Monday, June 9, 2008

Koyambedu Sri Kurungaaleeswarar

Koyambedu is situated at the north western side of Chennai. An ancient temple for Lord Shiva is located in Koyambedu where the main deity is Sri Kurungaaleeswarar and Goddess Sri Dharmasamvardhani (also called Aram Valartha Naayagi).

Inscriptions which date back to Kulothunga Chozha III and Vijayanagara kings, informs about various contributions made to the temple. Inscriptions also reveal the political bifurcation of the place as Kulothunga Chozha Valanadu, part of Puliyur Kottam belonging to Jayankonda Chozha Mandalam.

It is also said that the names of this place in ancient days were as Kosai Nagar, Koyattipuram and Prayachithapuram. Kulothunga Chozha is said to have ruled in the 12th Century and hence it is said that the temple was constructed during his period.

The main deity Sri Kurungaaleeswarar is also called as Sri Kusalavapureeswarar. It is said that Lava and Kusa, sons of Sri Rama stayed with Sage Valmiki in his Ashram along with their mother Sita Devi.

There are few other places too in and around Chennai like Thiruvaanmiyur and Siruvapuri, where Sage Valmiki had his Ashram when Lava and Kusa stayed with him.

The legend of this temple connects to Ramayana period, when Sita Devi was sent to forest by Sri Rama. Sita was under the care of Sage Sri Valmiki during that period and also gave birth to her 2 sons Lava and Kusa.

When Sri Rama sent the Aswamedha horse around the country, Lava and Kusa brought the horse to their custody. Without knowing that it was His sons who captured the horse, Sri Rama sent Lakshmana who fought a battle with them. As Lava and Kusa fought against their own uncle, they acquired a Dhosham called Gothra Dhosham. To be relieved of it, it is said that, they installed and worshipped Lord Shiva in this place.

The presiding deity Sri Kurungaaleeswarar is too small as it was installed by two small kids. This wonderful temple has stood strong across centuries and still has not lost its originality.

There are beautiful stone pillared praakaarams around the sanctum. Another beautiful stone pillared Mandapam is found in front of the temple, in which Sri Sarabeswarar is seen on one of the pillars facing west. Special Poojas are performed to Sri Sarabeswarar on all Sundays during Raahu Kaalam.
At the outer praakaaram Sri Vinayagar shrine is located at the south west corner of the temple.

Sri Visaalaakshi Samedha Sri Kaasi Viswanathar shrine and Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Subramanyar shrine are located adjacent to each other behind the sanctum.

Sri Nandhigeswarar is seen on the outer praakaaram facing the presiding deity.

The temple also maintains a beautiful garden (Nandhavanam) along the outer praakaaram.

Ambaal Sri Dharmasamvardhani is beautiful and is seen in standing posture.

The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is ‘Palaa Maram’ (Jack tree) which is located on the outer praakaram.

The theertham for this temple is called Lava Kusa Theertham which is believed to have been created by the two sons of Sri Rama.

There are many beautiful sculptures all around the temple and on the pillars.

Few of them are Sri Rama performing Pooja to Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva punishing Yama to save Markandeyan and Kannappa Naayanar.

There is another temple adjacent to which is dedicated to Maha Vishnu called Sri Vaikunda Vaasa Perumal temple, which is again formed by Lava and Kusa.

Wonderful temple and worth visiting.

19 comments:

  1. SANKARAM SIVA SANKARAM

    hi, Saravanan,

    wonderful temple.the deity is too small but KEERTHI perisu. illaya.how sweet they were. sure to be visited and get blessings.

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  2. when will be the kumbabishegam arranged please inform the date to me from my mail id.. mail id:- chandrikasudha_1984@yahoo.co.in

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  3. The work for Ezhu Nilai RajaGopuram is going on. heard it will take a year to complete.

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  4. Can someone post the directions to the 2 temples, please.

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  5. Dear Sir
    You are doing a silent but a job worthy Off and you can be proud off for your efforts
    May the Almighty God bless you
    We were educated through your columns
    and motivated to visit the temples and the past history

    God Bless you
    Regards
    TS Iyer

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  6. Should attend the Prathosam and Sunday evening Sarabeswarar pooja. Participating these events itself more auspicious !

    All credits goes to Guru Srinivasan

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  7. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDRESS AND DIRECTIONS

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  8. Please visit http://shanmugaprathap.blogspot.com/2009/12/visited-ancient-temple-of-lord-siva.html for directions on how to reach the temple.

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  9. can some one tell me where exactly is the temple in Koyambedu. Can some one immediately send me e mail in nrj1945@gmail.com as I want to see it today or tomorrow as I will be in Chennai at that time. I am from outstation.

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  10. Koyambedu Sri Kurungaaleeswarar:temple
    Directions:
    On the way from Koyambedu bus terminus to the Koyambedu junction towards anna nagar take left after the HDFC bank, ATM before the marriage hall/ bus stop.

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  11. may sarabeswara and narashima bless you

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  12. DEAR MR.SARAVANAN,

    VERY USEFUL INFORMATION. THANKS AND KEEP GOING

    SARAVANAN.S
    PORUR-CHENNAI
    9786320246

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  13. how to reach? any land mark please

    velloresara@gmail.com

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  14. On 25.03.2012,Kumbabisekam is performed.The temple is completely renovated

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  15. YOU CANNOT BE APPRECIATED BY WORDS,BECAUSE YOU MADE PEOPLE AS IF THEY VISITED THE TEMPLES WITH KNOWLEDGE

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  16. kindly mention correct address pls........

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  17. Dear all,

    Kindly watch video of this temple in my youtube channel "snanacha"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbthd6C__BU

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  18. With grace of lord sri rama, everyone with family should visit this great temple and make meaningful of our birth. Jai sriram Jai sitaram

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