ULAGAPURAM

KAILASANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 23kms from Dindivanam and 30kms from Marakkanam

Shiva: Kailasanadhar

Amman:

Speciality:

The Shiva temple was called Kailasamudaiyar or Arikulakesari Eswaramudaiyar.

This Eka Thala Vimana temple faces east.

The Garpagriha is built of stone and the super structure is made of bricks.

The Dhakshinamurthy Sannidhi is old and Bikshadanar is the later insertion.

There are Sannidhis for Ganapathy, Durga, Chandikeswarar, Suryan, Chandran and Bhairavar.

In front of the Garpagriha there is a broken Mukamandapam.

There are remains of Jyeshta Devi, Chandikeswarar and Suriyan.

There must have been 8 Parivara deities in the Chola period.

There is no compound wall and the Nandhikeswarar and the Palipeetam are found.

There is no flagstaff.

Inscriptions:

There are many inscriptions found in the temple. The earliest of those inscriptions is in the south wall of the central shrine. During the period of Rajakesari Varman Raja Raja Chola I the inscription mentions about endowment of 96 Sheep for buring lamps in the temple made by Ambalavanan Kandaradhithanar, a noble man of Rajaraja Chola I days. Another inscription in the south west wall of the central shrine during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I mentions about the donation of a flower garden by Ambalavanan Kandaradhithanar. It also records sale of land by Magarathar of Ulagamadhevipuram to Gangan Ambalavanan Kandaradhitha Chola Villuparaiyan of Kuvalalam (Kolar of Karnataka) who in-turned endowed a flower garden. From the inscription of Anandheeswarar temple of Udaiyarkudi there are references about this man who has endowed 19 Velies of Land for feeding 56 Brahmins in the said temple. Another inscription is that Rajaraja Chola I got the title of Rajaraja Pallavarayan. According to the inscriptions of the middle Cholas Lord Shiva of this temple was called Arikula Kesari Eswaramudaiyar of Ulagamadhevipuram. This inscription is in the southern wall of the temple.

About the place:

The name of the Village derives the name from Rajaraja Chola I wife. Her name was Ulagamadhevi. During the days of the Cholas this place was called Ulagamadhevipuram. Queen Ulagamadhevi was also called Dhandi Shakthi Vidangi. The temple is now in ruins.

KOVALAM

KAILASANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 35kms from Chennai and 19kms from Mahabalipuram on East Coast Road

Shiva: Kailasanadhar

Amman: Kanagavalli

Sthala Viruksham: Vilva, Maa and Pala

Speciality:

The Cholas have contributed largely to the Kailasanadhar temple.

Rajaraja Chola I called this place as Veera Chola Pattinam.

The inscriptions in the Thiruvidandhai Perumal temple (Thiruvidandhai now was a part of  Early Kovalam) refer this place as Veera Rajendhra Cholanin Aamoor Kottathu Paduvoor Naattu Kovalamana Veera Chola Pattinam.

The first thirupani was made by the Pallavas. Later a lot of Renovations, insertions and contributions were made by the Cholas.

Inscriptions have recorded the Dhakshinamurthy of the temple belongs to the 13th Century. Dhakshinamurthy has been installed by a merchant from Naavaloor named Agastheesamudaiyan.

From another inscription in the temple, the temple was built with all Sannidhis before 900 years.

There is no Rajagopuram.

In the inside wall we can find Om Shakthi Vinayaka worshipping Amman.

There are Sannidhis of Valampuri Vinayaka and Valli Devasena Subramaniya facing east.

The Mulavar Kailasanadhar is east facing with a square Aavudaiyar. It is amazing to find inscriptions engraved on the Aavudaiyar.

The Amman faces south.

In the Prahara we find Ottraikombu Vinayaka, Dhakshinamurthy, Sathya Narayana, Brahma, Durga and Chandikeswarar Sannidhis. Nearby we find Naagakanni mandapam with sculptures such as Hanuman carrying mountain, Hanuman carrying Shiva and some Rama Sculptures.

In the northern side of the temple there is a 28 pillared long stone mandapam. In this Mandapam there are Sannidhis of Surya Narayanan, Srinivasa Perumal, Alamel Mangai, Shiva, Kaali, Bhairavar and Nagendhran. This shows the unity between Shiva and Vishnu devotees who worship here together.

To the south east of the temple there is a temple tank.

About the Place:

'Ko' means King and 'Alam' means salt. Salt preparation was done in Large levels during the Chola period. Therefore this place have obtained the name Kovalam. Kovalam was a sea port which dealth small imports and exports.

PARAMESWARAMANGALAM

KAILASANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 12kms from Kalpakkam.

Shiva: Kailasanadhar

Amman: Kanagambigai

This temple is situated on the river Paalaru opposite to Vayiloor (Voyalur). Voyalur was the place of Pallava celebrity. The nearby place called Vasavasamuthiram contained Roman Relics which were discovered recently.

Two inscriptions are found in this temple on the slab near the Ganesha outside the Kailasanadhar temple. This temple was constructed during the period of Nirpadhunga Pallava. The construction of Ganapathy and the consecration of Saileswarar (old name of Kailasanadhar) was done by a Brahmin lady who made gift of Paddy for lamps and the worship of the temple during the period of Nirpadhunga Pallava. This detail is mentioned in one inscription in the temple. The second inscription records a gift of 11 Kalanju of Gold for the offerings to the Lord.

The Adhishtanam of the temple is made of Stone and the super strucure is built of bricks. This type of structure is called the misra type of structure. Later the temple was renovated by the Cholas and the Pandyas.
This temple is one of the 7 Shiva temples of Parameswaramangalam.

History: Click here

RASIPURAM

KAILASANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 28kms from Salem and 28kms from Namakkal

Shiva: Kailasanadhar

Amman: Aramvalartha Nayaki.

Sthala Viruksham: Vilva tree

In early days Rasipuram was very fertile and rich and many rich people were living here.

The idol of Valvil Ori is seen in this temple.

Ori created an underground passage from his palace to the temple. Now only the entrance can be seen and the whole passage has been blocked.

Invisible sidhdhars who are believed to live in Kollimalai come here to worship Kailasanadhar. People in this village say that they had felt the movement of the sidhdhars in the temple. 

The Kailasanadhar Linga has been existing for 4 Yugas.

The place Rasipuram had also different name in the 4 Yugas. 

• In the Kritha Yuga Indiran worshipped the Linga which was called Neelakanta Murthy and the place was called Indhirapuram.
• In the Dwapara Yuga the linga was worshipped by Sidhdhars and the place was called Vichithrapuram and Shiva Sidhdheeswarar.
• In the Thretha Yuga the linga was worshipped by Navagrahas and the place was called Dhevapuram and the Linga Chandrasekarar.
• In the Kali Yuga the Linga was worshipped by Ori and the place was called Rajamapuram (Rasipuram) and the Linga Kailasanadhar.

The Ambaal of this temple is called Aramvalarthanayaki in tamil and Dharmasamvarthini in Sanskrit.

The Amman holds 'Sengol' in one hand and flowers in the other. In the other 2 hands she shows the pose of Abayavaradham. 

The Rajagopuram is 5 tired.

The Dakshinamurthy of this temple is in the pose of Preaching the Sanagadhi Munivars - Sanagar, Sanandhar, Sanaadhanar and Sanathkumarar. This is a very rare feature 

The Arumugar of this temple is Large in size. 

Arunagirinathar has sung about this Muruga in his Thirupugazh as "Kongu Raja Pura Thurai Perumanae". This Muruga is present with his consort. 

There is a Bala Dhandayudhapani Sannidhi in this temple which is considered equal to Pazhani. 

The Nandhi of this temple is carved with Garlands, Jewels and the figures of flowers and wearing a Rathna Kambalam (a scarf studded with Garnet stones) and with his ears lifted. This sculpture in very unique.

All the Sannidhis in this temple are very special. There are Sidhi Vinayaka, Gaja Lakshmi, Ekambaranathar and Kamakshi, Viswanadhar and Visalakshi and Sarvalingaeswarar sannidhis in the temple.

In early days the temple was inside a fort. In the north east portion of the temple we can see the remains of the fort entrance. There is an inscription in a pillar that Veera Ragavayyan has built the fort entrance. Another inscription in the entrance of the Artha mnadapam states Raasapurathu Thalaivasal. There is a nearby temple called Kottai Muniyappa Temple. The fort must have existed upto the 16th century. The inscriptions found in the temple state this.

All the other Sannidhis found in other temples are also found here.

In the northern side of the Deepa Sthambam there is a sculpture of a staunch Shiva devotee Kaalamugar.

In the eastern side of the Deepa Sthambam a Shiva devotee is seen carrying a Shiva Linga on his head.

In the western side of the Deepa Sthambam an image of a cow showering milk on a linga is seen.

In the Southern side of the Deepa Sthambam there is a soldier with a sword and shield in his hand.

There is a 16 pillared Mandapam in front of the Gopuram.

In 1443AD, Vera Prathapadevan has done renovations and Moroor Kangeyan has built the Gopuram.

The carpentry skill is seen in the doors of the temple.

The Raja Ganapathy sannidhi of this temple was built by a rich person called Kumaravel Gounder.

The Mandapam before the Arumugar Sannidhi was built by Chinappa Gounder.

The Mahamandapam was built by Thulukkathirumalai Seeyalanadhar.

The other specialities in the temple are Kilimandapam, Three small musical pillars and four deers with 1 face. All these are full of Artistic touch.

A Shiva Devotee Kariyaperumal gave his large property in Athanur village for the temple.

There are inscriptions of Raja Raja Chola III, Vikrama Pandiya Thondaiman has been found.

Colonel Mckenzie has written in his records that Seeyala Chetti Mudhaliyar hid in this temple when the Mysore King attacked this place.

Vidankazhanai Amarakon has given his lands opposite to the temple for the temple.

The 63 Nayanmar Mandapam of this temple is a special feature. Normally the Nayanmars are in a straight line but here they stand in the shape of half a rectangle.

In the western corner of the temple we find the Vanni and the Aathi trees growing together. Under the tree is the idol of Valvil Ori. He stands in a position of praying to the Lord Kailasanadhar. He is seen with a Kondai, many ornaments all over his body, a Katari on both sides of his hip, a Metti on his toes and Veera Kazhal (anklet) on his left leg (Metti and Veera Kazhal was a symbol worn by a warrior). He is wearing slippers on his feet which shows the workmanship of cobblers.

King Ori was a great bestower. He was one of the Bestowers of Kadaichangam. Since he was an expert in archery he was called as Valvil Ori. He was also called as Aadhan Ori. He had the habit of hunting. 

One day when he started for hunting to the forest he saw an white pig but it was not like normal pigs. He wanted to hunt the pig and so he went chasing behind it. After a long travel the pig hid somewhere. He was tired. He sat on a big stone. At that time he saw the pig hiding in a bush near the stone. Immediately he beat the pig with his arrow. Suddenly the pig disappeared and in the place where the pig was standing he saw a Shiva Lingam. The Shiva Linga was bleeding. He did not know how to stop the flowing blood. He was astonished and he repented for his deed. The blood stopped bleeding. He immediately brought some water from nearby pond and performed abhisheka; he brought some flowers from the forest and made a garland for the Lord and pleaded the Lord to forgive him. The Lord appeared before him and told him not to worry and this incident happened to declare his bakthi to the world. He could not believe his eyes. He built a temple for the Shiva Linga and named the lord as Kailasanadhar. He sent his men to clean the whole place and called it Rajamapuram which is now called Rasipuram. Even now we can see the mark of the arrow which king Ori beat the pig on the Shiva Linga. The mark is about 2 feet in a curved form. The mark can be seen during Abhisheka on the Suyambhu Linga Murthy. The idol of Valvil Ori is seen in this temple. 

KUNANCHERI

KAILASANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 16kms from Kumbakonam and 6kms from Swami Malai

Shiva: Kailasanadhar

Amman: Parvathi and Jada Makuda Sowndaryanayaki

Any deformation in the body can be completely cured by worshipping the Kailasanadhar of this temple.

Saint Thanavar lived in this village. He was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He did not have a child. He prayed to Shiva to bestow him with a child. Shiva responded to his prayer saying that he would be blessed with a child if he takes up the task of teaching Vedas to Children. Sage Thanavar performed his job sincerely. His wife became pregnant. One day when he was uttering the Vedic Mantra a student began to sleep. The saint got angry and he punished him severely. The boy could not bear the intensity of the punishment. He started crying. The infant in his wife's womb heard the cry. It spoke out saying that the boy was very tired and he slept without his knowledge. He did not do it intensionally. Thanavar got very angry with the infant in the womb for supporting the student and cursed that he would be born with 8 Vakrams (crooks or dimensions) in his body (in tamil it is Ashta Vikram means Ashta Konal). The infant in the womb was very intelligent it learned all the Vedas in the womb itself. When the Child was born with 8 crooks in the body he was called Ashta Vakran. He grew up in that form and when he attained a certain age he was advised to install 8 lingas and perform poojas to get relieved from his Vakras. He worshipped Lord Shiva (Kailasanadhar) and  installed 8 lingas and performed Poojas as he was instructed. He got relieved from his Vakras and he became a sage and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He spent his years in preaching about Vedas and Vedic scriptures and the greatness of Lord Shiva. He preached Ashta Vakra Geetha to Janaka (the father of Seetha). So one who visits this temple will get relieved from the Vakras (crooks) of body, brain and soul. Koonan in tamil means Deformation. So this village is known as Koonachery in Tamil and Ashta Vakra Sthala in sanskrit.

Janaka, Sita's father, proposed to perform Yaaga. A little boy was waiting to enter to the place where the Yaaga was conducted. He was Ashta Vakran with 8 disabilities of the body - hunch back, twisted hands, bent body, crossed head and lame legs. Nobody noticed him. He wanted to meet the head of the Pandits named Vandhi. The gate keepers did not send him in. When Janaka came to know about this he met the boy and asked him the purpose of meeting the Pandit Vandhi. He said that he wanted to conquer him in the Vedic debate. Janaka told him that nobody can conquer Vandhi and there is still a person yet to be born to do that. He also added that people who challenged him were defeated and drowned in Ganga as that was the condition of the debate. He adviced him to go back. The boy replied that Vandhi would have debated with people who did not have full knowledge and are not fully learned moreover he said that Vandhi was proud and this pride would put him down. Vandhi has drowned his father and he had come to pay him back. Uthalagar the teacher of Vedas had many disciples. Kaholar also called Thanavar was dull but simple and very disciplined. The other disciples mocked him. But Uthalagar gave his daughter Sujatha in marriage to Kaholar because of his character and discipline. Ashta Vakran was their child. In his mother's womb he followed Uthalagar's teachings. When Kaholar was learning his lessons the baby in the womb found that he was wrong. This created dissatisfaction of his father's learnings. He was cursed by his father when he tried to state that his father was wrong. This made him twist and turn in the womb which created 8 disabilities. Before the age of 12 he became a scholar and came to know about his father's end that he was made to drown in the Ganga as Kahola lost the debate with Vandhi through his mother. Ashta Vakran and Vandhi debated with one another for many days. Everyone were amazed to find such a scholarship in the boy in Vedic philosophy. Finally Vandhi could not answer to a question asked by Ashta Vakra and therefore he had to lose the debate. He had to be ready to be drowned.

Vandhi was the son of Varuna. Varunan was conducting a Yaaga in Varuna Loga. He needed pandits for the Yaga. So Vandhi planned to conduct debates with Pandits made them lose and made them drown in Ganga so that they could reach the Varuna Loga as Varuna was the King of water. Vandhi begged Ashta Vakran for his life. Ashta Vakran asked him to promise to bring back all the Pandits including his father back to the world. He did so and he saved his life. All the sages cursed Varunan for his tricks. Ashta Vakran took his father back to his native place and later attained a handsome figure after the Shiva pooja by establishing 8 lingas.

THIRUPULIVANAM - draft

VYAKRAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 22kms from Kaancheepuram. 

Mostly the places with the name ‘Puli’ is related to Vyakrapaadhar Maharishi, commonly known as Pulikkaal Munivar. 

STORY OF VYAKRAPAADHA:

Vyakrapadha was the son of Sage Madhyandhanar. He was very devoted to Lord Shiva. He wished to visit many Shiva temples. Since he needed flowers to perform Shiva Pooja he found it very difficult to pluck the flowers from plants and trees. So he requested Lord Shiva to offer him hands, legs and eyes like that of a tiger. Shiva blessed him with this boon and he acquired the hands, eyes and feet of a tiger. Therefore, he was called as Pulikkaal Munivar in Tamil and Vyakrapaadhar (vyakram- tiger; padham means feet) in Sanskrit.

STORY OF THE TEMPLE:

Vyakrapaadha Maharishi has worshipped this Shiva in the form of a Tiger. One day a trader performed Pooja and worshipped Shiva of this temple as all the products which he had brought for trade has sold with great profit. When the tiger came to perform Pooja to the Lord it found that already Pooja has been done. So it started attacking the linga with its paws in anger. After sometime the tiger realised its mistake and hugged the linga with its paws and shed tears on the linga. Shiva appeared before the tiger and blessed the tiger and said that the place would be named after the tiger. The tiger attained Saabha Vimochana. Since the tiger came around the place the place was called Pulivalam and later transformed to Thirupulivanam. The name of the Shiva in tamil is Pulieaswarar. We can find the Vyakrapaadha linga in the temple campus. After the tiger was killed it transformed into Sage Vyakrapaadha and it worshipped the Lord and attained the boon of becoming a Linga and staying in the temple itself.

When Kulothunga Chola was travelling towards Kanchipuram his chariot refused to move beyond a place. He tried to pull his elephant chariot towards Kanchipuram but he could not advance and therefore the place is now known as Aanaipallam. The king saw a Sage in the form of a Tiger. Thinking that it was a tiger he launched his bow and the arrow fled and hurt the tiger’s leg. The place where this incident happened is called Karuvaeppampoondi. The tiger started running to save itself and a second arrow hurt the mouth of the tiger. This place is now known as Pulivoy. Finally, the third arrow hit the tiger’s stomach. This place was called Puthari, now known as Puthali. At this stage Shiva appeared and the Chola realised the truth and regretted for his deed. 

The temple is big. The Dwarabalakas are very majestic to look at. Their eyes are fierce; they place one leg on their Gadhayudha and there is a head of a man below the other foot. The moolavar Shiva is a Swayambhu linga. The Avudayar is fixed on a lotus peetam. The marks of the tiger’s nails are seen on the linga. There is a ‘Kudumi’ on top of the linga. The Vimana is in the Gajaprashta form as we say Thoongaanai Maadam in tamil. The Vinayaka on the Eka peetam is also majestic. Here muruga is in the Arumuga form with Valli and Deivanai. 

The Dhakshinamurthy is very special in this temple. The Dhakshinamurthy is in the Yoga form, one leg on the lion and the other on Muyalagan. There is a crown on the head and many jewels carved on the statue. We can also find the banyan tree and the Sanagaadhi Rishis also. This dhakshinamurthy is referred to as Simha Yoga dhakshinamurthy or Arthanaari Dhakshinamurthy. The 2 pillars in the Maha mandapam resembles 2 lions. These sculptures were specialized by the Pallavas. We can find and underground passage from the temple to the temple pond. Earlier people say that this passage extended upto Kanchipuram. The name of the Ambaal is Amirdhagujambaal and also known as Abhithagujambaal. Their temple theertham is Vyakrapadha Theertham. The sixteen pillared Mandapam is a special feature carved with many figures such as Tiger worshipping Linga, cow peforming Paal abhishekha on linga, Kannappar, Mahishasuramardhini, Gangaalanaadhar, hanuman, indhira and so on. This 16 pillars denote the 16 type of wealth. 

Rajendra Chola 1, Udayaar Raajadhi Raaja Devar, Kulothunga Chola 1, Kalinga raja, Aparajitha Vikrama Varman, Kopara Kaesari, Panranthagan 1, Raja naarayana Sambhuvarayan, Koperumsinga Pallavan, Jadaavarman Sudharapandiyan, Vijayanagara King Virupaaksharavudaiyar, Raashtra Koodas and many other kings have contributed to the temple in different ways.

Thirupulivanam is referred to as ‘Vyakrapuravanam’ in Kaanchi Puranam. Thirupulivanam is a Vaipusthalam. Thirunaavukarasar has referred about this temple in his book Kshetra Kovai. Sivagnana Vallalar has written 64 songs in his Vallalar Sasthiram about this temple. Pattinathu Pillayar have written about this temple in his book Thiru Eakambamudaiyar Thiruandhaadhi.

There are Shiva temples in Karuvaeppampoondi, Pulivoy and Puthali also. 

THIRUNINDRAVUR

1. KAILASANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 18kms from Tiruvallur and 4kms from Aavadi. 

Shiva: Kailasanadhar

Amman: Parvadhambigai 

Speciality:

This temple was built by the Cholas. 

The outer Mandapa was the place where Pusalar used to reside. By worshipping This Shiva Pusalar wanted to build a temple identical to Kailasanadhar in his heart. 
Amman worshipped Lord Shiva in a standing form in front of the Lord. The Amman Sannidhi was in front of Lord Shiva in early days. It was believed that if anyone was affected by any Dhosha worship this Amman and get relieved from their curses. The Sthala Viruksham of this temple is Vilva. Many inscriptions were found in the walls of the temple. There was a special Kali Sannidhi in this temple. 
Later this temple was completely destroyed and a new temple was built by the people. This temple is at the Eesanya direction of Thirunindravur. There was a Pusalar statue but now it is not found. The Linga of this temple is more than 5000 years old. A poet known as Sankara Linga Naadar has sound 10hymns on this Shiva. 
The Koshta deities such as Nartana Vinayaka, Dhakshinamurhy, Vishnu, Brahma, Chandikeswarar and Durga have been newly constructed. Vinayaka, Valli Deivanai Subramanya, Bhairavar and Saurian have also been installed in their respective positions. There are 2 Nandhis one behind another in front of Shiva. There is a nagar Medai with many serpent idols along with Rahu and Kethu. The temple is maintained well. There is a temple and behind the temple.

5 Lingas which were the Mulavars of 5 Shiva temples of Thirunindravur have been found in the temple pond of the Kailasanadhar temple. These Lingas have been placed in the temple.

2.  AGASTHYA STHANU LINGAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Agasthya Sthanu Lingaeswarar 

This temple is situated inside the Shiva Shakthi temple of Thirunindravur. This Linga was found in a broken temple and the temple was constructed with a lot of devotion by Karthigeya Swamigal. His son Aanandha Kumar is a great Amman devotee who maintains this temple well.
This Shiva was also called as Karkodagaeswarar as Karkodaga has worshipped this Shiva.
When Ravana came to this place he could not get any object to install a Linga. So he took off his leg bone and installed it as a Linga and worshipped the Linga here. He got the boon of removing any part of bone or flesh from his body and it would get replaced after he worships Lord Shiva in the same place without any hindrance. 
The was no Aavudaiyar for the Linga. The Linga is more than 1ft tall and massive in size. The Karthigeya Swamigal made an Aavudaiyar for the Linga and the Linga is named as Agasthya Sthanu Lingaeswarar. 

3. HIRUDHAYALEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 36kms from Egmore Railway station

Shiva: Hirudayaleeswarar

Amman: Maragadhambaal

Pusalar is one of the sixty three Nayanmars. He lived in Thirunindravur (also called Thinnanur). He was very poor. Since he always spread the holy ash (Vibhuthi) on his body he was referred as Pusalar by the villagers. Though he was very poor he wished to build a temple for lord Shiva. He told his wish to everyone in the village and to whom ever he met on his way. At that time the villages around were suffering from drought. Nobody intended to help him and even the people who had money considered him to be a fool. Even though his efforts were futile he built a temple for Lord Shiva in his heart. The temple which he built in his heart even though they were allusions he built it as though a real temple was built and it took that much time for him to realise that the temple was built. According to him he felt that he had really built a temple and wanted to perform the Kumbabishekam. He kept telling about this to everyone and people laughed and criticized him. At the temple Raja Simha Pallava whose capital was Kanchipuram built a wonderful stone temple which is incomparable in its beauty with exquisite sculptures. This is the Kanchipuram Kailasanadhar temple. He wanted to perform Kumbabishekam for this temple. He consulted many Vedic scholars for a suitable date for Kumbabishekam. The date which the scholars suggested was the same day selected by Pusalar for the Kumbabishekam for his dream temple.  The day before the Kumbabishekam the king had a dream. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and told him to postpone the date because a devotee called Pusalar has built a temple in Thirunindravur which was under his province and has selected this date for Kumbabishekam. Since Lord Shiva had to attend there this postponement was required. Raja Simha Pallava woke up suddenly from his sleep. He could not think that it was really a dream. He wanted to see Pusalar and his temple. When he came to Thrunindravur he did not find any symptom of a temple being built. He inquired the villagers about the temple and Pusalar. The villagers said that Pusalar was mad of Shiva and he was telling everyone that he wanted to build a temple and he was always found under trees. The King learnt that Pusalar did not know anything other than Shiva. The villagers said that they would bring him to meet the king. The King realised that Lord Shiva has done some miracle and so he told them that he would himself meet the person. He found Pusalar under a Iluppai tree uttering Shiva Mantra. He told him that he came to see the temple which was referred by Lord Shiva. Pusalar was surprised. He told the whole incident how he built the temple within his heart as he had no money even to buy a brick. The King was astonished at his Bakthi. He realised that Lord Shiva wanted to reside in his dream temple rather than his exquisite temple. He fell on the feet of Pusalar and asked him if he could see his dream temple in his heart with true devotion. He could see a wonderful temple amidst the holy ash which was spread on the chest of Pusalar. He was very glad that Lord Shiva gave him the Dharshan in this temple within the heart of Pusalar to him first. he built the temple for Pusalar in the same pattern as he had built within his heart. He and all his men realised that any deed of Bakthi supported with wealth is less important than devotion to the Lord. This incident took place in the 7th Century.

The Vimanam of the temple is in the Gajaprashta style.

When the temple is viewed from the top the Vimanam is seen in the shape of a heart. 

There is an idol for Pusalar in the temple. 

Devotees with heart problem worship this temple and are relived from their ailment. 

This has been proved in my mother's case also. She did not take medicines for her heart problem but she visited this temple. A small child gave her a Prasad. After she consumed that which was offered to her right in front of Hirudayaleeswarar she did not feel her problem thereafter. This happened 8 years ago. For these 8 years no ailment in the heart was felt. 

Amman faces south.

Even after invasions the temple has been preserved as a treasure.

4. LAKSHMIPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

This temple was worshipped by Lakshmi. Therefore this Shiva is called as Lakshmipureeswarar or Mahalakshmeeswarar. 

Details:

Perumal Left Lakshmi. Therefore She worshipped this Shiva. She performed penance in a standing posture in front of Shiva for a Long period to attain Vishnu. Since Lakshmi stood in Thava Kola this place came to be known as Thiru Nindra Voor. Shiva called back Vishnu and advised him to rejoin with Lakshmi. As per Shiva's advice Vishnu rejoined with Lakshmi. The Theertham of this temple was created by Lakshmi. It is therefore called Lakshmi Theertham. There were no Navagrahas. The Linga has a tall Baana with round Aavudaiyar. The footprints of Lakshmi was seen in front of Shiva in the temple. This temple was near the Baktha Vathsalar Temple. This temple was completely destroyed and the Linga was found near the Perumal temple for a Long period. 

Later This Linga has been installed in a Kanniyamman temple a few meters away from the Perumal temple.

No other deities of the old temple are present.

This temple is found on the road opposite to Ellaiyamman temple.

VEPPAMPATTU

KAILASANADHAR TEMPLE

Distance: 4kms from Thirunindravur

Shiva: Kailasanadhar 

This Linga was neglected and found with a Nandhi in a corner of the road about 12 years back. No one attended the Linga. After some months the Nandhi was stolen. Later the people who resided in the place close to the Linga worshipped the Linga and performed Pooja and Alankara on auspicious days. But the people of the area did not attend or worship the Linga. Later the family which worshipped this linga sold their house and went to a different place. This Linga was neglected and thrown in the corner of the road.  Most of the people in Veppampattu were unaware of the linga even at that time. A good hearted temple Gurukkal named Narasimhan found this Linga and placed it in his Poongavanathamman temple. Since he did not know the name of Shiva he named it as Rajagubaraeswarar. He felt that worshipping this Linga would yield all types of wealth and therefore he named the linga as Raja Gubera Eeswarar. He added Amman Abhirami and a Nandhi. The Poongavanathamman temple in which these deities are placed is maintained very well by the Gurukkal. He performs poojas and beautiful Alankaras for all the deities in the temple and all functions are conducted very well. 


The Linga has a round Aavudaiyar. 

In ancient days the Linga faced the western direction. Now the Linga faces the eastern direction. 

Details:

In ancient days this temple was a bigstone temple. There were 2 Sthala Virukshas for this deity - Neem and Vilva. 

This temple was built by the Cholas. During the Hoysala period the temple was changed into a brick temple. 

This temple was surrounded by 4 Lakes. 3 Ponds served as Theertham for the temple. They were Indhira Theertham, Mahadeva Theertham and Agasthya Theertham. Out of these 
Indhira Theertham was created by Indhira which was to the north of the temple and Agasthya Theertha by Sage Agasthya was to the east of the temple. The Mahadeva Theertham was inside the temple campus.


Once Indhiran was cursed by a Sage to lose his eye sight and his manliness. As Indhira wanted to attain the wife of the Sage. Indhira realised his mistake as he grew blind and weak he wanted remedy and therefore he worshipped many Shiva temples to get back his eyesight and get cured from his ailment. Finally he reached this temple. He stayed in this place, created a pond here. This pond is Indhira Theertham. He bathed in this pond and worshipped Shiva here. He performed pooja regularly. He got back his eyesight and got cured of his disease. 



When Agasthya was on his way to the Southern Region as ordered by Lord Shiva in order to balance the weight during Shiva Parvthis wedding in the Kailash. On his way he visited many Shiva temples. He created a Theertham called Agasthya Theertham and worshipped Shiva here. He obtained the strength to reach the southern region and balance the weight from Kailasanadhar here. Agasthya wanted to have the Dharshan of Shiva Parvathi wedding here. Shiva granted this Dharshan as Mannadheeswarar and Pachaiyamman in this place. This is the temple now called Poongavanathamman temple where we find the Mannadheeswarar and Pachaiyamman seated together and granting dharshan to his devotees. Since the Amman was amidst Punga forest the Amman was called as Pungavanathamman which is now called as Poongavanathamman temple. It is so amazing to find this Kailasanadhar has been installed in this Poongavanathamman temple now. Agasthya wanted Shiva to grant strength and power to all the devotees who visit this temple.


All the 5 elements (Pancha Bhoothas) were treated as slaves by Indhira. To get relieved from Indhira they were adviced to worship here. They came together and worshipped Shiva. Shiva appeared before them and fulfilled their wish. They attained the feet of Shiva and was freed from Indhira. 



Shiva burnt Manmadhan from the rays which was emitted from his third eye. This created enormous heat in the Devaloka. The Devas could not bear the heat and they went in search of water so that they could sit inside water and get the heat reduced from their bodies. All the Devas together reached this place and bathed in the 4 Lakes around this temple and got their heat reduced. They worshiped Kailasanadhar here and went back to their Deva Loka after dropping the heat together inside the Lakes. Therefore this place came to be known as Veppam Pattu meaning the Heat Been Dropped (Veppam - heat). 

Karkoda, Anandhan and Vasuki worshipped here. They Lost their Naga Loga and therefore Anandhan worshipped 108 Shiva temples along the river Coovam. Some of the snakes accompanied him to certain temples. We can find Kalahastheeswarar temple of Perumalpattu, Kalahastheeswarar temple of Sevvaipettai and Anandheeswarar of Pakkam very close to this temple. After getting the Nagaloka back Karkodaga, Anandhan and Vasuki came to this temple and worshipped Shiva here. They thanked Shiva for his mercy as they got back their Nagaloga by His grace. They also obtained the boon from Lord Shiva here to get the opportunity of visiting many Shiva temples and to obtain the strength to conquer any Asura or anyone who disturb them in their travel.

Vaali bathed 24 times in the ponds daily as Long as he stayed here and worshipped Lord Shiva here. 

Sage Vyasa had a dip in the Mahadeva Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva here. 

Saneeswarar and Yama have also worshipped Kailasanadhar here. 

Vaayu worshipped Kailasanadhar to get relieved of his Dhosha and asked Lord Shiva to relieve his devotees who worship here from all types of joint and muscle pain.

There was a 16 pillared Mandapa with many beautiful carvings and inscriptions.

There was an underground passage in the temple.

The Amman Kamakshi was found in a sitting posture.

The Abhisheka Theertham of Shiva cures joint and all types of muscle pain. 

In ancient days people with joint pain and back pain came to this temple worshipped Lord Shiva here and consumed the Abhisheka theertham and got cured of their pain.

There were a lot of Shiva temples around the Kailasanadhar temple.

The Ashta Dhik Balagas worshipped Kailasandhar here and each one of them installed a Linga in different places around this temple. 

The Navagrahas worshiped Shiva here and installed 9 different Lingas one each at different places around the temple. They are

• Suriyan - Puliyur Arunachalaeswarar (inside Agastheeswarar temple)
• Chandran - Puliyur Kailasanadhar (inside Agastheeswarar temple)
• Sevvai - Sevvaipettai Vaitheeswarar (now Lost) and Kalahastheeswarar
• Bhudhan - Kilambakkam Swetharanyaeswarar (inside Agastheeswarar)
• Guru - Thirunindravur Kailasanadhar
• Sukran - Thanneerkulam Dhanamaeswarar
• Sani - Melakondaiyur Thirumalainadhaeswarar
• Rahu - Vadhattur Neelakandaeswarar (Agastheeswarar)
• Kethu - Aayalur Neelakandaeswarar

There are 5 Agasthya Kshetras in different places near the temple. All the 5 Agasthya Lingas were worshipped on the same day by Sage Agasthya with Lotus flowers. So worshipping these 5 Lingas on the same day would give good eyesight to the devotees. The 5 Agasthya Kshetras are

• Ayathur Agastheeswarar
• Kilambakkam Agastheeswarar
• Vadhattur Agastheeswarar (Neelakandaeswarar)
• Melakondaiyur Agastheeswarar (now Aatkondeeswarar)
• Puliyur Agastheeswarar (now Anandheeswarar)

The Lingas worshipped by others are also found Around this temple. 

• Lakshmi - Lakshmipureeswarar  Thirunindravur
• Vishnu - Bhaktha Vachalaeswarar Thirunindravur (now lost)
• Ravana - Ravanaeswarar  (now Agasthya Sthanu Lingaeswarar)
• Amman - Mahalingaeswarar Sirukalathur
• Nandhi - Siva Nandheeswarar Sivanvoyal (now Sivanandeeswarar)
• Kodi Rudhras - Koteeswarar Koyambakkam 
• Murugar - Thirumalainadheeswarar Melakondaiyur
• Rama - Ramanadhaeswarar Ramanadhapuram Pakkam
• Rishyasringar and Sikandi - Thiruvur Rishyasringaeswarar/Sikandeeswarar (now Singandeeswarar)
• Vyakrapadhar - Puliyur Vyakrapureeswarar, Melakondaiyur Thirumalainadheeswarar and Thottikalai Chidambaraeswarar
• Pathanjali - Pakkam Anandheeswarar, Thottikalai Chidambaraeswarar
• Brahma - Ayathur Agastheeswarar
• Kalanemi - Thanneerkulam Dhanamaeswarar

Most of the temples could not be located now. Due to many invasions most of the temples have been destroyed and the people shifted the Linga to different places to protect them from being destroyed. The Lingas were taken to nearby places and were hidden inside ponds, Lakes, under the ground and even under trees. Therefore Some of the Lingas are obtained from different places now and then but it is difficult to find their identities as we do not know from which places they have been shifted. 5 Lingas have been obtained recently from the pond of the Kailasanadhar temple of Thirunindravur but the history behind them is unknown. All the Devas and the specified Gods have worshipped Veppampattu Kailasanadhar at some period of time.

AS OF 03-02-2008

AS OF 6-10-2010

AS OF 11-03-2019

KAYAR

AADALEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 

Shiva: Aadaleeswarar or Vedhapureeswarar

Amman: Vedhanayaki

Speciality:

Built about 1100 years ago. 

This is a stone temple. 

The inscriptions about Aadhithya Chola is found in this temple. 

The Aavudaiyar of the main deity Shiva is in a square form. 

There is a temple pond beside the temple.

KARASANGAL

MALLEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 11kms from Tambaram

Shiva: Malleeswarar

Amman: Maragadhambigai

Speciality:

This temple is famous for Shivarathiri celebrations. 10008 Lamps are lit in the temple and pooja is performed throughout the Shivarathiri night.

200. KOLATHUR

SOMANADHESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 3 kms from Mambakkam

Shiva: Somanadheswarar

Amman: Amudhambigai

To reach this place you should reach Mambakkam junction which is 20kms from Tambaram on Vandalur - Kelambakkam road

Speciality:

This temple was worshipped by Chandran (moon). There are inscriptions about this in the temple. 

We can find the Nandhikeswarar with a smiling face.

Many stone inscriptions were found near the well of the temple. This ancient temple was in a very bad state and renovations have been made and constructed recently.

History:

Chandran prayed to Lord Somanadhar of this temple to get relieved from his sin. 

When Shiva swallowed the poison which arose from the celestial sea during the Churn of the Sea Parvathi stopped the poison from entering into the throat by holding Shiva's neck tightly. The poison stayed in the throat of Shiva and the portion which entered inside was converted to nectar (amudham) by Parvathy. Therefore the Ambaal acquired the name Amudhambigai. 

199. ARANVOYAL

THIRUTHALEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 12kms from Thiruvallur

Shiva: Thiruthaleeswarar 

Amman: Maragadhambigai

Speciality:

Situated in the southern banks of Coovam.

More than 1200 years old.

Built by Nandhi Varma Pallava II.

The temple faces south.

There is no Rajagopuram.

Thiruthaleeswarar faces eastern direction and Maragadhambigai faces south.

The Vimanam is in the Gajaprishta Style.

The inscriptions on the temple walls Shed light on ancient tamil culture.

Apart from the normal deities there are sannidhis for Somaskandhar, Manikkavasagar and Sage Patanjali.

This temple has great reputation for dissolving Naaga Dhoshas.

There are Kailasanadhar, Chandrasekarar and Kasi Viswanadhar Lingas which has been brought from nearby places such as Koppoor.

There is an image of Vishnu in the nearby fields.

History:

Lord Shiva danced with Kaali in Thiruvaalangaadu. While he was dancing the tail of the serpent which he was wearing as an Aabaran (jewel) fell in this place. Therefore this place was called Ara vaal and later changed to Aranvoyal. This temple has been mentioned in Thirupaasoor Sthala Puranam.

198. PERIYAPALAYAM

AIMUKTHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 25kms from Redhills, 40kms from Chennai and 3kms from Thiruvallur.

Shiva: Aimuktheeswarar

Amman: Annapurani, Annapoornambigai

Speciality:

The Shiva Linga Aimuktheeswarar faces west towards the Arani river.

This Linga was installed by Sage Valmiki.

Lord Indhra worshipped here and got relieved from his curse. 

The Pancha Bhoothas worshipped here and attained Mukthi. Therefore Shiva was called Aimuktheeswarar. (Ai meaning five).

Amman Annapurani faces west.

There is a Linga near the Amman.

This temple was built by the Pallavas.

The Pancha Bhoothas are said to worship everyday.

There are Sannidhis for Veerabhadrar, Varasidhdhi Vinayaka, Hanuman, Valmiki and Shri Devi Bhudhevi with Vekadesa Shrinivasa Perumal here. 

History:

Sage Valmiki stayed here and performed penance. Shiva appeared before him and blessed him. He wanted Shiva to stay here for people's worship. Lord Shiva agreed. Sage Valmiki installed the Suuyambhu Linga which he worshipped in this place. This place was called Valmiki Ashramam. 

The Pancha Bhoothas (Land, Fire, Air, Water and Sky) went to worship Shiva to the Kailash. Nandhikeswarar stopped them and told them that it was not an auspicious time for their worship. They disrespected Nandhi thinking that they were more powerful and entered to worship Shiva. Lord Shiva was in penance. They did not realise that they were disturbing the Lord. Lord Shiva opened his eyes. He said that they had come together in an inauspicious time and Nandhi was outside to fix the time and since they had not respected the words of Nandhi they were cursed to be born as Monkeys in the world. Since they did not attend their own jobs the world was full of darkness and they had to accept the curse as they have committed this mistake. They realised their mistake and sought for relief shortly. After Shiva calmed down he said that Brahmaranya River flowed as Uthiravahini in Bhuloga and Sage Valmiki has installed a Linga there. If all the 5 monkeys could reach there together and worship the Linga they would attain Shapa Vimochana (relief from curse). The 5 monkeys travelled to many places in the earth and identified this place. They worshipped here as instructed by Lord Shiva and got relieved from the curse. The sculpture of this story is inside the temple. In the Baana of AImuktheeswarar the impression of 5 monkeys could be seen. 

King Chitravarman was a devotee of Sage Valmiki. He ruled a country called Kamarupa. He was a devotional King.Once there was no rain in the country and his country lost fertility. The people of the country were suffering from drought. He worshiped this temple daily. Amman came in the form of Mohini and supplied food to the people of his Land. The Land became fertile and people were relieved from drought and Hunger. This King built the temple as a sign of gratitude. This story sculpture can be seen at the entrance. There Amman was therefore known as Annapooranambigai.

197. SIVAPURAM

RAJARAJA ESWARA MUDAIYA MAHADEVAR TEMPLE

Distance: 22kms from Thiruvallur, 10kms from Thakkolam and 22kms from Arakkonam.

Shiva: Rajarajaeswaramudaiyamahadevar

Amman: Kaamakshi

Speciality:

It is a stone temple of Chola period. 

Built by Rajaraja Chola in 10th Century.

The name of the place was then called Oragadam.

There is another name called Theerthabaleeswarar for Shiva.

There is Nandhi and Palipeetam but no Gopuram or Kodimaram.

This temple predates the Thanjavur Brahadheeswarar temple.

The bronze idol of this temple such as Abhimaana Meru Vidangan, Uma Deviyar and Aadavallan are missing.

There are many inscriptions in the temple.

Some inscriptions tell us about the kinds of patronage received as donations to the temple.

The Channel leading to a lake has been made tax free and given to the temple.

Inscriptions of Rajendhra Chola has recorded the donations of Gold ornaments to the temple.

Another inscriptions record about the rituals conducted in the temple.

There was a special ritual called Aadhithya Vaara Perumbali which was conducted on Sundays.

A Large number of people attended this function in the Chola period.

196. MULLANDIRAM SHIVA TEMPLES

Distance: 17kms from Arcot and 17kms from Arani

Shiva: Thanthondreeswarar, Parasurameswarar, Renukeswarar, Mareeswarar and Vaayulingeswarar

Mullandirum is a Pancha Bhootha Sthala. All the 5 Natural elements have worshipped here. 4 Temples are in Mullandiram and 1 worshipped by Vaayu is in K K Thoppu - 1km from here.

• Thanthondreeswarar - Sky (Aahaya)
• Mareeswarar - Water (Jala)
• Renukeswarar - Land (Bhumi)
• Parasurameswarar - Fire (Agni)

Thanthondreeswarar is a Suyambhu Murthy therefore the Shiva is also known as Suyambhunadhar. This temple was worshipped by Parasuramar during his penance. First Parasuramar could not find a Shiva temple here so he created a Linga for his worship. To Perform Abhishekam for the Linga he selected a place to create a pond. He started digging the pond with his axe. He found a Linga submerged in the soil. He brought the Linga out and placed the Linga near the Linga he created. He worshipped both the Shiva Lingas. His mother Renuka also accompanied him here. She too installed a Linga in another part of the Village. This Linga is now placed in Thanthondreeswarar temple.
Later this place was cursed. There was no rain in the village. People worshipped Suyambhunadhar for rain. After a few days a Sage arrived to the Village. He informed the people of the village that there is a curse to the village and to get relieved from this curse the people have to find a Linga which is kept submerged in the pond. This Linga was worshipped by Varuna. Only after the Linga is brought out of the pond and arranged for worship the Village will be blessed with rain. The people of the Village brought out the Linga from the pond and named it as Mareeswarar (Maari - rain) and built a small temple for the deity. Later due to invasions the temples had been damaged and the Parasurameswarar, Renukeswarar and Mareeswarar are placed inside the Thanthondreeswarar temple. Since Parasuramar used his axe and created the pond the name of the Theertham is Parasu Theertham and the Place is called Mullandiram (Mulla - Axe).

PARASURAMESWARAR

THANTHONDREESWARAR TEMPLE

RENUKESWARAR AND MAREESWARAR

When Arunagirinadhar visited this place he had the Dharshan of all Lingas and the Shiva temple of Kekiya Thoppu. He installed a Linga and it was called by his name as Arunagireeswarar. This Linga is now placed in the Vinayaka temple of this village.