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.
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 dont know any other temple
of Anjaneyar with his consort)
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 from 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.
Sri Yoga Hayagreevar temple at Chettipunyam
Chettipunyam village is at about three km west of Singaperumalkoil, near Chengalpattu.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 Nandhis 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 Devis 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 Sakthis 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.
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
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 Vishnus 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.
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 thats 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
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.
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.


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 .

Kadambar Koil
A calm and neatly maintained Shiva temple, considered more sacred than Kasi.

Sri Agilandeswami sametha Agatheeswarar temple at Olugarai
This is about 5 KM from Kadambarkoil.
Thiruppulivanam
An ancient Shiva temple in a dilapidated condition.
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.
d) Just opposite to the ASI maintained Shiva temple there is another shiva temple called Irathai
Thaleeswarar Temple
Chennai Sriperumpudur Vellore (Bangalore Highway)
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
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 Shivas 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
Ramanujars 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 Ramanujars 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
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.
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
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 Yamas assistant Chitraguptan was releaved of his diseases here and
hence this place is said to have healing powers.
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 devars 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 ones 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.
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.
Sri Veera Anjaneya Swamy Temple at Kakalur
This temple is located in the Putlur Thiruvallur route
Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneyaswami Temple at Thiruvallur
1)Uniqueness of the Installation

Normally when a murti is installed, a suitable Yantra will be kept in the base over which the
swami will be erected and the deity gets empowered when more and more poojas and chanting
are done. In Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami Tiruvallur Ashram, Sri Hanuman is
standing on a Yantra to which Swamiji has transferred all his spiritual powers accumulated by
stringent penance done over several decades as well as the spiritual powers of his Guru
Parampara. Hence the deity has been empowered right from the day of Maha Kumbabhishekam
and is readily fulfilling the desires of bhakthas when they pray Sri Panchamukha Hanuman with
single minded devotion.

Further, Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneya Swamy at Tiruvallur Ashram has been
installed under Mantra Shastra and not under Agama Shastra.The Moola Mantras of the
Panchamukhas - five faces -will be written on the walls facing each Mukha and anybody,
without any discrimination on the lines of caste, creed, religion, gender or status can chant for
specified number of times for specific number of days, the specific Moola Mantra relevant to the
remedy the devotee is seeking, sitting before the appropriate Mukha and the remedy sought will
be readily available to such devotee.



2)Uniqueness of Sri Panchamukha Hanuman

The Panchamukha Hanuman of Tiruvallur who is going to benefact the vast humanity should be
a towering personality and hence Swamiji decided on a Viswaroopa murti of 40 feet height. The
five faces are described hereunder.

The face towards the East is Sri Hanuman Mukha in its original form. This face removes
all blemishes of sin and confers purity of mind.


Sri Karala Ugravira Narasimha Swami, facing the South, removes fear of enemies and
confers victory.


The face facing the west is that of Lord Sri Mahavira Garuda and this face drives away
evil spells, black magic influences etc., and removes all poisonous effects in one's body.


Sri Lakshmi Varaha murthi facing the North wards off the troubles caused by bad
influences of the planets and confers all prosperity-Ashta Aishwarya.


The Urdhva Mukha Facing upwards of Sri Hayagriva Swami confers knowledge, victory,
good wife and progeny.
So, there is nothing in the world which does not come under any the influence of any of the five
faces. Inspite of rapid strides in technological advancement, there is a growing insecurity for the
average human being both physical and emotional. The solution is definitely outside the realm of
our perception. The ever merciful Viswaroopa Panchmukha Anjaneya Swami promises this very
security to all devotees.



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.
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.
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.
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

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.
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 dont 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
Note: Pazhanai or Pazhaiyanur is situated one mile east of Thiruvalankadu
Chennai Ponneri, Gummidipoondi
Siruvarpuri Murugan, Periyapalayam Bhavani Amman and Thirukkallil Shivan
1. Siruvarpuri (also called Chinnampedu):
Quick facts:
Main Deity: Balasubramania Swamy
Ambal: Valli
Patikam: Arunagirinathars Thiruppugazh.
Other deities: Suryanar, Vinayagar, Annamalayar, Unnamulayar, Navagrahas, Arunagirinadhar
and more.
Travel Base: Chennai
Location: Around 37km from Chennai on the Chennai-Kokatta highway.
2. Periyapalayam:
The Bhavani amman temple is possibly the most popular one in this region and a section of the
people come here every year during the Adi/Avani Tamil month. They offer prayers in different
forms like head shaving, going with just neem leaves around, lifting the pot with fire,
Angapradhakshana, coconut rolling etc.,. People come in tractors, vans and carts with full
equipments including gas cylinders for cooking, stay here and do their rituals. It was an Avani
Sunday, an auspicious day like Adi Friday and so there was a huge crowd. It took us about 2
hours for the dharshan in the 25 Rs special entrance itself but the dharshan of the beautiful
Bhavani amman made us forget all that. The festive atmosphere could be seen for 1-2 km around
the temple. The authorities could have done a lot more to make the environment better for the
devotees for the huge fund they might be receiving. Not even a good car parking was available.
3. Thirukkallil (also called Thirukkandalam):
Quick facts:
Deity: Shiva Thirukalleeswarar, Sivanandeswarar
Goddess: Anandavalli
Other deities: Sundara Vinayagar, Kaalatheeswarar, Bala subramaniar, Sakthi
Dhakshinamoorthy and more.
Sthala Vriksham: Kalli
Theertham: Nandhi Theertham created by Nandiswara
Patikam: Thirugnanasambandar, 18th of the 32 Tevara Stalams in the Tondai region
Period: Worshipped by Bruhu rishi, Agasthiar, Lava-Kucha, and Thirugnanasambandar. 12
th
to
15
th
Century inscriptions from the Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagar Emperors
Festivals: Vinayaka Chathurthi, Navarathri, Skanda Sashti, Karthigai Deepam and Full moon
day in the month of Ayppasi (Annabhishegam).
Travel Base: Chennai
Location: About 40 km from Chennai and 10 km from Periyapalayam


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 didnt
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.
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. 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. 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
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
shepherds 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.
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.
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.


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 cannot 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.
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
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 couldnt.
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 Nandhis 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.