Raju’s Temple Visits

Temples around Chennai

Listed below are many of the ancient temples around Chennai that have great legendary significance. A few popular modern day temples are also listed alongside. This is a dynamic list and will be constantly updated as and when information is got.

Note: A collection of geographical maps of temple is available here. Unlike the static map, these maps can be zoomed to the street level. This works best with the Firefox browser.

Last updated on: 26th June 2009

Tambaram – Chenglepat

Guduvancheri

Kalyana Anjaneyar Temple is located at Thailavaram village near Maraimalai nagar/ Guduvencheri. Anjaneya Swami is seen with his wife Suvarchala (I don’t know any other temple of Anjaneyar with his consort)
More information here

Shri Nandeeswarar temple at Nandivaram

Nandivaram is just half a kilometer east of Guduvancherry bus stand and this temple is very ancient.

Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple at Madambakkam

This temple is located at Madambakkam (this is different form the Madambakkam near Rajakilpakkam/ Selaiyur) 2 km to the west of Guduvancheri. This is considered to be a Pallava temple. Navagraha shrine normally not present in a Vishnu temple is seen here. In the sanctum sanctorum, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal is seen keeping Sridevi at his left lap embracing her. Ladies do the Kedhara Gowri vradha the day after Deepavali; Marriage prayers are answered.

Sri Kalatheeswarar temple at Kattankulathur

Considered equivalent to Kalahasthi

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple at Maraimalai Nagar

This temple is situated opposite Ford Car Factory at Vivekananda Nagar at Maraimalai Nagar. Though the temple was constructed in the 1990s, the deity enshrined here has an ancient history. More information here

Sri Yoga Hayagreevar temple at Chettipunyam

Chettipunyam village is at about three km west of Singaperumalkoil, near Chengalpattu.

More information here

Padaladhri Narasimhaswamy temple at Singaperumal Koil

When you go from Tambaram it is on the left side of GST road at Singaperumal Koil, just about 100-200 meters away from the GST road. More details here

Agora Veerabadra Swamy (Shivan) temple at Hanumanthapuram

From Singaperumal koil 10 kms towards east at hanumanthapuram, temple for Agora veerabadrar. The temple can also be reached by the Thirupporur-Chenglepat route. This temple is famous to cure mentally ill people and there will be many such people wandering over. The road to the temple is deserted with Govt reserved forest area for a few kms. So you may not want to visit during the nights.

Vyagrapureeswarar temple at Pulipparakkoil/ Pulipakkam

On the way to Chengelpattu from Chennai, immediately after the Tollgate, one can see a board written “Siva, Siva” on a roadside hillock on the right side. The tollgate is located in the Pulipakkam village. Atop the hill is the Vyagrapureeswarar temple with rich historic value. We can have a clear view of the Chengalpattu lake and is a nice scenic spot to visit. More information here.

Singaperumal Koil – Oragadam

Thirukachur

The Shiva temple here is is a Thevara Padal petra Sthalam, famous for Girivalam. About 6kms from Maraimalai Nagar and 2 kms from Singaperumal koil towards West. More information here

NithyaKalyana Perumal Temple at Aappur

This temple is situated at 5 kms from Thirukkachur towards Sriperumbudur, at a village called Aappur, in a small hill called Aushadagiri (hill of medicinial herbs). By climbing about 500 steps you can reach the hill the steps are somewhat steeper than usual. In the hilltop you can see the beauty of the Nityakalyana perumal as well as beauty of the Nature with with full of lakes and reserve forests.

Shri Varadaraja perumal temple at Vadakkupatti

This temple is located at Vadakkupatti approximately mid-way between Singaperumalkoil and Oragadam

Chenglepat

Sri Kothanda Ramaswami temple

When you are inside this beautiful temple for Sri Kothanda Ramaswami temple in the serene atmosphere surrounded by green looking mountains on the backdrop, you will feel you are not in a town by name Chengalpat but in heaven.

There is a separate sannadhi for Veera Anjaneya where he is in a unique posture pinning Sri Sani Bhagawan to the ground.

More information here

Thirupporur – Chenglepat

Murugar Temple at Thirupporur

Significance: Ancient Shiva temple known for Subrayamanya swamy.
Location: In the Old Mahabalipuram Road (IT Highway), between Kelambakkam and Mahabalipuram, 36 km from Adayar. There is also link from Chenglepat and Guduvancheri. 25 km from chengalpet.
Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Vanmeega nadhar and Swayambu Subramanyar with Valli & Deivanai.
Legend: Vishnu to overcome the curse of Sage Kanva worshipped Shiva here and was blessed. Subramanya fought with demons and preached gyana (knowledge) in this place.
Sthala Vruksham: Vanni.
Theertham: Saravana poigai.

More details on the temple here

Sembakkam Jambukeswarar Temple

This ancient, beautiful and cleanly maintained Shivasthalam is located in a calm village called Sembakkam, 7 km from Thirupporur and 20 km from Chenglepat. This is called North Thiruvanaikka (South Thiruvanaikka is near Srirangam, a Pancha bootha sthalam for Water). Agasthiar worshipped Shiva here.

More details in ‘Raju’s Temple Visits‘ travelogue.

Tiruvidaisoolam or Thiruvidaichuram

Significance: One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; 7^th Century temple.
Location: 9 kms from Chinglepat and 18 km from Tirupporur in the Chenglepat-Thirupporur road. The village is in a beautiful location between two hills and so the name Idai-churam (churam meaning a place of hills and forests).
Main deity: Swayambu Maragatha linga known as Idaichuranathar with Emayamadakkodi ammai in separate shrines. Also known as Gyanapureeswarar and Govardhanambikai.
Legend: Goddess Parvathi came here as Kamadhenu (cow) with her brother Lord Vishnu and worshipped Shiva by pouring milk on the Shivalingam. Sages Gowtama and Sanathkumarar worshipped Shiva here.
Temple: Maragadha linga glitters during harathi time. Santhana prapthi (child boon) is the special worship benefit of this temple.
Theertham: Mdhura teertham.
Sthala vruksham: Padhiri.

More details in ‘Raju’s Temple Visits‘ travelogue.

Chenglepat – Mahabalipuram

Nenmeli

Puja for Ancestors/ Forefathers on Amavasya: Nenmeli is situated at about 6 kms from Chingleput, on the road leading to Mahabalipuram, near Thirukazhukundram. Nenmeli is also known as Pundarikanallur or Pindam vaiththa nallur as the Lord Srartha Samrakshana Narayanan at Sri Lakshminarayana Perumal Temple here accepts offerings for the ancestors and forefathers called pithrus. Any offerings made here are considered as offerings made at Gaya for the pithrus. Lord Srartha Samrakshana Narayanan Himself is considered to perform the annual rites and ceremonies for the departed souls for and on behalf of the persons who are unable to offer prayers, rites and ceremonies for their ancestors.

Pon Vilaintha Kalathur

P V Kalathur village is the abode of historically famous temples. This village with high green fields is 10 km south of Chengalpattu and 10 km west of Tirukazhukundram. It is said that the village derives its name because many years back gold was harvested in the fields.

Sri Kothanda Ramaswamy Temple and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

These two temples are adjacent to each other

More information here

Arulmugu Meenakshi Amman Samathe Sri Munkudumeeswara temple

Just a km from PV Kalathur, on the way to Pon Pathir Kudam this is another fantastic ancient shiva temple maintained by ASI and bulit by Rajendra chola.

Pon Pathir Kudam

Chaturbuja Raman is only 4 miles away from Pon Vilaintha Kalathur.

Thirukkazhukundram

Tirukkazhukundram, also known as Dakshina Kailasam, is one of the most celebrated temples of the 275 glorified by the Thevara hymns.

Vedhagreeswarar temple:

According to legend, the four Vedas, Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana, are seen here in the shape of four boulders, placed one above the other with Lord Shiva as Vedagiriswarar, emerging from the head of the 4th Veda, Atharvana. Hence the place gets the name Vedagiri. The hill is 500 feet high and has about 550 steps. The central shrine of Vedagiriswarar is seen built of three large boulders, constituting the 3 walls of the sanctum sanctorum. The main deity is a Swaymbu Lingam. In the enclosure around the sanctum sanctorum, are the shrines for Sokkanayagi and for Vinayakar (in a dancing posture).

Till a few years back, a pair of sacred eagles used to come and worship the Lord Shiva everyday at an exact time in the noon. They used to come down to a rock where sweet rice was being offered which was a big attraction. Since the whole eagle sect itself has become extinct (almost) now, this is not seen nowadays unfortunately.

Bhakthavatsaleswarar Temple:

At the foot of the hill and in the centre of the town is a big temple for Bhaktavatsaleswarar. This temple has 4 gopurams on each direction like Madurai, the tallest with 9 tiers is on the south side and the other 3 are with 7 tiers. There is a huge Nandhi facing Vedagiriswarar of the hilltop. The absence of a Nandhi on the hilltop in front of the presiding deity Vedagiriswarar is a unique feature. The main mandapam that fringes the inner gopuram contains a fine sculptural representation of Agora Veerabadrar (Siva in a ferocious form), of 7 feet high. The sculptures of the temples are examples for Pallava kings skills built in 6^th century.

Near the temple, there is a Sangu (conch) Theertha kulam (Temple tank) where a Sangu used to appear once every 12 years.

Rudhran Temple:

Locted at half a km east of Vedhagreeswarar temple, the Rudhran Temple is older than the Vedhagreeswarar temple. As per procedure, one has to first visit Rudhran temple and then only the Vedhagreeswarar. Once Vishnu came to see Shiva here in the form of  Garudan; When Garudazhwar was waiting outside, before Vishnu came out, Nandhikeswarar blew his breath over Garudazhwar and the feathers of Garudazhwar fell off. Shiva then punished Nandhikeswarar by making him sink to the ground. When Nandhi’s body started to sink into the ground, at the behest of Vishnu, Shiva stopped Nandhikeswar at that point. So, you can see Nandhikeswar partly buried at the ground. By worshipping here once, one can get the benefit of doing Pradhikshna of a crore of Rudhras at a time.

Oragadam Vadamalleeswarar Temple

Located at 9 kms from Chenglepat in the Chenglepat – Thirukkazhukundram route.

Periyandavar Temple, Thirunilai village

Located at 7 k.m, North West of Thirukalukundram. The legend being that once Lord Shiva incarnated as a human because of Parvathi Devi’s curse. He was roaming here and there and could not stay anywhere. Due to this the whole world was in chaos. Finally when He came here, His Soolayudham fell on this ground and He took shelter permanently.The place is called Thirunilai, nilai in Tamil meaning staying permanently, named after this holy dwelling.

For many years only a Swayambu Lingam was here in the open ground and only recently a temple was constructed dedicating it to Periyandavar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Devi Angalaparameshwari is also blessing along with Periyandavar. When Sakthi’s soolayudham fell on earth, 21 sand rounds came out and later they took the form of Sivaganams which perform pooja to Lord Shiva. Swayambu Lingam in the middle of twenty one Sivaganams in the open ground is a rare view.

The temple is located in a beautiful natural atmosphere by the side of a lake, a small hill and in the middle of paddy-fields. People can go at anytime and can have the dharshan. The very unique feature of this temple being the Nandhi is in a standing posture.

The temple pond is very big and called ‘Siddha  Amirdha kulam’. Childless couples visit this temple in large numbers to get their longings come true. After taking a holy dip in the temple pond called Siddhamirdhakulam, they perform poojas and abisekams by themselves to get their wish fulfilled.

website: www.periyandavar.com

East Coast Road (ECR)

Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple at Thiru Vidanthai

Significance: One of 108 divya desams.
Location: In Chennai – Mahabalipuram ECR, after Kovalam, about 10 kms before Mahabalipuram. The temple arch can be seen on the ECR road itself on the right side.
Main deity: Lakshmi varaha perumal in standing posture.
Utsavar: Nithya kalyana perumal and Komavalli thayar.
Legend: Vara perumal married 360 daughters of Sage Klava and He is known as Nithya Kalyana perumal. All 360 were united into one and named as Lakshmi and He has her on His lap, so the name as Thiruvidanthai.
Theertham: Kalyana teertham & Varaha teertham.

Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple at Thirukkadalmallai (Mahabalipuram)

Significance: One of 108 Divya desams.
Location: Near Mahabalipuram bus stand; 60 kms from Chennai; 11 kms from Thiruvidanthai.
Main deity: Sthala sayana perumal in sleeping posture; Bujanga sayanam with his right hand on his chest as Upadesa mudra; Thaayaar – Nilamangai Thaayaar
Theertham: Pundareeka Pushkarini, Garuda river.

Pandurangan temple at Vittalapuram

This is located in the ECR, after Mahabalipuram, 2 km from Pudhupattinam. Built during the Vijayanagara King Krishna Dhevarayar period (1507-1529). Unlike the other Panduranan temples, 5 feet tall Pandurangan here is seen with Rukmani and Sathyabama. Mahalakshmi also has a separate shrine here.

Chenglepat – Kanchipuram

Pazhaya Seevaram Narasimha Swamy
and
Thirumukkoodal Appan Venkatesa Perumal

While going from chenglepat, Pazhaya Seevaram is just before Wallajabad on the main road itself on the banks of Palar. Thirumukkoodal is just on the opposite bank of the river. More details in ‘Raju’s Temple Visits‘ travelogue.

Cheetanancheri Kaleeswarar temple

At 2 kms from Pazhaya seevaram near Wallajabad, this is an ancient and beautiful temlple.

Ilayanar Velur Murugan temple

8 kms from Walajabad and 2 kms from Kavanthandalam, this is a beautiful Murugan temple and has a legend link with Maagaral and Kadambar koil

Temples within Kanchipuram

See separate page

Around Kanchipuram

Sri Vedhanadhar temple at Thiruvothoor (Cheyyar)

Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns.
Location: 28 kms from Kancheepuram in Cheyyar
Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Vedanadhar and Elamula Nayakai.
Legend: Shiva preached meaning of Veda to Devas and Sages in this place, hence the name Thiruvothoor. Vishnu worshipped Shiva here and got his Chakrayudam. Sambandhar sang and transformed male palm trees to female palm trees here.
Temple: We can see Vishnu’s sculpture in the name of Aadhi Kesava Perumal. Nandhi before Kodimaram is facing the entrance. There is a stone sculpture of the Palm tree in the temple premises with Shiva linga under the tree and Sambandhar worshipping it. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh.
Theertham: Cheyyar and Kalyana teertham.
Sthala Vrukaham: Palm

Sri Panangateeswarar temple at Thirupankottore

Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Location: 10 km from Kanchipuram
Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Panangateeswarar and Amirtha valli ammai.
Name: The place was full of panai (palm) trees and hence the name Panangattore.
Legend: When Sundarar visited this place Shiva appeared before him in the form of an old man and offered food. Sundarar laughed at him and said when there is no water what is the use of food. The old man scratched the land under his leg and water started flowing. The old man disappeared and Sundarar was surprised and sighted out the temple and visited it. He sang hymns on Siva of this place.
Temple: There are two deities one worshipped by Sage Agasthiar and the other by Saint Pulasthiar known as Krupadeeswarar and Krupagambikai. The temple is constructed in Gajaprushta form (elephant back).
Theertham: Jada gangai and Sundara theertham. People say that the level at Sundara theertham is just 3 feet even today.
Sthala vruksham: Panai tree

Kooram

This village is about 8 – 9 Kms away from Kanchipuram and is the birth place of Koorathazhwar, A.D 1008. The moolavar of the temple here is Sri Aadhi Kesava Perumal in Nindra thirukKolam.

More information here

Kanchipuram – Manampathi – Vandavasi

Valesswarar Temple at Kuranganil Muttam

Location: 8 km to SouthWest of Kanchepuram. After crossing the Palar bridge in the Vandavasi/ Cheyyar route, you will see Dusi village at around 4 kms. There is a road diversion to Kuranganilmuttam there and the temple is around 2 kms from there.
Significance: One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Valeeswarar with Valai ammai in separate shrines.
Legend: Vali, Indhran and Yama worshipped shiva here in the form of Kurangu (Monkey), Anil (Squirrel) and Muttam (Crow) respectively and that’s why the name. This shows that the animals and birds have worshipped and attained salvation. Vaali worshipped Shiva and hence the name Vaaleswarar.
Temple: The temple is located in a beautiful place surrounded by fields. Other deities are Vinakaya, Subramanya, Kasi Viswanadhar, Visalakshi, Durgai, Brahma, Chandeeswarar, Bairavar Vishnu, Sapthamadhar, Dakshinamoorthy, & Navagraha.
Sthala Vruksham: Elanndi
More details in Vikatan publication’s ‘Thevara Thiruvula Part 2‘ book

Note: There is also Pandavas rock at Kuranganil muttam

Cave Temples at Narasamangalam

Just before Dusi-Mamandur, at Narasamangalam, cave temples are present on the hill, visible from distance itself and are being maintained by ASI.

Pesum Perumal temple at Koozhamandal

This temple is 20 km from Kanchipuram in the Kanchipuram-Vandavasi route. From the main road, the temple is about 200 meters away towards west. This is a small temple with a single shrine but the Perumal is gigantic and beautiful. It was discovered from the field and installed here.

Gangaikonda Sholeswarar temple at Koozhamandal

This temple is about 200 meters to the east of the main road and was bulit by ISANA SIVA PANDITA the spiritual guru of Rajendra chola I. The temple is more than 1000 years old and maintained by ASI.

Arulmigu Maragathambigai sametha Sri Vaithyanathaswamy Temple at Ukkal

This 1200 years old Shiva temple at Ukkal village is 2.5 kms east of the Gangaikonda Sholeswarar Temple at Koozhamandal.

Ambujavalli Nayikaa Samedha Lakshmi Narayana temple at Akkur

As holy as Tirumala: About a km further to the west of Pesum Perumal temple at koozhamandal is this temple. Nestling in the obscure and remote village of Akkur is the Ambujavalli Nayikaa Samedha Lakshmi Narayana temple. The ancient temple may not attract devotees from far and wide to its precincts daily, yet it has its own unique features. The temple is very small but beautiful and apart from the sanctum sanctorum, there are only a couple of other shrines dedicated to Andal and Ambujavalli Thayar.

More details on the temple here

Shiva temple at Perunugar

At Perunanagr near Manamathi, this anicent Shiva temple with rich legend is present and said to be maintained by ASI

Periyanayaki samathe Sri Vaanasundraswarar temple at Manamathi

This temple is more than 1200 years old with a rich history behind it.

Thennangur

Thennangur is 6 km before Vandavasi and has become a popular tourist place because of the beautiful Pandurangan temple.

Ragumayi sametha Pandurangan Temple

The uniqueness of this temple is reflected in the following: The Garba-Griha, Gopuram (sanctum-sanctorum) on the model of puri jagannath; the Chola type of Rajagopuram in its artistry and the presiding deities from Maharashtra. The tiny idols of Panduranga-Raghumayi manifested to a big-size (viswarupam). The speciality of this temple being the daily alankarams and the mural paintings of the mandapam. On any day Pandurangan is adorned with beautiful alankaram.

More details of the Pandurangan temple in my travelogue here

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple

Per Legend, Thennangur is the birth place of Sri Meenakshi. This temple for for Meenakshi and Sundareswarar has beautiful paintings of their marriage in the ceiling and all the navagrahas with their spouses (may be they are attending the Meenakshi – Sundareswarar marriage?). Every year the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Kalyanam and other festivals are performed in this temple.

Lakshmi Narayana Temple

This is an ancient temple renovated by Sri Haridoss Giri Swamigal. It is customary in this temple to have Sita Kalyanam festival, every year conducted by the Bhagavatha bakthas in the Bhajan tradition.

Kanchipuram – Uthiramerur

Maagaral Shiva temple

A beautifully maintained Thevara Padal Petra Sthalam. A lingam in the form of the tail of a big lizaard (உடும்பு).
More details in ‘Raju’s Temple Visits‘ travelogue.

Kadambar Koil

A calm and neatly maintained Shiva temple, considered more sacred than Kasi.
More details in ‘Raju’s Temple Visits‘ travelogue.

Sri Agilandeswami sametha Agatheeswarar temple at Olugarai

This is about 5 KM from Kadambarkoil.

Thiruppulivanam

An ancient Shiva temple in a dilapidated condition. More information here

Uthiramerur

There are 4 temples here.

a) Sundara Varadar (Perumal) Temple. This is the most popular one here. Besant Nagar Ashtalakshmi temple was constructed based on this architecture only.

b) Immediately next to it, there is a Balasubramania Swamy temple.

c) Right at the bus stand, there is an ASI maintained Shiva temple which has the inscriptions for conducting a democratic rule. More information here as well as here.

d) Just opposite to the ASI maintained Shiva temple there is another shiva temple called Irathai Thaleeswarar Temple

Chennai – Sriperumpudur – Vellore (Bangalore Highway)

Note: A collection of geographical maps of temple is available here. Unlike the static map, these maps can be zoomed to the street level. This works best with the Firefox browser.

Thirumazhisai

Thirumazhisai is a small town at 5 kms from Poonamallee on the Chennai-Thiruthani highway. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and another to Lord Vishnu, very near to each other, both dating to the Chola period.

Jagannatha Perumal Temple:
This temple comes on the left side of the highway when we go from Chennai. Thirumazhisai is the birth place of Thirumazhisai Azhwar and there is a separate sannidhi for Thirmazhisai Azhwar in this temple. This temple is one of the three Jagannatha Kshetrams and is referred as Madhya Jagannatha Kshetram. Puri is the Uthra Jagannatha Kshetram and Thirupullani is the Dakshina Jagannatha Kshetram.

Othaandeeswarar (Shiva) Temple:
This temple comes on the right side of the highway when we go from Chennai. Once when King Kulothunga Chola was on his way, he found a creeper blocking his way and cut it with his sword. He saw bloodstains in his sword and when he removed the creeper, there was a siva lingam with blood oozing from it. The repentant king cut his arm, and then the Lord appeared before him and restored his hand. The king built a temple at that place and hailed the Lord as “Kai Thantha Piran”

More information here

Sri Adhikesava Perumal Temple at SriPerumpudur

Significance: Birth place of Sri Ramanujar
Main deity: Sri Adhikesava Perumal with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in standing posture and Goddess Ethiraja Valli Thayar in separate shrines.
Legend: The place is known as Aranyaranam and Boodhapuri. To get rid of Shiva’s curse, Boodha ganas penanced here and were blessed by Vishnu. In turn, they built this temple for Vishnu and so this place came to be known as Boodhapuri which later became Bhoodur and after Ramanujar’s birth, became Sri Perumbhoodur.
Temple: There is an idol of Ramanujar here which was embraced by Ramanujar himself. At the time of eye opening ceremony of Ramanujar’s idol here, Ramanujar was preaching at Srirangam and it is said that at that instant, blood oozed out from both real-life Ramanjuar (at Srirangam) and the idol here. Other deities like Rama, Andal, Udayavar, Desikan, and Alavandhar are there.
Theertham: Anantha saras

More information of the temple in Vikatan publication’s ‘Nimmadhi Tharum Sannidhi Part 1‘ book

Murugan Temple at Vallakottai

This ancient Murugan temple is 12 kms south of Sriperumpudur on the Sriperumpudur-Chenglepat road. The height of the deity is more than 2 meters.

More details on the temple here and a travelogue here

Triad of sacred spots (Thiruputkuzhi-Thirupparkadal)

Thirupparkadal is famous for its twin temples, where the Lord is seen in lying and standing postures. This, along with Thiruputkuzhi, where the Lord is seen in sitting posture, is considered a triad of sacred spots where Perumal can be seen  in all the 3 postures -  sitting, standing and lying.

Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple at Thiruputkuzhi

Significance:

• One of the 108 Divya desams;
• Ramar performed the last rites for Jatayu who attained moksha here.
• Yadava prakasar, guru of Ramanujar preached Vedanta to Ramanujar here.

Location: Near Baluchetti Chattiram i the Bangalore highways, around 10  kms after the road to Kanchipuram,  about 100 meters inside from the Highways on the left side while going from Chennai.
Main deity: Vijaya ragava perumal in sitting posture with Maragadavalli thayar in separate shrines.
Worship significance:
Childless women come here, fry the green gram wash it and tie to their stomach and sleep in the temple premises that night. Next day if it sprouts, it is considered that their wish will be fulfilled.
On new moon days, doing poojas for ancestors after taking a dip at the tank is considered very sacred.
Theertham: Pond, Jatayu theertham, was created by Rama

More information here

Thirupparkadal

Thiruparkadal is on the Chennai – Vellore (Bangalore) highway, beyond Thiruputkuzhi, about 10 kms from Thiruputkuzhi, on the left side of Highways while going from Chennai, about 2 kms from the highways at the Kaveripakkam junction.  Two beautiful Vaishnavite temples are present side by side. It is said that this place can be considered to be the 107th Divyadesam. The location of the temples is awesome

a) Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple: This temple is considered to be testimony for the unity of Shaivism and Vaishanavism. The Lord here, stands on “Aavudaiyaar” (base of Lingam”)
b) Ranganathar Temple: The main deity in this temple is made of wood from the tree of “Aththi”. It is believed that Yama’s assistant Chitraguptan was releaved of his diseases here and hence this place is said to have healing powers.
More information here
c) Sri Vaaleeswarar Temple – an ancient temple

Pancha lingeswarar Temple at Konda puram

Location: The temple is 20kms away from Kancheepurm in Kaveripakkam.
Main deity: Swayambu linga knnown as Pancha lingaeswara and Kamakshi.
Legend: The pancha lingas were made by Kamakshi representing pancha boodha and worshipped here before starting her penance near Kamba river.

Gangadheeswarar Temple at Thakkolam (also called Thiruvooral)

Significance: One of the 275 ‘Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams’.
Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Thiruvooral Mahadevar/ Jalanatheswarar with Goddess Girija Kannikamba.
Location: It is situated in the Vellore district, in the Kanchi – Arakonam main road, 30km north of Kanchi and 12 km south of Arakonam. On the Chennai-Bangalore highway, beyond Kanchipuram take right to the Kanchipuram-Arakonam main road. Proceed further for another 10-11 kms to reach Thakkolam railway station. Turn right and proceed further for another 6kms to reach the temple. Also you can go via Perambakkam.
Legend: At the behest of Sage Uthandi, Nandhi devar brought river Ganges to this place. Water is coming out of Nandhi devar‘s mouth and springs out near the feet of Shiva and hence the name Thiru vooral. Kamadenu, Chandra, Yama, Surya, Vishnu & Saptha kanniyar worshipped Shiva here.
Theertham: Parvathi teertham, Sathya gangai and Kusasthala river.
Sthala vruksham: Thakkolam
Timing: 7AM to 12 noon & 4 to 9 PM

More information here and also in Vikatan Publication’s ‘Nimmadhi Tharum Sannidhi – Part 2′ book.

Thirumalper and Govindavadi

They are situated at opposite banks of Palar. Govindaraja perumal stayed at Govindavadi with Sridevi and Boodevi, worshipped Shiva daily at Tirumalper after taking bath at Palar. Since Govindaraja Perumal stayed, the place is called Govindavadi.

Thirumalper

Significance: One of the 275 Thevara Padal Petra sthalams
Main deity: Thiru Manikandeeswarar and Goddess Anjanakshi ammai in separate shrines
Location: 12 kms from Kancheepuram. In the Kanchi-Arakkonam route, take a diversion to go through Pallur. Thirumalpoor station is also there in the Kanchi-Arakkonam rail route. The temple is 5 kms from the station.
Theertham: Cheyyar theertham.
Sthala vruksham: Vilvam.
Legend: Vishnu is said to have been blessed with his Chakrayudam upon worshipping Shiva here – hence the name Tirumalper or Harichakrapuram. Once Lord Vishnu lost his Chakrayudha when he applied it against Sage Thadisi since it will not be of any use against sages. On knowing that Shiva can give a Sudharshana Chakra he started praying to Shiva with 1000 flowers daily. One day Shiva wanted to test him by hiding one flower. Vishnu, on coming to know at the end of the Pooja that he is short of one flower, immediately plucked his eye, offered it and finsished the pooja. Shiva was very pleased and offered him the Sudharshana Chakra.
Temple: Dwarabalaka are huge in size. There are some unusual postures of Gods like Nandhikeswarar in standing posture; Vinayahar with ten hands as ‘Vallabha Vinayakar’; Durga devi with 8 hands; Vishnu in standing posture with both hands together. The Utsava vigraha is with flower in one hand and an eye in the other hand. Pooja is done without touching the deity since Shiva here is ‘theendaa thirumeny nadhar’ with kavacham always.

More details in Vikatan publication’s ‘Thevara Thiruvula Part 1‘ book

Govindavadi

Significance: Dakshinamoorthy, as Yoga guru, is special here.
Location: Govindavadi is near Agaram on the Kanchi-Arakkonam route, 1.5 km from the Kammavarpet railway gate; 12 kms from Kancheepuram, towards Arakonam.
Main deity: Kailasanadhar
Temple: This is well known as Gurusthalam. This is unlike most other temples where Shri Dhakshinamoorthy is worshipped as Guru. Every Thursday is considered as a special occasion.

More information here

Ilambiankottur (or Elumiyankottur) and Thiruvirkolam (or Cooum)

Both these temple are part of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns. The tiny village of Cooum lies at about 70 km. away from Chennai, 10 km south of Kadambattur on the Chennai Arakkonam suburban railroad. The sacred Shiva temple is situated almost at the source of the Cooum with its sparkling, clear waters. On the other (western) bank of this lake, 2 kms apart, is Ilambaiyankottur, the other sacred Shiva temple..

One route leads from Sunguvarchathiram through Sogandi, Maduramangalam, Ekanapuram and Sellampattidai, to Elumiyankottur. It would have to be a jeep ride over non-existent village roads.

The other route is more comfortable although somewhat circuitous. One would have to take the National Highway from Chennai to Tiruvallur and drive along tolerably good roads past Thiruppachur (another lauded temple), Kadambathur, Satharai, Perambakkam and Narasingampettai.

Ilambiankottur

Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Arambeswarar with Goddess Kanaka Kujambikai.
Legend: Shiva at Elimiankottur is said to have been worshipped by the celestial nymph Rambai and hence the name Arambayamkottur, which over a period of time became Ilambayankottur. Legend also has it that Chandra worshipped Shiva here.
Theertham: Chandra theertham
Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam.
Timings: 7 AM to 12 noon & 4 – 7 PM

More information available here

Thiruvirkolam

Main deity:Swayambu lingam known as Tripuranthakar & Thirupurasundari ammai.
Legend: When Shiva decided to destroy the demons Thirupurasuran, Kamalakshan and Vidunmali, the world turned into a chariot and Surya Chandra as saradhi, Devas as wheels, Meru as bow, and Vasuki as arrow and Agni as tip of arrow. It was at this place the axle broke because they forgot to worship Ganesha before commencing. They realised their mistake and worshipped Ganesha for success in their mission. Utsavar idol of Shiva here is with bow and arrow.
Temple: Shiva linga here is known as ‘theendaa thiru meniar’ so that the linga is always covered by kavacham. Even Sivachariars are not allowed to touch. Sambandhar in his hymns about the Shiva here says that linga changes its colour when it is going to rain heavily, and to red colour before the break of war as an indication.
Theertham: Kuvagni teertham.
Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam.

Kadambathur

One of the major hubs for the nearby villages. Kadambathur has lot of ancient monuments like temples in its surrounding villages which depicts Cholas and Pallavas creative skills. 5 Miles from Kadambattur is situtated Sri Krishna Anjaneya Raghavendra Swami Temple, which is a Dakshin Mantralaya.

Thirupachur

Significance: One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns
Location: In the Chennai – Arakonam route the temple is at 3 km from Kadambathur, 5 km west of Thiruvallur. There is a rail station at Kadambathur.
Main deity: Arulmigu Pasoor nadhar with Goddess Pasupathi nayaki.
Legend: Parvathi devi worshipped Shiva here and got the left side of Shiva to reside. Vishnu worshipped Shiva here to get rid of his sin of ‘Madhukaitapa vadham’ and was blessed by Shiva. Sun God and Moon God worshipped Shiva.
Temple: There are 16 Ganapathies representing shodasa Ganapathy. Shiva linga here is known as ‘theendaa thiru meniar’ so that the linga is always covered by kavacham. Even Sivachariars are not allowed to touch.
Theertham: Chozha teertham.
Sthala Vruksham: Bamboo.

More details on the temple here

Shri Varaga Eeswarar temple at Thaamal

In the Kanchipuram – Kaveripakkam route, just after Baalu Chattiram this ancient shiva temple is present and is visible from the national highway itself.

Kaveripakkam – Sholingur

Kaveripakkam is a place in the Chennai – Bangalore highway between Kanchipuram and Wallajapet, 97 km from Chennai. It is well known for its lake which is the biggest in this district. It was built by King Nandivarman III of Pallava dynasty (8th Century AD). The length of the bund is 8.35 km

Murugan Temple at Gnana Malai

Location: Jnanamalai temple is located in a small village called Govindacheri, in the Kaverippakkam – Sholinger road at 13 km from Kaveripakkam.
Temple: This 700 years old Murugan temple on a small hillock, surrounded by lake and fertile plains, was discovered in 1998 and there were no proper steps when discovered. Now, with the dedication of the Jnanasramam trust, proper steps have been built to the hilltop. This small temple is in typical Pallava style with a small sanctum and a mandapam. The Lord is in the form Brahmasasta having rosary and kamandala in two hands. The other two hands are in abhaya mudra and resting upon the hip. Generally in Thondai Mandalam (north Tamil Nadu) Pallava and early Chola images conform to this Brahmasasta form. Near the temple there is a small natural water source from which water is brought for temple services.

More details of the temple in the official website here.

Rock Temple at Mahendravadi

Mahendravadi is about 20 km to the north of Kaveripakkam/ Panapakkam. The cave temple here, maintained by Archeological Society of India, belongs to the period of Pallava King, Mahendra Varman I (AD 580-630). According to the inscriptions, this was excavated by Gunabhara on the bund of a large tank called Mahendra thataka in the city of Mahendrapura. The cave temple is formed by completely scooping out a large free standing boulder. The sanctum sanctorum houses an image of Lord Narsimha.

Chennai – Redhills – Thiruvallur

Thamaraipakkam

A 45 feet high shivalingam, 65 feet from ground level is built by L&T at Sarveswar meditation centre for chimaya seva trust. The shivalingam can be seen from a mile itself. More information on the temple here

Alamathi

The ancient Sri Alarmatheeswarar temple is near Redhills on the Thiruvallur high road.

Avadi – Thiruvallur

Thiruninravur

• Sri Bakthavatsala Perumal Temple
• Just opposite to Sri Bakthavathsala Perumal temple, there is one ancient shiva temple called Sri Irudhayaeswarar temple
• Just backside to perumal temple there is a Ramar temple called Eri katta ramar koil

Temples around Thiruvallur

Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple at Thiruvallur

Significance: One of the 108 Divya desams
Location: Around 40 km from Chennai
Main deity: Sri Veeraraghava perumal in sleeping posture with Kanakavalli Thayar in separate shrines.
Legend: When Sage Saalihothra was penancing here, Vishnu in the form of an old man visited him and had lunch with him and after lunch he asked the Sage where to take a nap. ‘Evvul’ means ‘where’ and so this place was initially called Thiru Evvul and later Thuruvallur. Saalihithrar showed him the Parnasala (Kutil) where he rested and gave dharshan to the Sage.
Temple: Veeragava perumal is seen in a resting posture keeping his hand on the head of Sage Saalihothra. There other deities present are Vinayakar, Gopalan, Desikar, Andal, Lakshmi narashimar, Sudarshanar, Ananthan and Azhwar. This place is known as Punyavarthi kshetram. Everyone who worships here get their good deeds multiply and bad deeds waived off. The Perumal here is also known as Vaidya Veeraragava perumal. Once Vallalar Ramalinga Swamigal was suffering from severe stomach pain and he came here and got his pain relieved off. He sang 5 songs on this Perumal.
Theertham: Hruth-thapa-nasini pushkarani. Taking a dip here removes all wrong lusts arising from the heart (Hruth meaning heart; thapa meaning lust). Also it is called Hruth-papa-nasini meaning it will remove one’s sins. The pushkarani has significance that this was present even before the temple. One who takes a dip in the pushkarani is relieved of all ailments.

More information on the temple here and also in Vikatan publication’s ‘Arul mazhai Pozhiyum Arputha Aalayangal‘ book

Putlur Poongavanathamman alias Angala Parameswari Temple

A very popular and powerful Amman temple.

While going by train (Chennai – Thiruvallur) you have to get down at Putlur Railway station and while going by Bus (Avadi – Thiruvallur), you can get down near the temple at Ramavaram village. The main deity is the Swayambu sand putru in the form of Goddess lying in a resting pose. The putru was discovered when an old farmer Ponmeni was tortured by a Village bad guy called Mahisuran and was ordered to plough a rocky place overnight in order to pay off his debt. While doing so, blood oozed out from the putru and the Amman showed herself to the world.

More details in Vikatan Publication’s ‘Sakthi Dharisanam – Part II’ book

Sri Veera Anjaneya Swamy Temple at Kakalur

This temple is located in the Putlur – Thiruvallur route

Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneyaswami Temple at Thiruvallur

Official website of the temple is here

Thiruvallur – Thiruthani

Sri Kamakshi Amman udanurai Sri Sholeeswarar temple at Arcot kuppam

This is an ancient shiva temple at Arcot Kuppam village

Shri Kothanda Pattabiramar temple at Nedunparam

This ancient Ramar temple is located at a village called Nedunparam just before Arcot Kuppam while going from Thiruvallur

Murugan Temple at Thiruthani

Significance: A highly popular temple and one of the 6 important places of Lord Subramanya known as ‘Padaiveedu’ .
Main deity: Subramanya swamy Valli Devasena in different sanctum.
Temple: The temple is on a hillock. There are 365 steps to climb and also a motorable road. This is the place where Murugan married Valli.

More information on the temple here

Chennai – Arakkonam

Sholingur

Sholingar or Chozhasimhapuram, one of the 108 Divyadesams is a very popular place in Vellore district, 27 km from Arakonam and 27 km from Thiruthani. It is known as Gadikachalam as the stay in this place for one Gadigai (one hour), gives salvation for all. There are two hill temples, Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswami on the bigger of the two hills, and Sri Anjaneya on the other. During the Tamil month of Karthigai, especially on Sundays, lakhs of pilgrims throng the place.

More information here.

Nimishachalam (S.V.G. Puram)

Lord Santhana Venugopalan (Krishna) temple at Nimishachalam Santhana Venugopalapuram (called as Nimbaka Kshethram in the past), shortly known as S.V.G. Puram, a few kilometres south-east of Sholingur, on the road to Tiruttani, is equally venerable to Sholingur and it is known as Nimishachalam. The stay in this place for one minute confers many benefits including eternal bliss for the devout public.

More information here

Nemili

11 km from Thiruthani on the road to Nagalapuram in the Thiruthani-Nindra-Pichatoor route and 3 km from Nallattur, Nemili, is famous for its ancient temples.

Jayaveera Mangala Anjaneyar Temple

This has a similar legend to “Aerikaatha Ramar” Temple in Madurantakam

More information here.

Sri Vaikunta Perumal temple

This ancient Perumal temple is also called as Eri katta Ramar.

Shiva Temple

Just opposite to the Perumal temple there is an old shiva temple (name not known to many there). The priest who looks after the Perumal temple is looking after this temple as well. The priest seems to be writing weekly astrology column in the tamil newspaper ‘Daily Thanti’.

Narasinhapuram (Perambakkam)

This great temple of Sri Maragathavalli Sametha Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar is located about 55 Kms from Chennai in a place named “Perambakkam”, 21 km from Arakkonam on the Chennai-Tandalam-Perambakkam Road. While traveling from Chennai to Sri Perumbhudhur on the National Highway. Bhaktas has to take a right turn near Empee distillers and traveling through the road, we can reach this temple. This Narasingapuram is said to be a great sthalam for all the prarthanais and the Perumal is said to be “Varapprasadhi” (gives us whatever the varam (boon) we ask for). This was once in a dilapidated condition but has been renovated now and wears a new look. The Kumbabhisheham took place recently.

More information here.

Sri Vedareswarer Temple at Thiruvalankadu

Location: Located at 15 km from Thiruvellore en route to Arakonam. There is Thiruvalankadu station in the Chennai – Arakkonam rail route and the temple is located at 5 km north east to the station. (There is another Thiruvalangadu, with its Sanskrit name, Vata-Aranyeswaram, situated to the north-east of Thiruvavaduthurai on the Mayiladuthurai-Kumbakonam road. So don’t get confused between the two).
Significance: One of 275 sacred Temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; one of the five places where Lord Shiva (Natarajar) danced against Kali.
Main deity: Arulmigu Devarsinga peruman with Goddess Vandar kuzhali ammai in separate shrines
Legend: This is one of the five places where Shiva danced his cosmic dance; the type of stage here is Rudy and the type of dance being ‘Urthuva Thandavam’. The other four places are: Chidambaram (gold), Madurai (silver), Tirunelveli (copper) and Kutralam (picture). Lord Shiva danced here for His great devotee, Kaaraikal Ammaiyar. While she was coming here to see His dance, Shiva lingam started appearing wherever she put her foot. So she came by walking through her head, had the dance dharshan and attained salvation. Legend also has it that 70 Vellarars took ‘firebath’ here in order to keep up their words and Shiva gave salvation for all of them. This is considered a place to attain salvation and a bath at the Mukthi Theertham here is said to give salvation.
Temple: There are 3 important landmarks here – Shiva temple, Mukthi Theertham and Vada Badhrakali temple. The worship procedure is to take bath at the Mukthi Theertham, worship Kali first and then Shiva.
Theertham: Mukthi teertham.
Sthala Viruksham: Jack fruit

More details in Vikatan Publication’s ‘Sakthi Dharisanam’ Part 1 by Kashyapan and also here

Note: Pazhanai or Pazhaiyanur is situated one mile east of Thiruvalankadu

Chennai – Ponneri, Gummidipoondi

Siruvarpuri Murugan, Periyapalayam Bhavani Amman and Thirukkallil Shivan

More details in ‘Raju’s Temple Visits‘ travelogue.

Sri Agastheeswarar Temple at Periyapalayam

The Shiva here was worshipped by Sage Agasthiar

Shiva Temple at Siruvarpuri

This is an ancient Shiva temple near the Siruvarpuri Murugan Temple

Sri Vooraga Perumal temple at Siruvarpuri

This ancient Perumal temple is near the Siruvarpuri Murugan Temple

Pancheshti

A beautiful place with great historical significance. Excellent and intricate sculptural works. A Nadi jothida Parihara sthalam as well. Annadhana pariharam (serving food to the needy) here, paves way for moksha. Saint Agasthiar had stayed here for a long time and done five(pancha) yagnas(Ishti) and so called Pancheshti. Agasthiar was so attached to this place that he didn’t want to return to Kailasam after his work was over. Only Lord Shiva could finally convinced him. The ambal deity is of Maragatha stone. Since the place is blessd with Agasthiar, this has enough ground water to supply Chennai during the needy conditions.

In the Chennai – Kolkatta highway, at 30th km from Chennai after the Karanodai bridge (Tollgate) and before Thachur Cross road to the right of highway.

More details in ‘Raju’s Temple Visits‘ travelogue.

Contact: Sri Rajamani Gurukkal – 94442 20780 / 26800242

Sri Maragathavalli sametha Sri Varamoortheeswarar temple at Ariyadurai (Kavarapettai)

This 6000 years old temple is present in the Kokatta highways at around 35 kms from Chennai near Kavarapettai at the banks of Araniyar. Lord Krishna stood here as a Aswatha tree for 1000 years. Water, believed to be from River Ganges, is flowing out perennially from a pit all though the year, though in small quantity. Due to this, the place is considered more sacred than Kasi. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples in Chennai representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Sadhyojatha face of Lord Shiva.

More details in ‘Raju’s Temple Visits‘ travelogue.

Contact: Sri Shanmuga Gurukkal: 98948 21712

Arani (Thandalam)

Sri Sampangee Pichaleeswarar Temple

Sri sampangee pichaleeswara in the banks of araniyar is a beautiful temple with historic values. Rishis worshipped with sambangi flowers and attained their wishes. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples in Chennai representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Vamadheva face of Lord Shiva and the place is called Vamadhevapuram.

Adikesava Perumal Temple

This is an ancient and rare vishnu temple

Vadamadhurai

Aadikesava perumal temple at Vadamadhurai near periyapalayam enroute to Thiruvallur. The temple was built by King Rajendra Chozhan in commemoration of his victory over the kingdom of Kosala, near Punjab, Delhi. Kosala Desa belonged to Lord Rama. More information here.

Just opposite the Perumal temple, there is a Shiva temple called Sri Agastheeswarar Temple

Vengal

Pichandeswarar temple and Subramanya swamy temple are here. Vengal is near Vadamadhurai, in the southwest direction.

Gnayiru

Sri Karunambika sametha sri pushparatheswara swami kshetram is specially worshipped as “bhaskara (gnayiru) kshetra”. Located at 10kms from Redhills towards north via pudhur – arumanthai. This temple is associated with sundaramurthy nayanar and Sangili nachiyar.

In gnayiru, surya theertha is very famous for recovery from the long pending illness. Who ever worship this temple they will definitely lead a peaceful life without any diseases and hurdles.

Sri Ranganathar temple at Devadanam

Devadanam village is near Ponneri/ Minjur.

Significances:
• 18 feet long Ranganathar, said to be longer than Srirangam made of Salagrama stones
• More than 1000 years old temple
• Called Uthara rangam (North Srirangam) of Thondai nadu

More details in ‘Raju’s Temple Visits‘ travelogue.

Contact:  Sri Gopi (Trustee) – 98410 90491

Sri Agastheeswarar temple at Ponneri

1km from ponneri railway station is present this temple with historical significance. Sage Agastiyar worshipped this lord.

Thiruayarpadi

Tiruayarpadi is three km from Ponneri, which has an ancient temple in which the deity is called Karikrishna Perumal. The Lord here is Swayambhu Murthy (self evolved).There is an ant hill present inside the temple. Usually, we can see such ant hill only in Amman temples. But this is possibly the only Vishnu temple which has an ant hill. The main deity is said to be evolved from this ant hill only.The Lord here is seen as a Yadhava (shepherd), with His right hand holding a shepherd’s whip and left hand rested on the hip. The Lord has Amrutha Kalasam (bowl containing celestial nectar) on His head.The Lord does not have any Peetam or base and seen standing on the floor, in a tilted posture with one of his leg a bit away.

Outside the temple is a mandapam, an architectural marvel with 16 stone pillars, all slanting in different directions, built that way purposely, for the reason that the main deity here is standing in a tilted position.

The Lord is worshipped here by childless couples to be blessed with a child. It is considered as a Prarthana Sthalam for the childless.

A nice travelogue with many pictures is available here; ‘The Hindu’ article is here.

Chinna Kavanam Nootretteswarar Temple

The temple at a place called Chinna Kavanam 3 kms from Ponneri has a 2500 years old rare tree called Eru Azhinjil (or ankola) which has an unique importance. Its fruit ripens, falls on the ground and after the essense is eaten by ants and other insects, the seeds get attracted to the parent tree like a magnet signifying that the final destination of the human beings being the lotus feet of the lord.

When Agasthiar worshipped Lord Shiva with a hand made lingam from the river sand with a lingam per day for 108 days, on the final day, all the 108 lingams got merged into a Vinayagar and is present under the Ankola tree as a Swayambu Vinayahar.

More details in ‘Raju’s Temple Visits‘ travelogue.

Contact: Sri Ganesh Gurukkal – 27973061 / 98437 08593

Andarkuppam

In the Kolkatta highway, a few kms after the tollgate you will come across the Thachur cross road. Here you have to take a right turn and travel further for 2 kms and you will see the temple arch. The temple is 1 km inside. This an ancient and very popular Murugan temple in this region.

More details in Vikatan publication’s ‘Aalaya Dharisanam‘ book.

Perumpedu

The Murugan Temple here has a 6.5 feet murugan along with his consorts valli with kondai and deivanai with greedam. This is one of the three famous Murugan Temples in this region. The other two are being Siruvarpuri and Andarkuppam.

This is located near Ponneri in the northeast direction towards Thiruppalaivanam.

Lokambihai sametha Sri Paliswarar Temple at Thiruppalaivanam

Location: 10 kms from Ponneri en route Pazhaverkad (Pulicat)

Legend: When milky ocean was churned for Amirtham, the amirtham was made to a Shivalingam and worshipped by Devars here; Worshipped by Sage Agasthiar and Markandeyar; Shiva appeared from a Pala tree and gave dharshan to Rajendra Chola I
Temple: Since the temple is connected with the legend of Pradhosham, Pradhosha pooja is very special and is considered to give all wealth. It is also considered a Parihara sthalam.
Theertham: Devars, after consuming the Amirtham washed their hands at the temple tank here. Demons wanted to drink the water mixed with Amirtham by taking the form of frogs. Realising this, Devars made the temple tank such that it is not livable for frogs and other insects. So even today, frogs and other water living animals can not be seen in the tank.

Sri Chinthamanieswarar Temple at Kattur

This temple is at Kattur in the Minjur-Pulicat route and the place is called South Gokaranam alias Chinthamaneeswaram. If we go from chinna kavanam-pulicate route we should go to Kattur and from there we need to go by boat, the boatman charges around Rs. 10 for the up and down trip. This is the place where Brahma Aranya river merges with the sea. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples in Chennai representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Aghora face of Lord Shiva.

Contact: Sri Shanmugam 98402 14130

Uthukottai – Thirupathi (Chennai – Thirupathi)

Sri Pallikondeswarar Temple at Surutapalli

This ancient and popular temple, connected with the Pradhosha legend, is located at 2 kms from Uthukottai in the Chennai-Pariyapalayam-Tirupati route in Andhra Pradesh state, just across the Tamilnadu border.

The Shiva temple is quite unique here. Usually Lord Shiva is seen only in the form of a Linga but here He is seen in human form and that too in the reclining pose on the lap of Goddess Parvathi like Vishnu Ananthasayana. Per Legend, Pradosham has started here. The temple has been renovated beautifully. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples in Chennai representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Tatpurusha face of Lord Shiva.

More details in ‘Raju’s Temple Visits‘ travelogue.

Shiva Temple at Uthukottai

This is an ancient temple

Veda Narayana Swamy Temple at Nagalapuram

This temple, a specimen of the Vijayanagara style, was built by Krishna dev raya at the behest of his mother. The main deity is the Matsyavatara form of Vishnu accompanied by Sri devi and Bhu devi on either side. Sun worship is an important aspect in this temple. Every year in the month of March, the rays of sun passes through the Gopuram entrance for three days and fall on the main deity.
Contact Ph: 08576-2264590

More details in the temple travelogue here

Sri Vaaleeswarar Temple at Ramagiri

Location: This place, also called Kaalinga Madu Karai or Thirukkaarikkarai is in the Chennai – Thirupathi route, after Suruttappalli and Nagalapuram, about 5 km from Nagalapuram. Picturesque mountains and sylvan scenery add beauty to the place.
Main Deity: Sri Vaaleeswarar and Goddess Sri Maragadhambikai. Though this is a Shiva temple, the prime deity here is Sri Kala Bhairavar, also called as Santhaana Praapthi Bhairavar.
Legend: At the behest of Rama, Anjaneya was making his way by air with a Shivalingam taken from Kasi to Rameswaram to be installed there. He was surprisingly confronted by strange and dry weather and scorching sun premeditated by Lord Kalabhairava, who wanted the Linga to be installed right here at his place. Unaware of this and driven by thirst Lord Anjaneya went on screening the whole area for water until finally found a beautiful calm cool pond. As the Linga was not to be placed anywhere before Rameswaram He looked for someone to keep the Linga while He drank water. Lord Kalabhairava in the form of a small boy came by and consented to hold the Linga. While Anjaneya was quenching his thirst, the boy told Anjaneya, that the Shiva Lingam was too heavy for him to hold anymore and kept it on the ground and went off. Anjaneya came back and saw the Shiva Lingam on the ground. He tried lifting it but he couldn’t. He roped around the Shiva Lingam with his lengthy tail and tried to pull it up using all his strength. The Shiva Lingam tilted a bit but never came off the ground. Anjaneya understood the trick and he cursed the pond to become a hill. The pond became the hill here, on which a Murugan Temple is situated now. The Shiva Lingam which was brought by Lord Anjaneyar is situated in the temple at the foot hill. Since Anjaneya tried to pull the Shiva Lingam with his tail, the Lord here is called as Vaaleeswarar (Vaal means Tail in Tamil & Vaalam is the Sanskrit word for tail) .
Temple: Two ancient temples, one at the foot-hill dedicated to Lord Kalabhairava and the other at the hill top dedicated to Lord Muruga. Water is coming out from Nandhi’s mouth perennially, the source being unknown; The temple is being maintained by Archeology department of Andhra Pradesh. There are 5 ancient Shiva temples in Chennai representing the 5 faces of Lord Shiva and this is one of them representing the Ishana face of Lord Shiva.
Worship Benefit: Bairavar here is called Santhaana Praapthi Bhairavar, famous for granting boon for child birth.

More details of the temple in the travelogue here

Note: A collection of geographical maps of temple is available here. Unlike the static map, these maps can be zoomed to the street level. This works best with the Firefox browser.

Acknowldgement:Thanks to Mr. R.Balaji for providing information about many temples and I understand he has visited all the temples in this page except for just one temple.