Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Chandran

Somangalam Sri Somanaadheeswarar

Somangalam lies at about 35 kms south west of Chennai city. One can take the route from Tambaram via Kishkinta to reach Somangalam. The better alternative is to take the road from Pallavaram going to Kunrathur. After reaching Kunrathur junction, one has to take left (towards south) to reach Somangalam. Somangalam is about 10 kms from Kunrathur. Also plenty of busses ply from Porur directly to Somangalam.
Somangalam is an ancient, beautiful village having a temple for Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Sri Somanaadheeswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi Amman.
This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) devoted to Sri Chandra Bhagavan (Moon God). According to legend, once, Sri Chandra Bhagavan (also called Soman) is said to have got cursed by Dhakshan. As a result, he lost his divine charm and forgot all 16 form of arts he acquired. To come out of this, He is said to have created a pond here called Soma Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva here. After this, he got back his beauty and wisdom. As Sri Soman (Sri Chandra Bhagavan) worshipped the Lord here, Lord Shiva here is called Somanaadheeswarar and the place came to be known as Somangalam.
This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for those having any Dhosham related to Chandra Bhagavan. Sri Chandra Bhagavan has a separate shrine in the temple, facing west.
This temple is said to have been built by Kulothunga Chozha in 1073 AD during his 3rd year of reign. According to inscriptions found here, this place was referred as ‘Jayankonda Chozha Mandalathu Senkaattu Kottathu Maaganoor Naattu Somangalamaana Rajasigaamani Chathurvedhi Mangalam” (ஜெயங்கொண்ட சோழமண்டலத்து செங்காட்டுக்கோட்டத்து மாகனூர் நாட்டு சோமங்கலமான ராஜசிகாமணிச் சதுர்வேதிமங்கலம்). Those days the places gifted (tax free) to Vedic Brahmins by ancient kings were called Chathurvedhi Mangalams.
The inscriptions found in the temple also reveal the information about the local lake which got damaged and about the repair works done to it. Also, there is information about the cows donated to the temple to fetch revenue to light the lamps in the temple, every evening.
There lived a king called Somakaanthan in this part of the country, who wished to build 108 Shiva temples throughout his country. While he was in the middle of the construction work for this temple, he had his enemies marching towards his territory for war. The king was shocked to hear this, because he was never prepared for a war at that time and had engaged all his soldiers in the temple construction work.
With much grief, he prayed Lord Shiva here to save him. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion in constructing the temple, directed Sri Nandhigeswarar to fight against the king’s enemy. Nandhi turned towards east and blew away the entire troupes of the enemy just with his forceful breath. Lord Shiva made Nandhi to face east permanently to make sure that there were no further attacks to the king’s country by enemies.
Here one can see Nandhi unusually facing east instead of facing the Lord in the sanctum. This is one of the very unique features of this temple.
Ambaal Sri Kamakshi Amman has a separate shrine in the temple, facing south.

Lord Natarajar here is present as Chathura Thaandava Murthy which is again very unique and rarely seen anywhere.
The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape or Thoongaanai Maadam (தூங்கானை மாடம்) type which is popular in Chozha architecture. Such structures would look like the back of a sleeping elephant.
Sri Vinayagar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Mahavishnu, Sri Brahma, Sri Durgai and Sri Sandigeswarar are seen on the outer walls of the sanctum.
The other deities like Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Subramanyar and Sri Bhairavar have separate shrines on the outer praakaaram.
The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is Sarakkonrai Maram which is found on the northern side of the sanctum. There is a small shrine having small Shiva Lingam below this tree and is called Viruksha Lingam. An image of a tree is carved on stone above this Lingam.
A few dilapidated idols are seen near Sthala Viruksham.
In the southern side of the outer Praakaaram Saptha Maathaas are seen in a row along the walls, in which Sri Jyeshta Devi is also present. Sri Jyeshta Devi is said to be the elder sister of Sri Mahalakshmi, who evolved earlier to Sri Mahalakshmi when the mighty ocean was churned.
The Theertham for this temple is said to be Sandeeswara Theertham, which is believed to be created by Sri Sandigeswarar. Another Theertham is Soma Theertham, which was created by Moon God is present a little away from the temple.
The temple is strictly closed between 12 pm and 4 pm. This beautiful temple surely has lots within itself for temple lovers.

Navagraha Sthalams of Thondai Mandalam

There are 9 temples at the outskirts of Chennai dedicated to the Navagrahams. Similar to Kumbakonam, our ancestors have built temples for all 9 planets in the then Thondai Mandalam.

All these temples are built with the purpose that in those days traveling all the way to Kumbakonam from this part of the country was highly tedious.

All of them belong to the Chozha period with brilliant architecture and divinity. Few of these temples are in the state of neglect where others still look fresh and new even after centuries.

The main deities of all these temples are Lord Shiva in different names. In few places the main deity, Lord Shiva Himself, represent the planet and so there is no separate shrine for the respective Graham in the temple.

As a recap I put this post here to have a collective view of all 9 Navagraha temples in Chennai, which I thought would be easy for people to view them from a single page.

If planned well, one can visit all these temples in a day itself, as most of them lie on the same route (from Porur to Somangalam) except the one at Poondhamalli.

Here is the list of the Navagraha temples located in Chennai. Click on the names of the temple for descriptions.


Kolappaakkam Sri Agatheeswarar TempleNavagraha Sthalam for Sri Suryan


Somangalam Sri Somanaadheeswarar TempleNavagraha Sthalam for Sri Chandran


Poondhamalli Sri Vaidheeswarar Temple (Uthara Vaidheeswaran Koil)
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Angaaragan


Kovur Sri Sundhareswarar Temple
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Budhan


Porur Sri Ramanaadheswarar Temple (Uthara Raameswaram)
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Guru


Maangaadu Sri Velleeswarar Temple
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Sukran


Pozhichalur Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Vada Thirunallaaru)
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Saneeswarar


Gerugambaakkam Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Kethu


Kunrathur Sri Naageswarar Temple (Vada Thirunaageswaram)
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Raahu

All these temples are of historic importance and recently Tamilnadu Tourism has started operating package trip to these Chennai Navagraha temples.

Navagraha Sthalams of Thondai Mandalam - Sri Surya Bhagavan

Kolappaakkam Sri Agatheeswarar

Kolappaakkam (கொளப்பாக்கம்) is located at about 18 kms from Chennai. One can take the road from diagonally opposite to MIOT Hospitals off. Mount Poonamallee Road, to reach Kolappaakkam. Alternatively, one can also go from Porur via Gerugambaakkam and reach Kolappaakkam.

Kolappaakkam has a beautiful Shiva temple where the main deity is Sri Agatheeswarar (also called Sri Vaakeesa Mahadhevar) and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli.

This temple is said to be over 1300 years old. According to legend, Sri Surya Bhagavan had worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple. Sri Surya Bhagavan has a separate shrine inside this temple facing the Lord towards west. This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai devoted to Sri Surya Bhagavan. The Sun God is given prominence in this temple, where all important deities of the temples are facing Surya Bhagavan shrine.
 

The color of Vasthram (clothing) meant for Sri Surya Bhagavan is Red. The Dhaanyam (grain) dedicated to Him is Wheat and the auspicious day to worship Sri Surya Bhagavan is Sunday. Worshipping Sri Surya Bhagavan on Sunday, by offering red cloth, red flowers and wheat gives success to one in all his deeds. Also, it is said that worshipping Sun God makes one gain the Thejas.

It is said that, apart from Surya Bhagavan, Sage Agasthiyar too had worshipped Lord Shiva here and hence the name Sri Agatheeswarar. Another Rishi called Vaakeesa Muni also had worshipped Sri Agatheeswarar here.
 

The temple is built facing south on a vast land. Sri Agatheeswarar is seen facing east. Ambaal Sri Aanandhavalli is facing south and is in standing posture. Nandhi is seen facing the Lord towards east.
 

 

Other deities like Sri Ganesha, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Mahavishnu, Sri Durgai and Sri Sandigeswarar are seen around the sanctum.



There is a separate shrine for Lord Ganesha called Raja Ganapathy here. Also, Sri Kaasi Viswanathar and Sri Visaalakshi have separate shrines facing east at the south west portion of the temple. Lord Subramanyar also has a shrine in the temple in which a Maragatha Mayil (Peacock made of green granite) is found.

Sri Kaala Bhairavar is very popular in this temple and is said to be more powerful. Special Poojas and Abishegams are performed to Sri Kaala Bhairavar every Sunday during Raahu Kaalam (4.30 pm to 6 pm) timings. It is said that people worshipping Sri Bhairavar here for 6 consecutive Sundays, get their wishes fulfilled.

Many kings have patronized this temple during various periods. A king called Aadhithyan is said to have done renovations to the temple during 878 AD.

Also Raja Raja Chozha I, Raja Raja Chozha II (1152 AD), Kulothunga Chozha III (1188 AD), Sundara Pandiyan (1200 AD), Veera Rajendra Chozha, a Telugu Chozha king called Vijayakanda Gopala are said to have contributed much to the temple, according to the inscriptions found in the temple.

According to another inscription, a king by name Sri Vijaya Maharaja of Sumatra Island (Indonesia) is said to have gifted 250 Kuzhi (குழி - in Thamizh is an unit to measure lands) of lands to Sri Agatheeswarar at Kolappaakkam, during the 8th year of his reign. Inscriptions reveal that Sri Vijaya Maharaja was contemporary to Raja Raja Chozha and also had very cordial relationship with the then Chozha kingdom. The inscription also gives details about some Buddhist activities nearby this temple and Sri Vijaya Maharaja was a Buddhist.
 
In the recent past, the ASI have explored the area and found ruins of a Buddhist shrine near the temple. A couple of Buddha statues and pillars were discovered near this temple, which is kept in the street sides of the temple. A carving of Lord Ganesha is also found on one of these pillars. Archeologists predict that Sri Vijaya Maharaja, who visited the Buddhist temple at Kolappaakkam, could have also visited Agatheeswarar temple and made donations to the temple.
 
The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is ‘Arasa Maram’ (Peepul tree) and Theertham is called ‘Amirtha Pushkarani’ (pic above) which is found adjacent to the temple and is less maintained.

Special days like Pradhosham, Sivarathri etc., are celebrated well in this temple. Devotees throng from different parts of the city during such days.

 

This wonderful temple with great significance is now coming to light gradually.

Tirumayilai(Mylapore)

Location: Chennai  (Tondai Naadu)
Shiva: Kapaleeswarar
Ambal: Karpagambal
Vriksham: Punnai
Patikam : Sambandar
Travel Base: Chennai

Description:   'Where the ancient coexists with the modern' would be the best phrase to describe the manner in which the Kapaleeswarar Temple (Tirumayilai Shivastalam) fits into the life of Chennai, the sprawling meteropolis. The recently built Rapid Transport System, proudly bears the name Tirumayilai, on its station at Mylapore. A well known landmark in the heart of Mylapore, Chennai this temple is visited by thousands, especially during the famed 'Arupattu Moovar' festival in the month of Pisces. The Teppam or float festival in the large temple tank, and the biweekly Pradosham festival also draw huge crowds here. Tirumayilai is the most centrally situated Shivastalam of the three in (and around) Chennai - Tiruvanmyur, Tirumayilai and Tiruvotriyur. This is the 24th of the 32 Tevara Stalams in the Tondai region of South India.
Legends: Parvati (Karpakambal) in the form of a peacock, Mayil is said to have worshipped Shiva (in a legend similar to that at Mayiladuturai), hence the name Mylapore. There are several literary works associated with this hoary shrine, which remains today, a seat of Tamil culture. The Poompaavai Patikam composed by Sambandar is associated with this temple & he is said to have brought back to life, Poompavai the daughter of a devotee of Shiva - Sivanesa Chettiar. This event is enacted on the 8th day of the annual festival in the month of Pankuni (Pisces).

The Temple: The current temple is a modern structure, built based on the descriptions in the Puranams and the Tevaram; the huge temple tank is the site of the popular Teppam festival in the month of Thai (Capricorn). The Karpakambal shrine in this   temple attracts huge crowds on Fridays and on all special occasions. Tirumurai concerts are held regularly here, as are Uzhavaarattiruppanigal in the tradition of Appar. The Singaravelar shrine is where Subramanyar is said to have been given the Velayudham (Spear) by his mother - in a legend similar to that at Sikkal.. A towering Rajagopuram with several stucco images adorns the Eastern entrance to this shrine, where the sanctum faces the West, where the temple tank is located.

Festivals: Six worship services are offered each day here. In terms of a tradition of festivals and celebrations, Tirumayilai is second to none. More will be said about the Kapaleeswarar temple in a Templenet special feature on Temple festivals.

List Of Temple In And Around Kumbakonam And Bus Route Numbers

TEMPLE	PLACE	BUS NUMBERS TO VISIT
AIRAWATHESWARAR KOIL DURGA TEMPLE ABATHSAGESWARAR KOIL SAPTHARISHEESWARAR KOIL KAMBAGARESWARAR KOIL MAHALINGASWAMY KOIL NAGANATHASWAMY KOIL SURIYA BAGHAVAN KOIL KABARDEESAR KOIL SWAMINATHA SWAMI KOIL UPPILIAPPAN TEMPLE SENJADAIAPPAR KOIL DURGA TEMPLE MAHAMARIAMMAN KOIL SRINIVASA PERUMAL KOIL SARANATHA PERUMAL KOIL VANADURGA KOIL VENKATACHALAPATHY KOIL THIRUPADALVANAM ABATHSAGESWARAR KOIL SATCHINATHA SWAMI KOIL VINYAGAR KOIL KARPARAKSHAMBIGAI KOIL PASUPATHEESWARAR KOIL	DARASURAM PATTEESWARAM ADUTHURAI AMMACHATRAM THIRUBUVANAM THIRUVIDAIMARUDUR THIRUNAGESWARAM SURIYANAR KOIL THIRUVALANCHULI SWAMIMALAI THIRUNAGESWARAM THIRUPANADAL AMMANKUDI VALANGAIMAN NACHIARKOIL THIRUCHERAI KATHIRAMANGALAM VAPPATTUR KARUPPUR ALANGUDI THIRUPURAMBIAM GANAPATHI AGRAHARAM THIRUKARUKKAVUR PANDANALLUR	8, 11, 12, 14, 25, 29, 35. 8, 11, 25 1, 17, 27, 33, 46, 54, 64 1, 17, 27, 33, 46, 54, 64 1, 17, 27, 33, 46, 54, 64 1, 17, 27, 33, 46, 54, 64 13, 15, 22, 23, 58, 60 2A, 54 12, 14, 29, 43, 48 1, 16, 30 13, 15, 22, 23, 58, 60 2, 9, 34. 15, 49 5, 20, 21, 32, 36, 50 3, 4, 13, 28, 39, 41, 45 3, 13, 45, 60 2A. 2, 9, 34 2, 2A, 9, 19, 34, 34A. MANNARKUDI route BUSES 6, 18 25, 42. 11, 29 44, 54
LIST OF TEMPLES AND THEIR LOCATION PLACE LOCATION PRINCIPAL DEITY AADANOOR 9 Kms. from Kumbakonam on the Thiruvaiyaru Road ANDALUKKUMAYYAN AMMANKUDI 20 Kms from Kumbakonam KAILASANADAR AVOOR 10 Kms from Kumbakonam to  Thanjavur via Melatur PASUPATHEESWARAR AZHAGA PUTHUR (ARISIRKARAI PPUTHUR) 5 Kms from Kumbakonam on the Thiruvarur Road SORNAPUREESWARAR DARASURAM 4 Kms from Kumbakonam on the Thanjavur Road AIRAVADESWARAR ENKAN 32 Kms from Kumbakonam on the road to Thiruvarur(Near Kudavasal) LORD SUBRAMANYA GANAPATHIAGRAHARAM 25 Kms from Kumbakonam on the road to Thiruvaiyyaru. LORD VINAYAKA HARIDWARAMANGALAM 28 Kms from Kumbakonam PADALESWARAN INNAMBOOR 3 Kms from north from Puliyanchery which is on the Kumbakonam – Swamimalai road EZHUTHARINATHAR KAPISTHALAM Near Swamimalai on the Kumbakonam- Thiruvayyaru Road GAJENDRA VARADAN KONERI RAJAPURAM(THIRUNALLAM) 4 Kms from pudur, a stop on theKumbakonam- karaikkal road UMA MAHESWARAR (BOOMI NATHAR) KOTTAIYOOR  (KOTEESWARAM) 6 Kms on the Kumbakonam-Swamimalai  Road KOTEESWARAR KUDAVASAL(KUDAVAYIL) 20 Kms from Kumbakonam on the road to Tiruvarur KONESWARAR ADHI KUMBESWARA SWAMI TEMPLE IN Kumbakonam Town ADHI KUMBESWARAR NAGESWARASWAMI TEMPLE IN Kumbakonam Town NAGESWARA SOMESWARAR TEMPLE IN Kumbakonam Town SOMESWARA KASI VISWANATHAR TEMPLE IN Kumbakonam Town KASI VISWANATHA BANA PUREESWARA TEMPLE IN Kumbakonam Town BANA PUREESWARA SARANGAPANI TEMPLE IN Kumbakonam Town SARANGAPANI CHAKRAPANI TEMPLE IN Kumbakonam Town CHAKRAPANI RAMASWAMY TEMPLE IN Kumbakonam Town LORD RAMA KUTTALAM 26 Kms from Kumbakonam on Mayiladuthurai Road UKTHA VEETHEESWARAR MANNARGUDI 36 Kms from Kumbakonam Via  Needamangalam SRI RAJA GOPALA MAYILADUTHURAI 35 Kms from Kumbakonam MAYURANATHAR NANNILAM(MADHUVANAM) 30 Kms from Kumbakonam on the road to Nagore MADUVANESWARAR NALLOOR 2 kms from Vazhapazhasalai, which is on Kumbakonam- Thanjavur Road KALYANA SUNDARESWARAR NATCHIAR KOIL 12 Kms from Kumbakonam on the Tiruvarur Road SRINIVASA OOTHUKADU 20 Kms from Kumbakonam on the Thanjavur Road via Melatur VEDA NARAYANAR PASUPATHI KOIL Around 30 Kms from Kumbakonam on the Thanjavur Road BRAHMA PUREESWARAR PATTEESWARAM 10 Kms from Kumbakonam on the road to Thanjavur Via Melattur DHENUPUREESWARAR PAZHAYARAI Near Patteswaram SOMESWARAR POOVANOOR It is in between Needamangalam and Mannargudi on Kumbakonam-Mannargudi road PUSHPAVANESWARAR SENGANOOR Near Thirupanandal on Kumbakonam- Madras Road SATHYAGIRINATHAR SIRUGUDI(SOOTCHUMAPURI) 3 Kms from Katakambadi on the Kumbakonam – Natchiar Koil Road SOOTCHUMA PUREESWARAR SWAMIMALAI 8 Kms from Kumbakonam on Thiruvayyaru Road SWAMINATHA SWAMI THERAZHUNDOOR 10 Kms from Mayiladuthurai on Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthutrai Road KOSAGAR THIRUCHERAI 15 Kms from Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam – Tiruvarur Road SARANATHATPERUMAL THIRUKKANNAMANGAI 36 Kms from Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam-Tiruvarur Road Via Kudavasal BAKTHAVATSALAR THIRUKKARUGAVOOR 7 Kms from Papanasam, which is on the Kumbakonam- Thanjavur Road GARBAPUREESWARAR THIRUKKODIKKAVAL Situated in the Kumbakonam-Kadiramangalam Road KOTEESWARAR THIRUMANANCHERI 8 Kms from Kuttalam, which is 10 kms from Mayiladuthurai on Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai road KALYANA SUNDARAR THIRUMANGALAKKUDI 2 Kms from Aduthurai, which is 15 kms from Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam- Mayiladuthurai Road PRANAVARADESWARAR THIRUMARUGAL About 9 Kms from Nannilam on the Road to Nagore MANIKKAVANNAR THIRUNARAIYOOR On the Kumbakonam- Tiruvarur Road SIDDHANADESWARAR THIRUNEELAKKUDI On the Kumbakonam-karaikkal Road near Thirunageswaram NEELAKANDESWARAR THIRUPPAMPURAM 2 kms from Karkathi which is on the Kumbakonam- Karaikkal Road SESHAPUREESWARAR THIRUPANANDAL 19 Kms from Kumbakonam on Madras Road SADAIYAPPAR THIRUPURAMBIYAM 4.5 Kms from Innambar, which is 3 Kms from north from Puliyanchery which is on the Kumbakonam – Swamimalai road. SATCHINATHAR THIRUBUVANAM 5 Kms from Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam - Mayiladuthurai Road KAMBAHARESWARAR THIRUVAIGAVOOR 4.5 Kms from Thirupurambiyam VILVAVANESWARAR THIRUVALANCHUZHI 6 Kms from Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam - Swami malai Road via Dharasuram KARPAGA NATHESWARAR THIRUVANCHIYAM  (SRIVANCHIYAM) On the Kumbakonam – Nagoor Road, near Nannilam VANCHIHINGESWARAR THIRUVAVADUTHURAI 2 Kms from Narasingampettai, which is at 16 kms from Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai Road MASILAMANEESWARAR THIRUVEEZHIMAZHAI Near Eravancheri on the Kumbakonam-Peralam Road NETHARAR PARESWARAR THIRUVIDAI MARUDOOR 6 Kms from Kumbakonam on Kumbakonam -Mayiladuthurai Road MAHALINGESWARAR THIRUVISANALOOR 8 kms from Kumbakonam YAGANANDESWARAR UPPILIPPAN KOIL 10 Kms from Kumbakonam-Karaikkal Road OPPILIYAPAN VALANGAIMAN 12 Kms from Kumbakonam on Manargudi Road MARIAMMAN

Thanks to http://kumbakonam-temples.blogspot.com/2009/06/list-of-temples-in-and-around.html