Nandeeswarar Temple, Adambakkam – Legends
Nandheeswarar:
Legend
says that, there lived a Rishi called Bhringi Munivar in the nearby hill and
was performing penance worshipping Lord Shiva. As Bhringi Rishi was residing,
the hill was called as Bhringi Malai which is today's Parangi Malai or St.
Thomas Mount. Pleased by Bhringi Rishi's worship, Lord Shiva gave darshan to
him in the form of Nandhi in this holy place and hence the God here is known as
Nandheeswarar.
Adambakkam:
During later
days, a Chola king called Aadhani Cholan who was ruling this part of the land,
constructed this temple. As this territory was part of his then kingdom, this
place was known as Aadhanippakkam which turned to be today's Adambakkam.
Guindy:
It is
said that Bhringi Rishi kept his pitcher, a Kamandalam like jug. In Tamil it is
called Kindi at a certain place during prayers. Over a period of time this
place has come to be known as Kindy which gradually became Guindy.
Parangi Malai:
It is
generally believed that St. Thomas, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ
lived and was eventually killed in Chennai city, South India. The locality was
thus believed to be named as St. Thomas Mount and even there is an
old Church in this
area claimed to have been built on the same spot, where he was killed. The
Tamils used to call the foreigners as "Parangi" in those days and
thus the place was called as "Parangi Malai" (the hill of foreigners)
in Tamil language.