104. MEL PADAPPAI

THAZHUVAKKOZHUNDHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 2kms from Keezh Padappai and 15kms from Tambaram

Shiva: Thazhuvakkozhundheeswarar

Amman: Kaamakshi

Sthala Viruksham: Mango tree

This Temple was renovated by Nandhi Varma Pallava in the 7th Century. This indicates that this temple has existed much before the 7th century. King Nandhi Varma renovated 108 Shiva temples and performed its consecration (Kumbabhishekam) on the same day. This temple is one among those.

The name of the Vinayaka in this temple is Vetri Vinayaka. he is found with elephant Vahana. Students worship this Vinayaka to attain success in their exams. 

The Guru pooja of Thirugnanasammandhar is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi.

The Sun's rays fall on the first 7 days during the month of September. 

People who have problems in marriage come to this temple and get relieved of their problems and get married soon.

Chandran the moon God married 27 daughters of Dhakshan. He was fond of Rohini and ignore the other 26 wives. They complained to their father about his partiality towards them. Dharshan cursed Chandran that he would grow dark and would lose his powers and beauty. Chandran wanted relief and he came to the earth to worship Lord Shiva. He worshipped Shiva in many temples and this temple is one among them. 

The Amman faces south and Shiva faces east. She looks with her ears slightly on the right as it to hear Shiva. Couples and perform Pooja to Amman for unity between them. In the Koshta of Kamakshi Vaishnavi, Mahalakshmi and Saraswathi Sannidhis are found. Special poojas are performed to Amman on full moon days. 

There is an old Bakula tree in this temple. People tie Mangalsutra on the tree to get relieved from the problems regarding marriage.

Sundharar married Sangli Nachiyar under the Bakula in Thiruvotriyur in from of the Swami and Amman sannidhi. This is remembered by people and therefore tying Mangalsutra onto the tree is performed here. 

Padappai means a garden of flowers. 

This temple was praised by Sammandhar in his hymns. This is a Vaipusthalam.

The Veerabdharar in this temple is worshipped with betel leaf garlands and Chandana Kappu on every Shiva Rathiri. 

Special poojas are done to Bhairavar on Ashtami and New moon days.

The Sarabaeswarar of this temple is worshipped specially on the Rahu Kaalam on Sundays. 

Parvathi Devi closed the eyes of Lord Shiva in Mount Kailash in a playful mood. This stopped the entire activities of the earth and therefore Shiva got angry and cursed her to be born on earth. She grew upto to that age in which one could get married and performed penance in Mangadu to marry the lord. On her way to Kanchipuram she installed a Linga here and worshipped the Lord. There was heavy rain and she had to stay here for a certain period of time. Since she created the Linga out of sand she embraced the Linga that it should not be washed by floods. Therefore Shiva was called Thazhuvak Kuzhandha Eesar here (The Lord who calmed down by the embrace of the Goddess). The Lord calmed down and asked her to come to Kanchipuram and he promised to marry her there.

 Saint Aadhi Shankara has visited this temple and worshipped the Linga.