Poonamalle

Sri Thaiyal Nayagi udanurai Vaitheeswaran Temple

Poondhamalli is about 25 kms from Chennai city and has an ancient temple for Lord
Shiva, which is more than 1000 years old. The main deity here is Sri Vaidheeswarar and
Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi.
This is being considered as the Sevvai (Angaraka - Mars) sthalam for the Navagraha
worship. The temple is lavish, big and well maintained. Here the temple has a separate
Sevvai Padam (legs) and a statue of the Sthala Vruksha Thaazhi Palm tree and also 3
Chakrams which were established by the Adi Shankara (Sri Chakram, Subramania
Chakram and Shanmuga Chakram) near the Subramania Swami shrine. The front
mandapam near the Shiva Shrine has beautiful carvings on the roof. The South
entrance has some interesting sculptures on either side. The main deity is known as
‘Theera
This VinaiisTheertha
temple Perumal’.
very similar to the Vaidheeswaran Koil temple near Kumbakonam, which
is one of the Navagraha Sthalam for Angaaragan (Mars in English or Chevvaai in
Thamizh).
This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for
Angaaragan. It is said that Sri Angaaragan worshipped Lord Shiva at this place.
Sri Angaaragan’s Paadham (foot mark) is found in the temple just outside the sanctum
under the Panai (Palm) tree sculpted on stone. This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for
Chevvaai Dhosham. Special Poojas are done here on Tuesdays for Sri Angaaragan.
The temple is so huge with very vast praakaarams. The main deity is facing east in the
form of Shiva Lingam. Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi is facing south.

Poondamalli - Kundrathur
MANGADU :

Sri Velleeswarar Temple

This is considered as the Sukra (Venus) Sthala for the Navagraha worship. It is said that
Sukra worshipped the lingam here and it is believed that those who have eye ailments
will get cured by worshipping this lord.
The Shivalinga (Velleeswarar) is huge in size and was worshipped by Sage Bargava and
Goddess Parvathi in penance seen at Maangadu Amman temple. Vishnu who
solemnized the marriage of Shiva-Parvathi also has a temple nearby. Vishnu carries the
jewels for the marriage in his hands!. Subramanya swamy, made of single stone, is
seen
All thewith devayani
three templesand Ganesha is seen
(Velleeswarar, with mango
Maangadu Amman in and
his hand.
Vishnu) are near to each
other.
This temple is located very close to Maangaadu Sri Kamakshi Amman temple. This is a
very ancient and beautiful temple for Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Sri
Velleeswarar. There is no Ambaal in this temple, as Sri Kamakshi Amman is present
nearby.
According to the legend, when Goddess Sri Kamakshi performed Thapas here in
Maangaadu, Lord Shiva came down to earth to give dharshan to Her and marry Her. It is
said that, Sri Sukran (Venus) worshipped Lord Shiva here. When Sri Kamakshi came
here to have dharshan of Lord Shiva, she saw Sri Sukran worshipping the Lord. The
Goddess went back as She did not want to disturb the prayers of Sukran.
Later Lord Shiva directed the Goddess to come to Kanchipuram and married Her there.
As Sri Sukran (Velli in Thamizh) worshipped Lord Shiva here, the Lord came to be known
as Sri Velleeswarar and also called as Sri Bhaargaveswarar.
This temple is Sukran Sthalam among the Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai
Mandalam). Sri Sukran blesses people with wealth, prosperity, good family, vehicles,
fame and social status.
The main deity Sri Velleeswarar is huge and looks very grand, facing east. Lord
Ganesha and Lord Muruga are seen at either side of the entrance of the sanctum. Lord
Ganesha here is holding a Mango fruit in His hand and is called ‘Maangani Vinayagar’.
The place Maangaadu itself had got its name as it was once a vast Mango forest.
There is a separate shrine for Sri Veerabadhrar behind the sanctum. Sri Veerabadhrar is
said to have got created from the sweat of Lord Shiva to defeat Dhakshan.
Sri Subramanyar shrine is present at the North West side of the outer praakaaram. Sri
Subramanyar is so beautiful and seen with His consorts Sri Valli and Sri Dhevasena. All
the 3 deities are made of a single stone. Lord Muruga’s Vaahanam (carrier) peacock is
present outside the shrine facing the shrine.

A beautiful Nandhi is present outside the sanctum, facing towards west. It is said that people

Kundrathur

Sri Nageswarar Temple

Kunrathur has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva which is over 800 years old. The main
deity is Sri Naageswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi.
This temple was built by the famous poet Sri Sekkizhaar who wrote the popular ‘Periya
Puranam’. Sekkizhaar was born in Kunrathur itself. Once Kulothunga Chozha II wanted
to know his intellect and tested him with his questions. Sekkizhaar answered the king
perfectly and the king was amazed.
The king made Sekkizhaar his minister at his capital. Sekkizhaar was an ardent devotee
of Lord Shiva and was regularly worshipping Lord Shiva at Thirunaageswaram near
Kumbakonam.
During later stages, Sekkizhaar built a temple for Lord Shiva at Kunrathur which is very
similar to the Thirunaageswaram temple. He installed the deity (Shiva Lingam) with
Naagaabaranam (snake as an ornament) around the Shiva Lingam and named the Lord
as Sri Naageswarar.
This temple is considered the Raahu Sthalam among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai
(or Thondai Mandalam). The Naagar around the deity is considered the ‘Raahu’ for
worship. Parihaarams (remedial worship) for Raahu are done here, especially during
Raahu Kethu Peyarchi and also during Raahu Kaalam (4.30 pm to 06.00 pm) on
Sundays.
The temple is very huge and wonderful. The vast praakaarams add beauty to the
temple. Sri Naageswarar is seen facing east and Goddess Sri Kamakshi is facing south.
Sri Sekkizhaar also has a separate shrine inside the temple.

Kovur
Sri Thirumeyneeswarar Shiva temple
Kovur has a massive temple for Lord Shiva built by Kulothunga Chozha, dating back to
7th century. The main deity of this temple is Sri Sundhareswarar (also called
Thirumaeneeswarar) and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai (also called Thiruvudai
Naayagi).

According to legend, Goddess Kamakshi was performing thapas on Panchagni (fire) in

Maangaadu praying Lord Shiva to marry Her. Her penance was so intense that the
whole surroundings became too hot and all living beings suffered because of enormous
heat. But Lord Shiva was meditating deeply with His eyes closed. Sages and Devas
worshipped Lord Vishnu to save the world from the heat of the penance. Lord Vishnu
directed Sri Mahalakshmi to save the world.
Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi came down here to this place in the form of a cow and
worshipped Lord Shiva to make Him open the eyes, so that the world is saved. Pleased
with Her prayers, Lord Shiva opened His eyes, after which the heat of the place
subsided and became cooler.
As Sri Mahalakshmi worshipped here in the form of a cow, the place came to be known
as Kopuri (In Thamizh, Ko means cow) and later corrupted to become Kovur. At later
stages Kulothunga Chozha had built this temple beautifully.
The temple is facing south with a beautiful 7 tiered Rajagopuram. The entire Sannadhi
street itself is so beautiful with shady trees and ancient houses.
This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for
Sri Budhan (Mercury).
Lord Sri Sundhareswarar and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai are said to be so beautiful
here and hence they are called so. It is said that, by worshipping Sri Sundhareswarar,
one will be cured of many ailments. The temple has undergone Kumbhabhishekam
(consecration) recently and looks fresh and new.
Other deities present in the temple are Sri Veerabadhrar, Sri Valli Devasena Samedha
Sri Subramanyar and Navagrahams. All 63 Naayanmaars are also present in this
temple.
Saint Thyagaraja has visited this temple on his way to Thirupathi. It is said that Saint
Thyagaraja traveled on a palanquin towards Thirupathi and passed through this place.
He also visited this temple on his way. A local headman called Sundharesan asked the
saint to compose and sing some songs on him. Thyagarajar refused and said that he
won’t sing praise of any individual and he will sing praise of God only and left Kovur.

While going from Kovur, his palanquin was obstructed by a group of bandits who threw
stones on the palanquin and his servants to stop him from going further. The saint
Thyagaraja stopped and got down from the palanquin to explain the bandits that he
was not so rich to be robbed and also he was on a pilgrimage to Thirupathi. The bandits
came near Thyagaraja and asked him who threw the stones back at them. Thyagaraja
told them that there were no other people with them except the carriers of palanquin.
But the thieves told that they saw 2 youngsters furiously throwing back the stones on
them to save Thyagaraja. Saint Thyagaraja realized that they were none other than Sri
Rama and Sri Lakshmana who came to his rescue.

Saint also realized that there is some holy power to this place and again came back to Kovur

(Karaharapriya Raagam), "Sambo Mahadeva" (Pantuvarali Raagam), "Nammi Vachina" (Kalya

Most of the compositions of Saint Thyagaraja are in praise of Lord Rama only. This is
one of the few places where he had composed Keerthanas on other Gods.
Sri Sekkizhaar, who was born in the nearby place ‘Kunrathur’, started writing ‘Periya
Puranam’ from this temple only.
Another rarity of this temple is the Sthala Viruksham called Maha Vilvam tree. The Maha
Vilvam of this temple is a very rare one that each stalk of Maha Vilvam has 27 leaves to
it. This Maha Vilvam also has many medicinal properties in it.

Gerukambakkam
Sri Neelakandeswarar temple at Gerukambakkam
This is being considered as the Kethu sthalam for the Navagraha worship. It is located in
the Kovur - Kundrathur Road.
Gerugambaakkam is located about 20 kms west of Chennai. While going from Porur
towards Kunrathur, one should take left to reach Gerugambaakkam.
Gerugambaakkam has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva, which belongs to Chozha
period. The main deity is Sri Neelakandeswarar and Goddess Sri Aadhi Kamakshi.
This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam)
devoted to Sri Kethu Bhagavan. There is a separate shrine for Kethu Bhagavan on the
southern side of the sanctum. Special Poojas and Homams are performed to Sri Kethu
Bhagavan during Raahu Kethu Peyarchi. This is also a Parihaara Sthalam for people
having ill effects in their lives because of Kethu’s position in their Horoscope.
The main deity Sri Neelakandeswarar is situated in a small and beautiful sanctum. The
Lord got His name Neelakandeswarar, as he swallowed the Aala Kaala Poison which
evolved during the churning of the ocean, after which His neck turned blue. In Thamizh
‘Neela’ means blue and ‘Kanda’ means neck.
It is said that the Nandhi in front of the Lord is so powerful, as he absorbs the poisonous
breath of the Lord after He consumed poison.
Sri Aadhi Kamakshi is present just outside the main sanctum, facing south. Sri Aadhi
Kamakshi is tall and looks very beautiful. She is said to be the first among 5 forms of
Kamakshi.
At the left hand of the entrance we can see a separate Snake idol being worshipped as
the Kethu shrine. The Amman strikes your sight and attracts your attention as it is
facing the entrance. So, big, majestic and beautiful! is this Aadhi Kamakshi Amman.
Only those who see it can believe it!!
Kozhapakkam
Sri Agastheeswarar Temple
Kolappaakkam (ொகொளப்பொக்கம்) 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.
This is being considered as the Surya (sun) sthalam for the Navagraha worship. The
unique feature is that the three main deities - The Sun God, Bairava Idol and the
Shivalingam are to be seen through Salaram (window) all at the same time. The
landscape and garden around this temple is maintained excellently. A beautiful water
pond is in front of the temple.
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.
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.
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.
Pozhichalur
Sri Agastheeswarar temple
Pozhichalur is about 3 kms from Pallaavaram Railway station off the road towards
Kunrathur.
It has an ancient Shiva temple belonging to Chozha period. The main deity here is Sri
Agatheeswarar and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli.
This beautiful temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai
Mandalam) dedicated to Lord Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan.
According to legend, Lord Shiva directed Sri Agasthiyar to go towards south to balance
the earth during His wedding at Mount Kailash. As per the God’s direction, Sage
Agasthiyar came down to the southern part to balance the weight of the earth. While he
was on his way to Podhigai hills, he stayed here for many years and worshipped Lord
Shiva, a Swayambhu (self evolved) Lingam at this place.
Sage Agasthiyar had a boon that wherever he worships Lord Shiva, he will get the
dharshan of the Lord’s marriage with Goddess Parvathi. Sage Agasthiyar is said to have
worshipped LordBhagavan
Sri Saneeswara Shiva here
is and
saidgot His dharshan
to have in this
worshipped Lordplace.
Shiva here. As Sri
Saneeswara had been giving ill effects to people, he had gained Dhosham out of it. Sri
Saneeswara Bhagavan, wanting to be relieved of his dhoshams, prayed Lord Shiva for
help.
Lord Shiva asked Sri Sani Bhagavan to come to this place and worship Him. As directed,
Sri Sani Bhagavan came to this place, created a pond called ‘Sani Theertham’ and
worshipped Lord Shiva and got relieved of his problems.
Hence, Sri Sani Bhagavan here is believed to be Mangala Saneeswarar with no
dhoshams or ill effects. People having problems because of Sani (Saturn), worship here
to reduce the ill effects. This place is also called ‘Vada Thirunallaaru’.
The main deity, Sri Agatheeswarar is seen facing the east and Goddess Sri
Aanandhavalli facing south. The temple is facing north and does not have Rajagopuram.
Sri Sani Bhagavan is facing west towards the main deity in the sanctum. This temple is
also a Parihaara Sthalam for Raahu and Kethu.
The temple is of 12th century architecture. It is said that the Shivalingam appeared
when the native Mudaliars ploughed the land.

Somangalam
Sri Somanatheeswarar temple
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” (ெஜயங ெகொ ணட
ோசொழமண்டலத்து ொசங்கொட்டுக்ோகொட்டத்து மொகனூூர் நொட்டு ோசொமங்கலமொன
ரொஜசிகொமணிச் சதுர்ோவதிமங்கலம்). Those days the places gifted (tax free) to Vedic
Brahmins by ancient kings were called Chathurvedhi Mangalams.
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.
Worship Benefits: It is a general belief that those who worship Lord Somanatheeswarar
are blessed with timely marriage, progeny, peaceful and healthy life. 

Porur
Sri Ramanadeswarar Temple
This ancient temple is connected to the Ramayana period. According to the history, Sri
Rama on His way to Sri Lanka rested here in this place which was then a forest. While
resting under an Amla tree (‘Nelli’ in Thamizh), He realized that there was a Shiva
Lingam under the ground and his feet had touched the head of the Lingam
unknowingly.
Sri Rama acquired a Dhosham as He had touched the Lingam with His feet. So he
undertook a penance towards Lord Shiva for 48 days with just one Amla fruit as his
food, to recover from the Dhosham and to bring out the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva
pleased with Sri Rama’s penance came out from the earth and gave Viswaroopa
Dharshan to Sri Rama.
Sri Rama overwhelmed by the Lord’s mercy named the Shiva Lingam as Sri
Ramanaadheswarar and worshipped Him. Goddess Parvathi too appeared and gave
Dharshan to Sri Rama as Sri Sivakaama Sundhari.
Sri Rama with sincere prayers worshipped Lord Shiva as His Guru and got to know the
directions to reach the place where Sri Sita was kept under custody of Raavana and
headed towards Sri Lanka.
As Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva as His Guru, this place became a Guru Sthalam
among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). Here Lord Shiva
Himself is worshipped as Sri Guru Bhagavan.
Also this place is called Uthara Raameswaram, as Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here,
similar to Raameswaram. Also according to temple sources, it is said that Porur was
called as Uthara Raameswaram in ancient days. It is also said that, this temple is
equivalent to Raameswaram and those who are not able to go pilgrimage to
Raameswaram can visit this place and be blessed by the Lord.
The main deity Sri Ramanaadheswarar is too gigantic and beautifully decorated, facing
east. This huge deity is a Swayambhu Lingam (self evolved). Goddess Sivakaama
Sundhari has a separate shrine in the temple.
The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape or Thoongaanai Maadam (தஙகொைன மொடம)
type which is popular in Chozha temple architecture. Sri Vinayagar, Sri
Dhakshinamurthy and other Koshta Murthies are found around the sanctum. This
temple does not have Rajagopuram at the entrance and Vimanam above the sanctum.