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Come Aadi masam, the gods come into focus in Chennai, what with pongal offerings being readied and special prayers resounding from all the temples. And all of us, who go to seek blessings, know all about the famous temples here, like the Kapaleeswarar Temple, the Mundakanniamman Temple, or the Ashtalakshmi Temple. But did you know there are many temples here in Chennai, with deities and architectural styles dating back to centuries, with interesting histories of how they came to be built? As Aadi Perukku comes closer, Chennai Times walks you through some of the lesser known temples in and around the city...
BAIRAGI MUTT
LOCATION:
Sowcarpet AGE: Over 400 years old, popularized by a saint from Lahore
FACT FILE:
This temple is dedicated primarily to Rama, Lakshmana and Sita.
There are small shrines dedicated to Ganesha and Hanuman as well.
Primarily, Bairagi Mutt served as a mutt where saints and devotees can stay.
Check out some of the different forms of Vishnu inside the premises.
DHENUPUREESWARAR THIRUKKOIL
LOCATION:
Madambakkam AGE: Built in between 956 and 973 AD, by Parantaka Chola II
FACT FILE:
The presiding deity is Dhenupureeswarar and his consort, Dhenukambal. History has it that sage Kapila was reborn as a cow at the behest of Siva to attain moksha, and performed palabhishekam to the Lingam. The `Sarabeswarar `sculpture on the niche of the outer pillars is also said to be one-of-its kind. The temple, a monument maintained by the ASI, is made out of block stones, and also has an unfinished gopuram at the entrance.
KURUNGALEESWARAR AND VAIKUNTAVASAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE
LOCATION:
Koyambedu AGE: More than 2,000 years old
FACT FILE:
Legend has it that this is where Rama's sons Lava and Kusa fenced his sacrificial horse with arrows. This is one of the reasons why the place is called Koyambedu -Ko (king) + Ambu (arrow) + Pedu (under protection), say historians. The Shiva temple here is said to be the first place where Pradosha puja was held. The Navagraha here is said to be built in a lotus formation. The Vaikuntavasava Perumal here is in a standing pose.
SRI DHARMESHWARAR TEMPLE
LOCATION:
Manimangalam AGE: Said to belong to the 7th century
FACT FILE:
Manimangalam is of historic importance, primarily because of the battle that was fought between Narasimha Varma Pallava and the Chalukyas. This temple, dedicated to Shiva, is said to be built by Kulothunga Chola. What's interesting is that all the idols of Ganesha found in the temple have elephants as their vahana. A bali peedam can be found in the Praharam.
There's also a pond adjacent to the temple complex.
CHENNA KESAVAR AND CHENNA MALLESWARAR TEMPLE
LOCATION:
Sowcarpet AGE: 16th century, rebuilt by the British in the latter half of 1700
FACT FILE:
The temple is dedicated to Chenna Kesavar, his consort Sengamalavalli Thayar, and Chenna Malleeswarar and Bramarambikai.
Interestingly, the ground where the temples stood earlier is where the British, the Dutch and the Portuguese fought their battles, and Hyder Ali invaded the area once, forcing temple authorities to move the idols and treasures to safer locations. According to some historians, Chennai got its name from the twin temples -Chenni means face.
LOCATION:
Sowcarpet AGE: Over 400 years old, popularized by a saint from Lahore
FACT FILE:
This temple is dedicated primarily to Rama, Lakshmana and Sita.
There are small shrines dedicated to Ganesha and Hanuman as well.
Primarily, Bairagi Mutt served as a mutt where saints and devotees can stay.
Check out some of the different forms of Vishnu inside the premises.
DHENUPUREESWARAR THIRUKKOIL
LOCATION:
Madambakkam AGE: Built in between 956 and 973 AD, by Parantaka Chola II
FACT FILE:
The presiding deity is Dhenupureeswarar and his consort, Dhenukambal. History has it that sage Kapila was reborn as a cow at the behest of Siva to attain moksha, and performed palabhishekam to the Lingam. The `Sarabeswarar `sculpture on the niche of the outer pillars is also said to be one-of-its kind. The temple, a monument maintained by the ASI, is made out of block stones, and also has an unfinished gopuram at the entrance.
KURUNGALEESWARAR AND VAIKUNTAVASAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE
LOCATION:
Koyambedu AGE: More than 2,000 years old
FACT FILE:
Legend has it that this is where Rama's sons Lava and Kusa fenced his sacrificial horse with arrows. This is one of the reasons why the place is called Koyambedu -Ko (king) + Ambu (arrow) + Pedu (under protection), say historians. The Shiva temple here is said to be the first place where Pradosha puja was held. The Navagraha here is said to be built in a lotus formation. The Vaikuntavasava Perumal here is in a standing pose.
SRI DHARMESHWARAR TEMPLE
LOCATION:
Manimangalam AGE: Said to belong to the 7th century
FACT FILE:
Manimangalam is of historic importance, primarily because of the battle that was fought between Narasimha Varma Pallava and the Chalukyas. This temple, dedicated to Shiva, is said to be built by Kulothunga Chola. What's interesting is that all the idols of Ganesha found in the temple have elephants as their vahana. A bali peedam can be found in the Praharam.
There's also a pond adjacent to the temple complex.
CHENNA KESAVAR AND CHENNA MALLESWARAR TEMPLE
LOCATION:
Sowcarpet AGE: 16th century, rebuilt by the British in the latter half of 1700
FACT FILE:
The temple is dedicated to Chenna Kesavar, his consort Sengamalavalli Thayar, and Chenna Malleeswarar and Bramarambikai.
Interestingly, the ground where the temples stood earlier is where the British, the Dutch and the Portuguese fought their battles, and Hyder Ali invaded the area once, forcing temple authorities to move the idols and treasures to safer locations. According to some historians, Chennai got its name from the twin temples -Chenni means face.
Lakshmi TOI 5 Aug 2014
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