158. SERAPANANCHERY

VEEMEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 19kms from Tambaram and 12 kms from Vandalur

Shiva: Veemeeswarar

Amman: Swarnambigai

Speciality:

This temple was earlier known as Kailasanadhar temple.

This temple has been built in Gajaprishta style.

This is one of the 18 temples built in Gajarishta Style between Mahabalipuram and Kamchipuram.

The Shiva Linga is 6ft tall.

There are 2 Nandhis in front of Shiva.

There are many stone inscriptions in the temple.

This temple was built in the 12th Century.

The inscriptions are found in Tamil and Grantha.

The temple was built during the period of Kulothunga Chola III.

During Kulothunga Chola III period the area was called as Peruvanjur.

In the inscriptions the name of the place has been mentioned as Rajendhra Chola Nallur. 

History:

Suriyan was searching for a Shiva temple when he was wandering in the earth due to a curse. On the Radha Sapthami day the sun turns from North to South. He found a temple and a pond and he worshipped Lord Shiva there. The 27 stars came down and worshipped Shiva along with Surya. therefore Shiva is called as Veemeeswarar or Vinmeeneeswarar (Vinmeen means stars). We find the idol of Surya right opposite to the temple denoting his worship to Lord Shiva. 

Sukra prayed to Amman to grant him the boon of saving women's Mangalyam (Thali). Amman said that Shiva was the head of All the planets and all creatures in the world so he had the deciding capacity of saving men and women. Since Sukra worshipped Amman she gave the ornament she was wearing which was called Swarnabaranam and blessed him with the power of giving wealth to the people during Sukra Dasa in their horoscope. Therefore Amman was called as Swarnambigai.