Hindu Kayasths in their administration. The Nawabs of Arcot also  followed the same practice. Among the confidential munshis or secretaries of Nawab Mohammad Ali Walajah (1749-1795) was Makhan Lal Khirat. When the ruler built the Big Mosque in Triplicane, it was this trusted aide who composed the chronogram for it, which is enshrined above the mihrab — It is perhaps the only instance in the world, of a Hindu’s work adorning a mosque — a true illustration of the city’s secular character.

Makhan Lal was given the honorific of Rai Raja by the Nawab. A branch of the family, titled the Junior Line, was stationed in Hyderabad, where it managed the properties of the Arcot family in that city. The Senior Line, which remained in Madras, was headed after Makhan Lal by his son Rai Raja Tekam Chand Bahadur.Rai Raja Ishwar Das Lala Dayavant Bahadur as he liked to be referred to was the son of Rai Raja Tekam Chand Bahadur and lived off Pycrofts Road (now Bharati Salai) where a street is named after him. 

A parallel street is Raja Hanumantha Lala Lane, taking its name from a kinsman. It was in this street that Ishwar Das built a temple for Kamakala Kameswarar in early 1890s by installing a white Shiva Linga in it.

This temple is tucked in the quite lane of Raja Hanumantha Lala street, the nearest landmarks being the Gosha Hospital and the Mani Iyer Hall. 

This small temple brims with festivals throughout the year. The Annual 10-day Brahmotsavam is held in the month of Chitra (Chitra Pournami). Apart from this the other festivals include Regular Kiruthigai Utsavams, Pavitrotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, Navarathri Utsavam, Panguni Uttiram, Adi Kritika and Aani Thirumanjanam.

Location:

Sri Kamakala Kameshwarar Temple, Triplicane

 Sri Maareeswarar Temple, Kelambakkam

 

Moolavar: Sri Maareeswarar
Amman: Sri Aram Valartha Nayagi
Place: Thaiyur Village, Kelambakkam, Chennai

A 2000 very old temple tucked deep inside villages and narrow streets that one may easily miss. There are 7 Shivan temples around the Thayur village and Maareswarar is one of them. There has been once a great famine and as the prayer to this Lord good rains came hence it’s known as Maareeswarar. The stone inscriptions have all been used up to build lake compounds around and hence the actual history is unknown for now.

There is an stone inscribed image of Sri Uthanda Kalpaal Mannar who has is believed to have built this temple.

A well maintained temple and is located in a peaceful area, this temple has sanctums for Lord Shiva (Maareeswarar) and Parvathi (Aram Valartha Nayagi), Hanuman, Bhairavar and Navagrahas. The Goddess here looks so beautiful with a smiling face.

Dharmasamvardhini is the Sanskrit name for Aramvalartha Nayagi. Aram means Dharma, Valartha means to have developed or Samvardhanam, hence the name Dharmasamvardhini. Here she has a dhandam in her hand to prevail justice

The kumbhabhishekam has been recently completed for the maha dhwara Gopuram.

Location:
Sri Maareeswarar Temple, Kelambakkam

 Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Madhavaram

Moolavar: Sri Kailasanathar

Amman: Sri Karpagambal

Place: Madhavaram, Chennai

It is said that in ancient days this place had a place called ‘Brigudharanyam’ filled with kadhambam trees. It is believed that lord Shiva and Parvathi have meditated seated separately at this place. Also in later times sage Vyasar and other rishis have sat here and meditated and achieved bliss. Meditation in Tamil means ‘Thavam’. So, as this place was blessed by lord himself by meditating here with his consort and also many Rishis too have done Thavam here this place was called ‘Maha Thava Puram’ which in days became Madhavaram.

It is believed by the devotees that praying this lord here has helped many childless couples to have kids and kids who have speaking disabilities gets cured by worshipping Sri Kailasanadhar here along with Karpagambal.

A huge and Ancient temple built by Pallavas and could be around 1500 yrs old. Kumbhabhishekam has been performed in recent years. Besides Kailasanathar and Karpagambal,, Vinayahar, Muruga Peruman along with Valli Dhevayani, Gajalakshmi and Sarabeahwarar,Ayyappan, Anjaneyar and Byravar Sannidhi can be seen. Also you can see all 12 Jyothirlingams here.

Location:

Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Madhavaram

 Sri Malleegeshwarar Temple, Mahabalipuram

 

Moolavar: Sri Malleegeshwarar

Amman: Sri Malleegeshwari Ambal

Place: Mahabalipuram, Chennai

This temple was initially built by the cholas and later when the pallavas came to power the Vaishnavites at that time broke the Avudayar and threw the lingam into the lake. For many years the Avudayar was under garbage here and pigs would be sleeping on it. Later one person saw the plight of this temple and had lodged a court case to get a new Avudayar done as the old avudayar was broken. Later 2 stapadhis came to measure the lingam with a tape and ended up breaking their hands as the lord doesn’t want to be measured. Later the judge directly had come here and saw the temple and ordered to use the old Avudayar itself without changing it and imposed 10 lakhs fine on those who had tried to impose cases on this temple.

It’s belived that visiting this temple on amavasai helps in removing all graha dhosahams. And during Marghazhi amavasai a snake comes inside the grabhagram and removes its skin and also it’s said it visits regularly during night time.

This temple is located next to the most historical place in Mahabalipuram which is known for the Rock carving and the famous butter ball rock.The Temple faces east. Temple small in size. No Rajagopuram, but kodimaram is present.

Ambal Mallegeshwari is facing south and you have beautiful stone elephants next to the Kodimaram. On the ghostam Sri Dhakshinamurthy’s vigraham is worth seeing for its beauty and really shows the ancient carvings skills of those years.

Location:

Sri Malleegeshwarar Temple, Mahabalipuram

 Sri Adhilingeshwarar Temple, Chengelpattu

 

Moolavar: Sri Adhilingeshwarar

Amman: Sri Adhishakthi

Place:  Aathur, Chengelpet, Chennai

One of the 7 shiva temples in the Aathur area is this Sri Adhilingeshwarar. A very small temple and lord shiva is facing west which apparently happened so as they could not get enough land to construct a larger temple facing the east.

The sivalingam was buried in the ground in middle of sugarcane farm and been there for many years. The sivalingam could possibly be few close to 1000 years.

It is belived that Chandra Bhagwan has prayed to this lord along with Rohini Nakshathram and hence the old name of the lord is Sri Chandramouleshwarar and Ambal was known as Chandranayagi.

In 2009 they have done the Kumbhabhishekam for this temple. There is no separate Sannidhi for Ambal as they have not yet found the am Ambal vigraham which is belived to be still buried somewhere in the field. So a smal Ambal vigraham is placed next to the shivalingam within the grabhagraham.

The Ghosta murthies have an interesting background each one of them have been in houses of localities who have been performing regular puja for them. So when the temple was constructed, each one of them have given these murthies to be installed around the ghostam.

Temple opens by 5:30 A.M

Location:

Sri Adhilingeshwarar Temple, Aathur

 Sri Nagabharaneeswarar Temple, Thiruporur

Moolavar: Sri Nagabharaneeswarar
Amman: Sri Periyanayagi
Place: Melayur, Thiruporur, Chennai

The Temple is a 1400 years old temple built by Raja Raja Cholan of Thanjavur. The lord has been worshipped by Agasthiar and known as Rahu Ketu parihara sthalam.

Very peaceful and serene temple and lord Shivan known as Nagabharaneeswarar is Swayambhu. You have separate Sannidhi for pillayar, Ayyappan, Valli Devayanai Samedha Subramanian, Agasthiar, Sri lalithambigai. Gajalakshmi and Navagrahas. Apparently most of the vigraham has been unearthed while excavation and have been installed in sannidhis.

There is a separate Sannidhi for Sri Chithraguptar. Also you can see the Navagrahas with their consorts which you find in very few temples. The temple opens by 6:30 am

Location:
Sri Nagabharaneeswarar Temple, Melayur

 Sri Sravanamaapureeswarar Temple, Coimbatore

Moolavar: Sri Sravanamaapureeswarar
Amman: Sri Sivagamasundari
Place: Saravanampatti, Coimbatore

This is a very old Shiva temple.There are separate Shani, Raghu and ketu temples inside.This temple is open in morning from 8 to 9 am.  Only on paradosh timings it is open in the evening time.

There is also arasaradi vinayakar temple.

Location:
Sri Sravanamaapureeswarar Temple, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore

 Sri Nagabharaneeswarar Temple, Thiruporur

Moolavar: Sri Nagabharaneeswarar
Amman: Sri Periyanayagi
Place: Melayur, Thiruporur, Chennai

The Temple is a 1400 years old temple built by Raja Raja Cholan of Thanjavur. The lord has been worshipped by Agasthiar and known as Rahu Ketu parihara sthalam.

Very peaceful and serene temple and lord Shivan known as Nagabharaneeswarar is Swayambhu. You have separate Sannidhi for pillayar, Ayyappan, Valli Devayanai Samedha Subramanian, Agasthiar, Sri lalithambigai. Gajalakshmi and Navagrahas. Apparently most of the vigraham has been unearthed while excavation and have been installed in sannidhis.

There is a separate Sannidhi for Sri Chithraguptar. Also you can see the Navagrahas with their consorts which you find in very few temples. The temple opens by 6:30 am

Location:
Sri Nagabharaneeswarar Temple, Melayur

 Sri Agatheeswarar Temple, Nungambakkam

 

Moolavar:  Sri Agatheeswarar

Amman: Sri Akilandeswari

Place: Nungampakkam, Chennai

Though a Lord Shiva temple, Mother Shukravara Amman is the prominent deity here. Though She has shrines in other Shiva temples, She is taken in procession in this temple only.

Planet Venus - Shukra worshipped Lord Shiva to regain his eye sight which he lost to Lord Maha Vishnu during His Vamana Avtar. Mother Parvathi too was in penance on Lord at that time. Lord Shiva was just thinking to whom His grace should go first. Mother Parvathi was gracious to ask the Lord to offer His grace to Shukra first. She told Shukra that the Friday (Shukravar) belonging to him should be transferred in Her favour and that he should not be adverse to Her devotees which Shukra readily agreed. Thus, Mother Anandavalli became to be praised as Shukravara Amman.

Legend :
      King Bommarajan who ruled this place once, got Sula disease ( a form of fever where he was burning hot)and prayed to Perumal. Perumal 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.The amman temple is being rebuilt now

 Actually king Bommirajan was a vaishnavite and he also built the perumal temple at nungambakam which is on the other side of the road. Apparently it was all a single complex but the expanding city has swallowed up the temple complex and seperated the temples. 

Location:

Sri Agatheeswarar Temple, Nungampakkam

 Sri Karpageeswarar Temple, Karapakkam

Moolavar: Sri Karpageeswarar
Amman:Sri Karpagambal
Place: Karapakkam, Chennai

This Shiva  temple is on the back side of the Gangai Amman Temple. Temple is facing east with a Balipedam, Dwajasthambam and Nandhikeswarar. The temple consists of sanctum, Arthamandapam and a Mahamandapam. Naalvar Rishabam and Ambal facing south are in the Mahamandapam. Vinayagar, Dhakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai are in the koshtam. Sandikeswarar is  on the north side.

Location: 
Karapakkam Shivan Temple

 Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Orathur

Moolavar: Sri Agastheeswarar
Amman: Sri Kamakshi Ambal
Place: Orathur Chennai

The temple is around 1250 years and has been built during the Chola period.

It has a place where Agasthiar performed meditation. Interestingly Sri Kamakshi Ambal is facing east which is not the case in most Siva temples. It also has a tunnel way which is said to go all the way to vallakottam.

The temple has a beautiful temple tank and there is stone chariot inside. The temple opens by 9 am 

Location: 
Agastheeswarar Temple, Orathur

 Sri Vihithaparameeswara Swamy Temple, Thandalam

Moolavar: Sri Vihithaparameeswara Swamy
Amman: Sri Soundaranayagi
Place: Thandalam,Thiruporur,Chennai

A beautiful temple of lord Shiva in the premise of Sri Sabarimalai Ayyappan Tempke. Apparently the sivalingam was found under the hill locally and has been there for many years. And as recently in 2008 the localities have installed this sivalingam in this temple and have named him Vihithaparameeswarar. 

Ambal Soundaranayagi is facing south and all the ghosta murthies are available.

The Ayyappan temple is very beautiful and annual Sabarimalai season seems to be celebrated in a very grand manner.

Location:
Sri Vihithaparameeswara Swamy Temple, Thandalam

 Sri Velleeswarar Temple, Manapakkam

 

Moolavar: Sri Velleeswarar
Amman: Sri Tripurasundari Ambal
Place: Manapakkam, Chennai

A beautiful old temple which seems to have been renovated. By the looks of the structure is from Pandyas time. The avudayar is square which clearly shows it’s been built by some kings of those years.The temple has separate Sannidhi for Sarvasuddhi Vinayahar and lord Murugan is known as Sivabalamurugan and is next to sivalingam.

The temple primises has a beautiful Nandavanam and lot of beautiful big trees.Also there is a a separate Sannidhi for Sabarimalai Ayyappan.A must visit temple and a serene peaceful place

Location:

Sri Velleeswarar Temple, Manapakkam 

 Sri Pozhichaleeswarar Temple, Agaramthen

 

 

Moolavar: Sri Pozhichaleeswarar 
Amman: Sri Anandhavalli
Place: Agaramthen, Madambakkam,Chennai

Amazing temple in middle of a beautiful village. It is belived to be over 1300 years old temple and built by the Hoysala kings.

The pozhichaleeswarar name has come because of good pozhichal which means abandunce of paddy growth. There is good amount paddy fields around this village. The place is famous for Chandran and it is belived that around 1000 snakes has worshiped this place and also recently too snakes visit this temple often. The wood above the sivalingam is karinkali wood and it represents the importance of angaragam or mars.

Ambal is facing south and there is a separate Sannidhi for sarabeshwarar.

Location:
Sri Pozhichaleeswarar Temple, Agaramthen

 Sri Aavundeeswarar Temple,Thirumazhisai

 

Moolavar:Sri Aavundeeswarar
Amman: Sri Amirthambikai
Place: Neman, Thirumazhisai, Chennai

Over 1500 plus years old temple built in the Chola period by a king named Jayamkonda Chozhan. Interestingly this temple faces south and the lord faces east and the temple is situated in the North East corner ( Eshanya moolai) of the village and in middle of paddy fields.The lingabanam is really tall and it has a square Avudayar. 

It is said that all ladies has to visit this temple atleast once in their life time and all those whoes name starts with letter ‘Gho’ like Gopalan, Gomathy Govindan or Godavari has to pray to this lord for their life long. Also when visited during ‘Amritha Yogam’ of the day amazing Amrithashakthi is released in the premise of this temple.

Ladies wanting marriage boon worship Amirthambikai by offering garlands made of glass bangles. Goddess Amirthambikai faces south and her head is tilted slightly towards the right as if she is ready to listen to your prayers. Also those who are seeking child has to to Gho pujai and pray to get a good Santhanam.

It is belived that all pithru dhosam also gets cleared here in this temple. The theertham or temple tank is known as Pithru theertham or Agnitheertham.Those who have Shani Gruha issues have to perform abhishekam to Sri Amrithayogeshwarar as well as Byravar here on Saturdays and will be relived of all Shani dhoshams. It’s a parihara sthalam for Magham and Poora Nakshathiram people.

One of the most beautiful temple and well maintained in a very serene atmosphere and a peaceful place to meditate.

Location:

Sri Aavundeeswarar Temple, Nemam 

 Sri Parasurameeswarar Temple, Chengalpet

 

Moolavar: Sri Parasurameeswarar
Amman: Sri Gnambigai Ambal 
Place: Mullipakkam, Chengalpet

A very old and beautiful temple in a serene atmosphere with all four sides having beautiful Paddy fields. The Concrete road leading the temple is on a straight line through the fields. The temple is facing west with an entrance arch on the south side. Balipedam and Nandhi are in front of the temple. 

In goshtam you can see Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Durgai.Inside the mandapam you can see Vinayagar and Subramanian with Valli and Devasena.The sivalingam has a round Avudayar which shows it was was installed by kings.

The temple is old but renovated completely. There is no inscription on the adhisthana or on the walls. Looking at the arthamandapa pillars the temple may be 200 to 300 years old.

The temple opens by 6 am 

Contact: 
The Kurukal Shankar can be reached on 9944029225

Location:
Sri Parasurameeswarar Temple, Mullipakkam

 Sri Nageswarar temple, Kundrathur

Moolavar: Sri Nageswarar
Amman: Sri Kamatchi Amman
Place: Kundrathur, Chennai

The temple was built by the celebrated saivite poet Sekkizhar. The Vinayaka is lord Anungai Vinayaka. The temple has a five tier tower. Saint Sundarar with Paravai Nachiyar, Lord Satyanarayana in form of a serpent, Nagendrar and lord Naga nadheswarar grace from their shrines in the parikara. There is shiva linga in the middle of these serpents. There are also shrines for Lord Kasiviswanatha mothers Lakshmi and Saraswathi, lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, lord Karpaga Vinayaka and Sani baghwan.Those afflicted with serpent planet adverse aspects and those facing problems due Ragu planet transition pray for relief.

Lord Nageswarar represents the attribute of planet Raghu. Mother Kamakshi on her lion vahan Grace's from a separate shrine facing south.Sekkizhar graces from a separate shrine in standing form in parikara facing west worshipping the lord with chinmudra and holding palm leaves in hand.
Sekkizhar belongs to the period of king Ananaya chola. The poet enriched the saivite philosophy and the Tamil literature there by through his magnum opus Periya Puranam speaking the greatness of 63 Nayanmars.

Sekkizhar once visited Thiru Nageswaram near Kumbakonam, a place  attributed to Raghu planet. After worshipping lord Nageswarar, Sekkizhar desired to enjoy this darshan everyday which was not possible due to the long distance from his place. He decided and built this temple following the same model and installed the shiva linga,named lord Nageswarar. The temple become famous as Vada Nageswaram.

A fewyears  ago, the shiva linga installed by Sekkizhar was damaged. Devotees removed it and put it in the surya theertha and replaced it with a new linga. At night lord shiva appeared in the dream of shiva devotee and directed him to install the original linga itself again in the sanctum sanctorum. The order of the lord was duly carried out and the new linga was placed behind the shrine and named as lord Arunachaleswarar.

Location:
Sri Nageswarar temple, Kundrathur

 Arulmigu Agatheeswarar Temple (Agni Lingam), Thiruverkadu

 

Moolavar: Agatheeswarar(Agni Lingam)
Amman: Anandavalli
Place: Noombal, Thiruverkadu

1200 year old temple built by kuloathunga chozhan, dedicated to lord shiva located in Noombal.Presiding deity is called as Agatheeswarar and mother is called as Anandavalli. This temple is found to the south east of Thiruverkadu Vedapureeswarar temple. 

There are 8(ashta) lingams in eight directions around Thiruverkadu temple.This temple represents the Agni Lingam, one of the Ashta lingams.This is a small beautiful temple with one parikaram. Agatheeswarar is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Sanctum follows Gaja brishti construction. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Mother Anandavalli is housed in a separate shrine.

There are shrines for Navagrahas along with their consorts (special here) available. Muruga, vinayaga, chandikeswarar and Bairavar also available in the respective places.

Temple opens at 6 am in the morning.

Contact: 9840123464

Location:
Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Agni Lingam), Noombal

 Sri Neelagandeswarar Temple, Old Pallavaram

Moolavar: Sri Neelagandeswarar
Amman: Sri Trirupurasundari Ambal
Place: Old Pallavaram, Chennai

A good 1000 year old temple and possibly built when Thirusulanathar Temple was built. This temple is about 10 mins drive from the famous Tirusulanadhar temple. Small and peaceful temple. The goddess is Tirupurasundari,  same name as the goddess at Tirusulanafhar temple and even looks similar.

The Ambal inside the grabhagraham is known as Sri Nirmalambal. Very beautiful statue of Ambal in the standing posture with her head slightly tilted. 

The Navagrahas are along with their Devis which is very rare and can be seen in very few temples.The temple has Dhwajadthambam, Bali peedam and a beautiful prakaram. It has a small temple tank. There is Arasa Maram and Neem tree together joined at the root itself.
The temple has a south entrance and the temple facing East.

Contact:
The temple Kurukal Raju can be reached at 9782896855

Location:
Eashwaren Temple, Old Pallavaram

 Sri Kaleeswaraswamy Temple, Kanchipuram

 

Moolavar: Sri Kaleeswaraswamy
Amman:Sri Sivakamasundari Ambal
Place: Seethanancherry, Kanchipuram

The lord is known as Seeyalanathar and the earlier name of Seethancherry was Krishnapuri as lord Krishna has worshipped lord Siva here. A lovely temple located about 15 kms from chengalpet, the shrine is one of the old temple in Kanchipuram district, Seethanancherry. It houses a pada salai and is educating few students on vedas.

The Sivalingam, swayambu, was said to have been worshipped by Sri Krishna, Subramanya, Pandavas and Bharadwaja Rishi. Legend has it that a pepper trader offered worship to the lingam. He would take rest under a Manipunga tree. On such occasions he noticed that herds of cows came and showered milk on the lingam. Siva appeared in his dream and ordained him to build a temple for Him.The merchant used his wealth to raise a temple on five acres of land and the pujas continued. The two Kodimaram next to each other for both Swamy and Ambal in the same line is very unique. 

Now the temple wears a new look with separate shrines for Sri Kaleeswarar and Sri Sivakamasundari Ambal, Sri Vinayaka and Subramanya. There are two dwajasthamba one each for the Lord and His consort. The Rajagopuram is five-tiered. Huge halls where devotees could assemble on special occasions and a beautiful tank with well laid out steps completes the temple.

Location:

Sri Kaleeswaraswamy Temple, Seethanancherry

 Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, Nanmangalam

 

Moolavar: Sri Ekambareswarar
Amman: Sri Kamatchi ambal 
Place: Nanmangalam, Chennai

The temple is 1200 years old and has SIVA-VISHNU in the form for lingam depicting "HARA-HARI". This Linga is unique of its own and also found in temple in Chengalpattu. 
Devotees are blessed with relief of Sarpa-Grahana dosham. The temple at Nanmangalam village near the present day Pallavaram is one such old temple.

The presiding diety here is Sri Kamatchi Ambal samedha Ekambareswarar. This is one of the few temples which is as good as the temple in Kanchipuram.This sthalam is one of the pratana stalam and the dhosha parihara sthalam. 

Several devotees have prayed to the lord of this temple and have had their wishes fullfilled.

The stone age structure of lord shiva was unattended in the bush for years until some locals found out in early 90’s and the same is taken care to have a proper temple built.


Location:
Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, Nanmangalam

 Sri Thazhuva Kuzhaindeeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

 

 

Moolavar: Sri Thazhuva Kuzhaindeeswarar
Amman: Sri Kamakshi Ambal
Place: Mel Padappai, Kanchipuram
 

Pallava King Nandi Varman ruling this region during 7th century renovated 108 Shiva temples simultaneously and conducted the consecration of all temples in a single day. This is one among these temples. Lord Vinayaka in the temple is praised as Vettri Vinayaka. The temple has a 3 tier Rajagopuram. 

When Chandra Bhagwan the Moon married 27 daughters of Daksha including Kruthika and Rohini but was very fond of Rohini alone ignoring other wives. Aggrieved wives complained to their father Daksha of Moon’s partial attitude towards them. Angry Daksha cursed Moon that his bright rays – Kalais – go dark. Seeking relief from the curse of his father-in-law, Moon came to earth and worshipped Lord Shiva in many places. He came to this place also.
The rays of Sun fall on the presiding deity during the first 7 days of September. Mother Kamakshi is facing south from a separate shrine. She Looks with Her ears slightly on the right as if to hear Lord Shiva. 

Devotees believe that praying to Kamakshi would tighten the unity among couple. Vaishnavi, Mahalakshmi and Sarawathi grace the devotees from the goshta of Ambal Sannidhi. Ambal is on padmapeetam which is very special here. Special pujas are performed to Lord and Mother on full moon days. Those facing delays in marriage, pray to the divine parents placing the mangal sutra thread at the feet of Lord and Mother and tie them in the Magizha tree in the temple complex. This is based on the event of Lord Shiva solemnizing the wedding of saint Sundarar with Sangili Nachiar under a Magizha tree in Tiruvottriyur temple.Padappai in Tamil means garden of flowers. The place is so named as Lord Shiva blesses His devotees at a place surrounded by flower gardens. Saint Tirugnana Sambandar, has mentioned this place in his Thevaram hymns while praising Lord Vurddhagiriswarar when passing through this place. Hence, this temple is considered as Vaippu Thalam – having a mention in Thevaram hymns with other Shiva temple.

Vinayaka of the Temple is praised as Vettri Vinayaka as He is all graceful to His devotee ensuring success in his endeavours – Vettri in Tamil means success. He has elephant as His vahan instead of the traditional mouse.Special pujas are dedicated to Vettri Vinayaka with white vastras on Mondays.
Special pujas are offered to Lord Veerabadra in the prakara on Shivrathri day with sandal paste and betel leaves garland. There is a shrine for Lord Bhairava also to whom special pujas are offered on new moon days and Ashtami the eighth day of the new moon fortnight. Lord Sarabeswara has His shrine in the temple where those with confused mind pray for clarity on Sundays during Rahu Kalam time – 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. – offering curd rice as nivedhana. 

There are shrines for Lord Tiruvaleeswarar with Mother Nallazhagi, Lord Kasi Viswanatha and Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai. Saint Tirugnana Sambandar Guru puja is celebrated on the Vaikasi Moola Star day in May-June.The activities of Earth came to a halt when Mother Parvathi closed the eyes of Lord Shiva in a playful mood. Lord Shiva cursed Mother to be born a human on Earth and perform penance in a place called Mangadu to get Him back. Lord Shiva granted darshan to Acharya Sri Sankara at this place and directed Mother Parvathi to shift to Kancheepuram to continue the penance. On Her way to Kancheepuram, for Her own satisfaction, She installed a Linga here too, it is believed. At Kancheepuram, Mother made a Linga of sand and embraced it when floods threatened to wash away the Linga. Hence, the Lord is called Thazhuva Kuzhainda (pleased with embracing) Easwara-Lord.

With a small change, the name became Thazhuva Kozhundu Easwarar

The temple opens by 6:00 am 

Contact: 
The Kurukal Chandrasekaran can be reached at 9941437183, 8144849711

Location:
Sri Thazhuva Kuzhaindeeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram 

 Sri Kapileswarar Temple, Tirupathi

 

Moolavar - Sri Kapileswarar
Amman - Sri Kamakshi
Place - Tirupathi, Andhra pradesh

Kapila Theertham is a famous Saivite Temple and Theertham, located at Tirupati in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. The idol is believed to be installed by Kapila Muni and hence Lord Siva here is referred to as Kapileswara.

According to legends, this temple has been named after great saint Maharishi Kapila, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Pleased with his unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvati gave him their divine darshan at this location. During the same time, a Kapila Lingam appeared out of the Earth.

It is believed that that Sri Kapileswara Shiva Linga is self-created form of Lord Shiva, also called as Svayambhu form of Lord Shiva. During the same time, the sacred lake Sarovara also came into existence, in front of the temple. According to some legends, it is through the opening created through the lake Kapila maharishi arrived on the earth

The temple stands at the entrance to a mountain cave in one of the steep and vertical faces at the foot of the Tirumala hills which are part of Seshachalam Hills, where the waters of the mountain stream fall directly into Temple Pushkarini known as "Kapila Theertham". A huge stone statue of a seated bull "Nandhi", Shiva's steed, greets devotees and passersby at the entrance to the temple

Loaction: 

Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple, Tirupathi

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapila_Theertham

 Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple, Kalahasthi (Pancha Bootha Sthalam - Wind)

Moolavar - Srikalahasteeswara
Amman - Sri Gnanaparasunambikai
Place - Srikalahasti, Chittoor, Andhrapradesh
    
Srikalahasti Temple is located in the town of Srikalahasti, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted him mukti.

Srikalahasti temple, situated 36 km away from Tirupati is famous for its Vayu linga, one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams, representing wind. The temple is also regarded as Rahu-Ketu kshetra and Dakshina Kailasam. The inner temple was constructed around 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th century by the Chola kings and the Vijayanagara kings. Lord Shiva in his aspect as Vayu is worshiped as Kalahasteeswara

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srikalahasteeswara_temple

 Sri Jalanatheeswarar Temple, Vellore

 

 

 

 

Moolavar: Sri Jalanatheeswarar
Amman: Sri Giriraja Kannikambhal
Place: Thakkolam, Vellore

This ancient temple is believed to have been built by king Rajaraja Chola-II.Periyapuranam refers to this place as “Kalikai Maanagar”.

Sage Theerkadar was born to Sage Udhadhi the brother of Jupiter (Guru) and Mamathai. Theerkadar was well educated and became a scholar. One day he saw the divine cow Kamadenu near his hermitage. He requested Kamadenu to come with him and assist him in a yajna that he was about to conduct. Kamadenu said that she could not oblige him without the permission of Lord Indira. The sage tried to tie her but she cursed him to become an ordinary, blind man who would spend the rest of his life doing menial jobs (“sandalan” in Tamil). In turn the sage cursed Kamadenu to become an ordinary animal losing her divine powers.

Sage Udhathi was saddened by the plight of his son. He came to this place on the advice of Maharishi Naradha, and worshiped the Lord Jalanatheeswarar. Lord Shiva gave dharisanam to the sage and advised him to pray to Nandhi and requested him to bring water from the holy Ganges to this place. He further advised the sage to perform abishekam with that holy water.

To carry out the lord’s wishes, Sage Udhathi installed a separate shiva lingam and a Nandhi near to the Jalanatheeswarar temple and started his penance. This Shivalingam is praised as Sri Gangadhareswarar and this temple is called Sri Gangadhareswarar temple. The Goddess of this temple is named as Sri Mohanavalli. It is believed that Nandhi was pleased with his penance and created a tank near this temple and filled it with water from the Ganges itself. He is believed to have channelled water from the Ganges through his mouth.
Thereafter the sage is believed to have performed abishekam to Lord Jalanatheeswarar with this water to complete his worship.  He also named the lord as “Thiruvooral Easwarar”. He also advised his son Theerkadar to take a dip in the water tank and pray to Lord Shiva. Thereafter Theerkadar is believed to have been relieved from Kamadenu’s curse.

Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams near Thakkolam are – Ilambaiyangkottor (10 kms), Thiruvirkolam (16 kms), Thirumalpur (17 kms), Thirupachur (26 kms) and Thiruvenpakkam/Poondi (35 kms).

Location: 

Jalanatheeswarar temple,Thakkolam

 Sri Kaalakaleswarar Temple, Kovilpalayam

 

Moolavar: Sri Kaalakaleswarar
Amman: Sri Karunakaravalli
Place: Kovilpalayam, Coimbatore

Lord Shiva is the principal deity of the temple. This temple is nearly 2000 years old. History is that Yamaraja dedicated a shivlingam and prayed here to get absolved from the punishment of Lord Shiva.As Shiva is said to be the master of Yama (Kalan), the temple got its name as Kaalakaaleswarar temple.

The Kaalakaleshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is built by Cholas during 8th century A.D, lies on the banks of the Kousika River at Kovilpalayam.
Dakshinamoorthy statue in this temple is believed to be the largest Dakshinamoorthy statue in Asia . People from all over Tamil Nadu and from other states visit on Pradosham day festivals.

Location:

Sarkar Samakulam, Kovilpalayam

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

 Sri Ona Kantheswarar Temple,Kanchipuram

 

Moolavar: Sri Ona Kantheswarar
Amman: Sri Kamatchi Ambal
Place: Kanchipuram, Chennai

Onakandhan Dhali is one among the important Shiva temples Good 1000 to 2000 year old temple and the historical name to this place is Ona Kanthan Dhali.

Lord of the temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of saint Sundarar. This is the third temple in the Thondainadu region praised in Thevaram hymns.

Lord Shiva appears in the temple as three Shiva Lingas. The hymns sung by saint Sundarar are available in the temple. It is the faith of the people that chanting these hymns would bless them with prosperity. After passing through the three tier Rajagopuram, the devotees can have the rare darshan of three Lingas – Oneswarar, Kantheswarar and Jalandareswar in separate shrines. The devotee can also enjoy the darshan of Saint Sundarar and the Feet darshan of Lord in the Arthamandap. Lord Vayirudhari Vinayaka pours all the boons sought by the devotees. There is also Omkhara Vinayaka in the temple. Devotees place their ears close to Him to hear the sacred mantra Ohm, they say.

Commanders of demon king Vanasura – Onan and Kanthan were the securities at his fort near a place called Puzhal. Onan found a swayambulinga in the place and performed severe penance doing abishek with his blood and secured many boons. Kanthan too found a Linga and was blessed with boons as reward of his impeccable bhakti. A third demon, Jalandeswararn was also lucky to find a Linga and got many boons from the Lord. Saint Sundarar who came to this place, found the Lingas buried in an open space. He was all praise of the demons for their devotion to Lord. To show the world that even demons were staunch Shiva devotees and to protect the three Lingas, the saint sang in praise of the Lord seeking funds to build a temple. Lord delayed His response to have more songs from the saint. He then showed a tamarind tree and disappeared. Sundarar saw the fruits of tree changing to gold. Sundarar used the gold and built this temple for the three Swayambu Shiva Lingas.

Location:

Ona Kantheeswarar Temple,Kanchipuram

 Sri Somanatha Eswar Temple, Kolathur

 

Moolavar: Sri Somanatha Eswar
Amman: Sri Amuthambigai
Place: Kolathur, Chennai

As per the legend the temple was constructed in the year 1745 AD by Mr Muthukumarappa Mudaliar, who  served as a Diwan under Arcot Nawab. He discovered a Shiva Linga at Kolathur and constructed a Temple using the money, collected as Tax, which is supposed to be handed over to Nawab. On hearing this Nawab ordered Mudaliar to be imprisoned. Before the arrest, Shiva came in the form a human and gave him a bowl to beg and collect money.  Mudaliar begged  and managed to collect a sum which was more than what he spent for constructing the temple. He gave it Nawab and realizing the power of Lord Shiva the Nawab gifted three Villages in Kolathur area to this Shiva Temple.

The temple is facing east with a mottai gopuram with a Nayak period mandapam. The Palipedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are immediately after the entrance. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and arthamandapam.  In koshtam Vinayagar, Dhakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durgai.  Ambal sannadhi is in the arthamandapam facing south.

In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Somaskandar, Urchavars, Siddhi Puththi Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Naalvar, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, Bairavar, Natarajar with Sivakami, Chandran, Suryan and Sandikeswarar. In the outer  prakaram sannadhi for Vannimara (Vanni Tree)  Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Navagrahas.  Immediately after the temple entrance on the left, there is a sannadhi for Sri Devi & Bhoodevi samedha Sri Amirtharaja Perumal with urchavars.

From another legend Chandran the moon also called as Soman, get relieved of his curse  after worshiping Lord Shiva of this temple. Hence Shiva obtained the name of Somanatha Eswar. There is another story of Asuras Vilvan and Vadapi  with Agasthiyar also associated with this temple.  Agasthiyar also worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
Madhava Gana yogi has sung "Kolathur Pathitrupathu" on Lord Shiva of this temple

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs 

Location:

Sri Somanatha Eswar Temple, Sannathi St, Sarojini Nagar, Kolathur, Chennai

 Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Thiruporur

 

Moolavar: Sri Agastheeswarar 
Amman: Sri Vedhavalli Ambal 
Place: Venbedu, Thiruporur, Chennai

A good 1200 year old Sivan temple completely in granite and is said to be worshipped by all 3 kings of the Cheran, Cholan and Pandya dynasty. Inscription available and also the symbols of fish and lion can be seen on the ceiling near Ambal Sannidhi.

Separate Sannidhi for Vinayagar and Balamurugan can be seen. There is a beautiful temple pond in the north side of the temple and at the gate you can see padithurai Vinayagar having separate Sannidhi.

There are no Navagrahas in the temple which clearly shows that it’s vey ancient temple.
The temple is built so accurately that early morning sun rays directly falls on the sivalingam and illuminates the grabhagraham.

Next to the Sivan temple there is a Jayaveera Anjaneyar temple with a 25 ft Anjaneyar. 

Contact: 

The temple priest Veeraraghavan can be reached at 9962093688

Location:

Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Thiruporur

 Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Kallakurichi

 

 

 

 

Moolavar: Sri Kailasanathar
Amman:Sri kamatchiamman
Place: Eranji, Kallakurichi

Ancient temple built by Cholas.

Location: 

Kailasanathar Temple, Kachakudi

 Sri Amirthagadeswarar Temple, Ponmar

 

Moolavar: Sri Amirthagadeswarar
Amman: Sri Abirami
Place: Moolachery, Ponmar, Chennai

Very ancient Lingam(1000 years old) which was believed that sage Agathiyar worshipped here. It has special and unique square Aavudyar.It was in open place for quite some time and now a small temple has been built and daily Poojas are happening with a song from Thiruvasagam. Ambal and other prakara Moorthis were installed during 2007.

Contact:

Sivanadiyar Kumaran can be reached at 9940650600

Location: 

Sri Amirthagadeswarar Temple,Ponmar

 Sri Yoga Nitheeswarar Temple, Nanmangalam

 

Moolavar:Sri Yoga Nitheeswarar
Amman: Sri Balambikai
Place: Nanmangalam, Chennai

Very old Suyambu lingam(small in size).The lingam was found inside a well. Later village people built a small temple near the well and started daily pooja. Ambal and all prahara moorthies have been installed and abhisegam also is happening daily.

Contact:

Sivanadiyar Ramamoorthy can be reached at 7401438193

Location:

Sri Yoga Nitheeswarar Temple, Nanmangalam

 Hilltop Sivan temple, Sithalapakkam

 

Small Siva Lingam is placed on the hilltop without any structure around. It is placed and worshiped among the bushes in the hill. It was a nice experience climbing the hill.Tough path with stones and bushes all the way up. Managed to reach the top and was amazed to find the Lord over there. History about this place is unknown. Very quiet and nice place for trekking as well. 

Location: 

Sivan Temple, Sithalapakkam

  Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple, Padur

 

Moolavar: Sri Arunachaleswarar
Amman:Sri Unnamalai amman
Place: Padur, Chennai

Very old siva temple located on the mainroad of Padur. Small lingam placed on top of lotus base. Nandi and lingamoorthy seems to be very old. There is a kanniammam temple which is believed to be 1600 years old. During kumbabishekam in 1985 they found nandhi and sivalingam which was in broken state. Hence they replaced the Linga banam on top of old base itself. All other prahara idols are installed recently. Small temple built and daily pooja is happening.
There is a Mahavishunu temple behind this temple in a sayana kolam.Very peaceful and blissful.

Contact:
Sivanadiyar murugan  can be reached at 8939191133 

Location:
Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple, Padur

 Sri Mahalingeswarar Temple, Kundrathur

 

Moolavar - Sri Mahalingeswarar
Amman - Sri Maragathambikai
Place - Melmalayambakkam, Kundrathur,Chennai, Tamilnadu

Its a 2500 years old sivan temple. History says the lord was hurt by the sword of king Thondaiman, when he tried to untangle the Jasmine creeper from the legs of his elephant. Amman symbolises kriyasakthi.

Untill 2005, the lingam was placed inside deep bushes. Later village people built a small hut and placed the big lingam and started worshipping. They are also giving a viboothi prasadam made with sand which is believed to have medicinal values.

Contact:
Sivanadiyar Thirunavukarasu can be reached at 7299870682

Location:
Sri Mahalingeswarar Temple, Kundrathur