Chidambareswarar Temple, Koovathur, Chengalpattu
Chidambareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Koovathur Village in Cheyyur Taluk in Chengalpattu District of Tamil Nadu. This temple is believed to be built by the Pallavas in 8th century CE. Presiding deity is called as Chidambareswarar and Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari. This temple is situated on the southern bank of Palar River.
The
Temple
This temple is facing towards east and is in ruined condition. The temple consists of sanctum with a circumbulatory path, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Presiding deity is called as Chidambareswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam. Vinayaga Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.
Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual
location. Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari. She is housed in a separate south
facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in the maha mandapa on the right side. Shrines and idols of Vinayaga,
Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Bhairava, Surya, Nalvar and
Navagrahas can be seen in the temple premises. There is an intricately carved
image of ashta dikpalas on the vithana.
Contact
Chidambareswarar Temple,
Koovathur, Cheyyur Taluk,
Chengalpattu District – 603 305
Mobile: +91 97872 71053 / 98947 89875
/ 94434 14431
Connectivity
The temple is located at about
250 metres from Koovathur Bus Stop, 15 Kms from Kalpakkam, 21 Kms from Cheyyur,
27 Kms from Mahabalipuram, 27 Kms from Thirukazhukundram, 29 Kms from Maduranthakam
Railway Station, 31 Kms from Maduranthakam, 39 Kms from Chengalpattu, 70 Kms
from Puducherry, 80 Kms from Chennai Airport and 83 Kms from Chennai. The
temple is situated on Chennai to Puducherry route (East Coast Road). All the buses
plying between Chennai and Pondicherry on the East Coast Road will stop at
Koovathur.