Agastheeswarar Temple, Villivakkam – Connectivity

Agastheeswarar Temple, Villivakkam – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Villivakkam Sivan Koil Bus Stop, 250 meters from Villivakkam Bus Terminus, 850 meters from Villivakkam Railway Station, 2 Kms from Padi, 4 Kms from Anna Nagar, 10 Kms from T Nagar, 11 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 10 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 7 Kms from Koyambedu Bus Terminus and 19 Kms from Chennai Airport.

By Road:

Villivakkam has a bus terminus which is located off Konnur High Road. Jawaharlal Nehru Road and Konnur High Road are the arterial roads encompassing Villivakkam.

Bus Routes:

Bus Route No	Starting Point	Passes By	Stop Point
20	Broadway	Purasaiwakam	Villivakkam
20T	Thiruverkadu	Ambattur	Villivakkam
22	Anna Square	Egmore	Villivakkam
27D,27K	Foreshore Estate	LIC	Villivakkam
23V	Velachery	Saidapet	Villivakkam
37C	Vadapalani	Purasaiwakam	Villivakkam
47	Adyar	Saidapet	Villivakkam
47B	Besant Nagar	Saidapet	Villivakkam
T47	Tidal Park	Saidapet	Villivakkam
48	Vallalar Nagar	Ayanavaram	Villivakkam
65V	Poonamallee	Ambattur	Villivakkam
70T	Vandalur Zoo	CMBT	Villivakkam
127H	Anna Square	LIC	Villivakkam
7B	Broadway	Villivakkam	Korattur
20M	Broadway	Villivakkam	Kumaran Nagar
20N	Broadway	Villivakkam	Poompuhar Nagar
48C	Vallalar Nagar	Villivakkam	CMBT
114A	Ayanavaram	Villivakkam	Redhills
120	Broadway	Villivakkam	Avadi
248	Vallalar Nagar	Villivakkam	Pudur

By Train:

Chennai suburban railway station at Villivakkam is between the segment of Chennai Central and Arakkonam Junction, and 10 Kms from Central, there are suburban services to Chennai Central, Chennai Beach, Velachery, Ambattur, Avadi, Pattabiram, Tiruvallur, Arakkonam and Ponneri. The link from Chennai to Arakkonam junction is the oldest railway line in South India.

By Air:

Nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport located at Meenambakkam.

Agastheeswarar Temple, Villivakkam – Legends

Agastheeswarar Temple, Villivakkam – Legends

Agasthya connection with this Temple:

There are many Shiva Temples called as Agastheeswarar Temple in and around Chennai. Most of those temples have legends related to vision Shiva's divine marriage and the sage's travel towards the southern direction. However, this temple of Agastheeswarar has a different legend. There were two Asura brothers namely Villavan and Vatapi who were troubling the sages. Agastya killed both of them. As one of those Asuras namely Villavan was killed in this site, this locality obtained the name Villavanpakkam, which later became Villivakkam. The sage was affected by Brahmahatya after killing the Asura. He installed Shiva Linga in this site and performed poojas to him to get rid of his sin.

As the sage Agastya worshiped Shiva in this temple, Shiva is called as Agastheeswarar. Lord Shiva ordered Veerabhadra to help Agastya by ensuring no one disturbed his pooja. Bhadra also relieved the sage from Brahmahatya. It should be noted that there is a big shrine for Bhadra outside the temple complex. Later, Lord Shiva appeared to the sage. Uma, who was found along with Shiva, was wearing golden ornaments. Hence, she is called as Swarnambikai (Swarna means gold). This Sthalam is one of the 108 Sakthi Sthalam.

Konnur:

According to legend, two demons, Villavan and Vatapi, who were born to Sage Dhruva and Aswamukhi, tortured the entire world and killed many innocent people. One of the demons used to take the shape of a fruit and the other used to offer it to some innocent passerby and after he consumed it, the demon would come out by tearing his stomach. One day, the brothers tried the same trick with Agasthya.

Agasthya consumed the fruit and simply rubbed his stomach saying Vathapi Jeer No bhava; literally may Vathapi be digested, while the other demon tries to bring his brother to life, but in vain. Maharishi Agastya plainly informed the demon that his brother has been digested and could no longer be brought back to life, and eventually bringing their treachery to end. It was here that the slaying of the demons took place and as a result the place came to be known as Konnur in times of yore.

Villivakkam:

It got the name of Villivakkam much later which has its own bearing - that Sage Agasthya planted a Vilvam plant (which has got medicinal and spiritual healing power) and hence the name. The Shiva temple in Villivakkam has a very old Vilvam tree which the priests consider sacred and use its leaves for the daily puja.

Vilvavanam:

The place was earlier called Vilvavanam (forest of Vilvam trees) and later came to be known as Villivakkam.

Angaraka Theertham:

One of the Navagrahas Angaraka (Mars – Tuesday) was afflicted with the curse, in order to get rid of the terrible consequences; he arrived on this sacred place and created a pond Angaraka Theertham.  He underwent severe austerities and worshipped Lord Shiva to clear off his Dosham. So, taking a bath in the temple tank on a Tuesday is considered very sacred.

Agastheeswarar Temple, Villivakkam – The Temple

Agastheeswarar Temple, Villivakkam – The Temple

This temple spreads across an area of two acres with two prakarams. The temple is big but there is no Rajagopuram. The Temple has only entrance with stucco images of Rishabaroodar with Dwarapalakas, Murugan, Ganesha and Nandhis. The sanctum faces the east direction as usual, but the temple entrance faces the southern direction. Presiding Deity is called as Agastheeswarar. The sanctum houses the presiding deity in the form of big Lingam.

The entrance has two big and attractive Dwarapalaka idols. In addition, the entrance has the idols of Ganesha and Kartikeya in either sides. Kartikeya is found in Brahma Shasta form here, holding Japamala. A small Nandi idol is found in the Maha mandapam facing towards the sanctum. Outside, the tall flag staff, bali peetha and Nandi mandapam are found that face towards the west direction.

The Vimana is typical Chola style Gajabrushta. Ganesh, Dhakshinamoorthi, Vishnu, Brahma and Vishnu Durga are found as the niche idols around the sanctum walls. The images are old and look beautiful. Chandikeswara is found in his usual location. Mother is called as Swarnambikai. The Goddess Swarnambikai is found in a separate south facing shrine located in the inner prakara of the main shrine. She is in standing posture.

There are shrines of Ganapati, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Devasena, Saraswathi and Lakshmi (they were originally found at the entrance of Swarnambikai shrine; during renovation, the idols are moved here), Kasi Vishwanathar, Vishalakshi, Agastya, Utsava deities of Uma & Maheshwara, Somaskanda, Agastya, Ganesha and Nataraja & Sivakami in the inner prakaram.

There are few idols found in the inner prakara, which are not housed in separate sub-shrines. They are Surya, Chandra, Bhairava, Adhikara Nandi and Nalvar. There is a standing Nandi (Adhikara Nandi) with human form and Bull face facing the lingam in a small niche near the door. The outer prakara is a vast open space area with a lot of trees and plants.

Eleven small Shiva Lingas, the Sthala Vriksham Vilva, Adi Sankarar, a small idol of Goddess called Vilveswari / Vilvambigai and Navagraha are located in the outer prakara. Navagraha was originally placed in the opposite direction Swarnambikai shrine. Swarnambikai facing Guru was considered as auspicious; somehow during the renovation work, the temple authorities shifted Navagrahas to the outer prakara.

There is a separate shrine for Veerabhadra located outside the main temple complex opposite to south side entrance. He appears with two sharp teeth with a Danda in his left hand. Daksha is before him in a bowing form. Lord Veerabhadra is facing north, the direction of Kubera the Lord of Wealth. People pray here seeking prosperity boon. Hence, he is praised as Ishwarya Veerabhadra.

Mother Bhadrakali shrine is in the front mandapam. As Lord Veerabhadra is another form of Lord Shiva, Pradosha pujas and one-time puja on the Shivarathri day are dedicated to him. There are few holy trees found together. Nagars are around Neem and Peepal tree on a raised platform. Devotees worship during Aadi Tamil month.

Planet Mars created a spring here and worshipped Lord Shiva for relief from a curse. This Theertham called as Angaraka Theertham is situated outside the temple. Hence, the temple is also famous as a Mars – Angaraka Parihara Sthala. The temple tank is equally big as the Temple. Lord Valampuri Vinayaka is nearby facing north. Unfortunately, there is no water in this tank. Else, it would have been an awesome sight.

The Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam. Sage Agasthya planted a Vilvam plant (which has got medicinal and spiritual healing power) and hence the name. The temple has a very old Vilvam tree which the priests consider sacred and use its leaves for the daily puja. 

Pushparatheswarar Temple, Gnayiru Gramam, Thiruvallur

Pushparatheswarar Temple, Gnayiru Gramam, Thiruvallur

Pushparatheswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Gnayiru Gramam Village in Thiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Pushparatheswarar and Mother is called as Sornambigai. This temple is associated with Sundaramurthy Nayanar and Sangili Nachiyar. It is a birth place of Sangili Nachiyar. This is one of the 'Pancha Bhaskara Sthalams' and revered as the prime among them.

This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for Suryan (Sun). The Navagraha temples around Chennai are as follows;

·        Pushparatheswarar Temple, Gnayiru Gramam (Suryan Sthalam)

·        Bheemeshwarar Temple, Mudichur (Chandran Sthalam)

·        Agastheeswarar Temple, Villivakkam (Chevvai Sthalam)

·        Karaneeswarar Temple, Saidapet (Budhan Sthalam)

·        Tiruvalleeswarar Temple, Tiruvalidhaayam, Padi (Guru Sthalam)

·        Velleeswarar Temple, Mylapore (Sukran Sthalam)

·        Devi Karumariamman Temple, Thiruverkadu (Rahu & Kethu Sthalam)

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/pushparatheswarar-temple-gnayiru-gramam-legends.html

History

The temple was in a dilapidated condition for several decades. Surya Trust took up the renovation work for three years and the consecration was done in June-July 2006. 

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/08/pushparatheswarar-temple-gnayiru-gramam-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM. On Sundays, the temple opens from 06.00 AM to 01.00 PM and 03.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Festivals

All Shiva related festivals, Pradoshams, Thai Pongal, Tamil New Year and Navarathri are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Sudarsana Homam is conducted on the second and fourth Sundays of every month.

Prayers

The Temple Pond, Surya Theertham is believed to have medicinal power which will cure skin and eye related diseases.

Contact

Pushparatheswarar Temple,

Gnayiru Gramam, Via Cholavaram,

Chennai – 600 067

Phone: +91 44 2902 1016

Mobile: +91 99620 34729 / 99522 24822

Connectivity

The Temple is located close to Gnayiru Shivan Koil Stop. The Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Redhills, 9 Kms from Cholavaram, 10 Kms from Karanodai, 12 Kms from Redhills Bus Terminus, 12 Kms from Minjur, 13 Kms from Minjur Railway Station, 13 Kms from Minjur Bus Depot, 47 Kms from Thiruvallur, 25 Kms from Chennai, 25 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 38 Kms from Chennai Airport. Town buses are available from Redhills, runs via Karanodai. Bus Routes are 58A, 58C, 57C & T57.

Location | Photos

Pushparatheswarar Temple, Gnayiru Gramam – Legends

Pushparatheswarar Temple, Gnayiru Gramam – Legends

Surya Theertham:

Sanjana Devi, the wife of Sun God is the daughter of Vishwakarma. Though she was happy with her husband, at one stage she felt that she couldn’t bear his heat any longer. So, she left him after leaving her duplicate in her place whom she created from her own shadow. When Sun God realized the truth, he prayed to Lord Siva at the Arunachaleswarar Temple to unite him again with his wife. While circumambulating the shrine he saw a light which fell on him by way of blessings and then moved away.

Intrigued, he followed the light till it reached the village of Gnayiru where it fell on a Linga and vanished. Surya was pleased at the happening and for Shiva's (Lord Pushparatheswarar) blessings, after which Surya returned to his wife. Since the Sun God is said to have bathed in the pond, it became known as Surya Theertham and there is also a Surya Shrine in the Temple.

Scar on Shiva Linga:

There are a few interesting legends behind this temple.  A Chola King was returning after successfully waging a war on a kingdom in Andhra Pradesh. He camped at Cholavaram. He was a staunch Shiva devotee and went in search of lotus to perform his daily pooja. During his search he saw a pond full of lotuses. One of the flowers was taller, bigger and more beautiful than the rest. The King wanted this flower for the pooja and tried to reach the flower. As the King neared the flower it moved away and was elusive. After several futile attempts, the King was very angry and threw his sword at the flower. 

The sword broke into pieces. One of the pieces fell on a Lingam which was in the pond. The pond turned red in no time because of the blood that was oozing from the Lingam. This scar can still be seen on this Shiva Lingam. The King fainted there. His horse fled from the scene before fainting. Lord Shiva then appeared before the King and blessed him. The King apologized to the Lord. Lord Shiva asked the King to build a temple for the Lingam that was found in the pond.

Gnayiru Gramam:

Here is the story on why this place got the name Gnayiru Gramam.  A Chola King was on a Pilgrimage to Kasi and was passing through this village. He saw the beautiful lotus in the pond and as he tried to pluck the same he was blinded. He prayed to the Lord that he would build a temple here on his way back from Kasi. Immediately, his eyesight was restored in one eye. As promised he came to the village on his way back. Lord Shiva appeared to the King and shone brightly on the lotus as Suryan. 

The King then built a temple as instructed by the Lord and got back his eyesight in the other eye as well. Since then, this place is known as Gnayiru Gramam and came to be known as a Surya Sthalam. People come here to get themselves cured of eye related ailments. People visit the Pushparatheswarar Temple in the hope that they will be cured of eye related disorders and ailments, relief of pains and that the Lord will shower prosperity on them.

Pushparatheswarar:

Named after the Sun God, the village has an interesting Sthalapuranam. Surya or the Sun had been cursed by Lord Brahma. To cure himself of the malady caused by the curse, Surya came down to the Earth looking for a place to pray to Lord Siva. He chanced upon a beautiful pond, filled with huge lotuses, some of which even had 1,000 petals. Fascinated, Surya got into the water to offer his prayers. Touched by Surya's devotion, Lord Siva appeared as a Lingam on one of the lotuses and cured him. Filled with joy and gratitude Surya built a temple for the Lingam, in Gnayiru (Sun) village.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Pushparatheswarar, called so because Lord Siva emerged from a flower in the form of a Lingam. Surya was also bestowed with an Akshaya Paathram with which he fed thousands of devotees, who came to the temple every year, in search of remedies for their ailments. They believe the Lord here will relieve them of pain and shower prosperity on them.

Adityahrudayam:

Sage Agasthiyar, the author of Adityahrudayam is believed to have stayed here and worshipped Lord Shiva. Adityahrudayam is a sloka recited by Agasthiyar to Lord Rama in the battlefield before the fight with Ravana. The sage teaches Lord Rama the procedure of worshipping Suryan for strength and to gain victory over the enemy. Reciting this sloka of about 30 verses every day is said to be highly beneficial. 

Final Resting of Kanva Maharishi:

The place of Final resting of Shri Kanva maharishi (foster Father of Shakunthala).

Birth place of Sangili Nachiyar:

The Birth place of Sangili Nachiyar, the wife of the Nayanmar Sundarar.

Pushparatheswarar Temple, Gnayiru Gramam – The Temple

Pushparatheswarar Temple, Gnayiru Gramam – The Temple

The temple is east facing east with 5 tiered Rajagopuram on the south side. The temple is small but maintained beautifully with flowering plants inside the temple premises. Presiding Deity is called as Pushparatheswarar / Poothereeswarar. Both the names convey the same meaning; Poo or Pushpam means flower and Ratham or Ther means chariot. Since the Lingam was found in Lotus, He got this name. Lotus is the flower that is offered to the God here.

Lord is Swayambu Moorthy and Lingam is short. The scar caused by the cut of the king is visible on the Shivalinga. The presiding deity is called Lord Pushparatheswarar because, Lord Siva emerged from a lotus flower in the form of Shivalingam, when the Sun God Surya came down to this place to pray. Even today, during the Tamil month of Chithirai, on the first seven days, the Sun God does Paatha Pooja to Mother & Lord Shiva.

This can be seen every year in the mornings, when the Sun's rays fall at their Feet. It is believed that Sun performs the Shiva Puja these days, hence the midday puja is not performed in the temple. Vinayakar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai are the niche idol around the sanctum walls. There is a small statue for Kanva in the sanctum.

There is shrine for Surya in the Artha Mandapam. Special poojas are conducted on Sundays. Mother is called as Sornambigai and she is 5 foot tall. She is housed in a separate shrine facing east. Interconnecting mandapam between Mother Shrine and Sanctum was added at a later stage.

There is a separate shrine for Sangili Nachiyar in the Temple premises. Urchavar is Somaskandar. There are shrines for Kamala Vinayagar, Valli Devasena samedha Subramaniyar, Tirugnanasambandar, Sandikeswarar, Karaneeswarar, Kapaleeshwarar, Jambukeswarar and Hiranyeswarar and Sangili Nachiyar in the Temple premises.

There is special tree near Sangili Nachiyar Shrine called Tiruvodu maram (the one is used for getting Bhiksha from the public by the Adiyars). Tiruvodu (begging bowl of the sanyasis) is a half of the outer shell of the fruit of these trees. It is also used by them to drink or eat food from and is believed to prevent viral infections.

There is a separate shrine for Kashi Vishwanathar amid the lovely flower garden is very enchanting. Sthala Vriksham is Lotus and Nagalingam tree. Idols of Nagas are located at the east side entrance below Nagalinga tree. Theertham of this Temple is Surya Pushkarini, situated near east side entrance. Inscriptions here suggest that some additions were also made by the Pandyas and Vijayanagar Kings.

Adjacent to the temple outer wall, there is a make-shift shrine of Yoga Narasimhar and Anjaneyar. These Idols were found while digging for the Shiva Temple renovation. Outside the temple complex, about 400 yards away is the birth place of Sangili Nachiyar, wife of Sundaramurthy Nayanar. This place is a big open ground that has been fenced around, with a small shrine-like structure, that houses a large framed image of Sangili Nachiyar.