Koyambedu Sri Vaikundavaasa Perumaal

Koyambedu is situated at the north western side of Chennai. An ancient temple for Lord Vishnu is located in Koyambedu where the main deity is Sri Vaikundavaasa Perumaal and Goddess Sri Kanagavalli Thaayaar. This temple lies adjacent to Sri Kurungaaleeswarar temple and both forming twin temples in Koyambedu.

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.

It is said that Lava and Kusa, sons of Sri Rama stayed with Sage Valmiki in his Ashram here, along with their mother Sita Devi. It is said that Sri Vaikundavaasa Perumaal here was worshipped by Sage Valmiki, Lava and Kusa.

Usually, Vaikunda Perumaal temples will have the presiding deity in sitting posture. But here Perumaal is seen in standing posture along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.

This temple is also famous for its shrine for Sri Rama and Sita Devi. Sri Rama and Sita are found just outside the sanctum unusually on normal clothing instead of being dressed like King and Queen. Sita Devi is seen on a regular Saree with her hair do (called Kodaali Kondai) as an ordinary woman. It is made to signify their posture when they spent 14 years in the forest.

In another place, Sita Devi is also seen as a pregnant woman, as She gave birth to Lava and Kusa at Sage Valmiki’s Ashram, after She was exiled to forest.

Goddess Sri Kanagavalli Thaayaar is present in a separate shrine on the outer praakaaram at the southwest side of the temple. Goddess is so beautiful, decorated with all Her ornaments.

Sri Aandaal shrine is located at the northwest corner of the temple.

There are 3 trees uniquely grown very close to each other. There is one Vilvam tree between 2 neem trees on its either sides. It is said that Vilvam signifies Lord Shiva and one of the Neem tree represents Sri Parvathi and another Neem tree signifies Her brother Lord Vishnu. It is believed that it is like the wedding posture of Lord Shiva where Lord Vishnu presides over their marriage by joining their hands together. A Vilvam and Neem tree inside a Vaishnavite temple is a very rare sight.

There is a separate shrine for Sri Anjaneyar at the opposite side of the temple, where Sri Anjaneyar is seen facing west towards the temple.

The theertham for this temple is ‘Lava Kusa Theertham’ which is believed to have been created by the two sons of Sri Rama. The same tank serves as Theertham for Sri Kurungaaleeswarar temple, which lies just adjacent to this temple.

There are many beautiful sculptures all around the temple.

Koyambedu, apart from CMBT has these great twin temples, to form a divine pilgrimage center.

Thiru Idaichuram Sri Gnanapureeswarar

Thiru Idaichuram (திரு இடைச்சுரம்) is located about 60 kms from Chennai. It lies on the road connecting Chengalpattu and Thirupporur. Thiru Idaichuram can either be accessed from Thirupporur at about 18 kms or from Chengalpattu about 9 kms. There is an arch on the main road indicating the path to the temple. This village is presently called as Thiruvadisoolam.

Thiru Idaichuram (Thiruvadisoolam) is a small village surrounded by many hills. This village has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Sri Gnanapureeswarar, also called as Idaichura Naadhar. Goddess here is Sri Govardhanaambigai.

As per the legend, Goddess Parvathi took the form of Kaamadhenu (cow) and came to this village. One day villagers here saw the cow pouring its milk by its own, on an ant hill. They dissolved the ant hill to find a beautiful Shiva Lingam inside. They installed the deity in the same place and formed this temple.

As the cow poured milk by itself on God, the place came to be known as Thiru Idaichuram, and Goddess is called as Govardhanaambigai (In Sanskrit ‘Go’ means cow).

It is also said that this place got its name as this village is surrounded by hills. In Thamizh, the place between hills is called “Churam”.

This temple is one among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams. Thiru Gnana Sambandhar has sung praise on the Lord here. It is said that Thiru Gnana Sambandhar visited this village during morning hours. He took bath in a pond here and was resting on the banks of the pond. Lord Shiva appeared as a Yadhava (shepherd) and went to Him carrying food in a mud pot. Lord Shiva offered food to Sambandhar. Sambandhar politely refused and said that he will never take food before having dharshan of Lord Shiva, which was his everyday practice.

The Yadhava man told Sambandhar that there is a Shiva temple nearby and took him to this temple. Sambandhar followed the Yadhava and went inside the temple where the Yadhava vanished near the sanctum. Sambandhar overwhelmed by the mercy of God, sung in praise of Lord Shiva here. The pond in which Sambandhar took bath (pic above) is still seen in this village, a little away from the temple. The Lord here is also said to have been worshipped by an ancient sage called Gowthama Rishi.

The temple looks too ancient amidst serene atmosphere surrounded by paddy fields. There is no Rajagopuram for this temple. The praakaarams are vast and have concrete pathways. The structure of this temple is unusual, looking like an old village house when viewed from outside. The temple is facing south.

There are beautiful stone pillared mandapams inside the temple. The ceiling is a bit lower and the whole mandapam allows limited sunlight. The interior structures are too good making us forget the present materialistic world.

The main deity Sri Gnanapureeswarar is seen facing east from a small, beautiful sanctum. The deity is made of Maragatha (dark green) stone and hence called as Maragatha Lingam, which is not too visible to make out while having dharshan. It is said that the actual color and the glow of this Maragatha Lingam will clearly be visible when ‘Then Abishegam’ (Honey Abishegam) is performed to the deity.

The Goddess Sri Govardhanaambigai is seen facing south. One can have dharshan of both the God and Goddess by standing in the same place.

Sri Vinayagar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Sandigeswarar, Sri Durgai and Sri Brahma are seen around the sanctum.

The outer Praakaaram is spread on a vast space having a small shrine for Vinayagar. Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Subramanyar has a shrine on the outer praakaaram. On the northern side there is a small shrine where another Shiva Lingam is seen in the name of Sri Brahmaandeswarar facing west.

The Ambaal for Sri Brahmaandeswarar is called Sri Brahmaandeeswari located on the eastern side facing south.

The Nandhi is seen on the eastern praakaaram facing west toward the Lord.

The Sthala Viruksham here is Vilvam, which is on the eastern part of the temple. There is also a shrine for Sri Surya Bhagavan. There is an ant hill and a Nandhi on the southern praakaaram.

Outside the compound, on the eastern side there is the temple pond with ‘Alli flowers’ grown beautifully in it. This pond looks very natural without any steps or bathing ghat built to it.

Thiru Idaichuram is surely a ‘feast to soul’ for temple lovers.

Chenganmaal Sri Chenganmaaleeswarar

Chenganmaal village lies about 40 kms from Chennai on the OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road), just 2 kms before Thirupporur.

Chenganmaal has an ancient Shiva temple with main deity Sri Chenganmaaleeswarar and Goddess Sri Brihannaayagi.

In Thamizh, Chenganmaal (செங்கண்மால்) denotes the name of Lord Vishnu. It is said that Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here and hence the deity got the name, Chenganmaaleeswarar and the village, Chenganmaal.

It is also said that, as this temple was built by an ancient Chozha king called Ko Chengannan (who built Thiruvaanikkaaval temple); this place got its name after the king Chengannan.

Temple legend has it that Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here offering 1008 lotus flowers. He was praying Lord Shiva with utmost devotion. Lord Shiva made a trick and made one flower vanish from 1008 lotuses. When Lord Vishnu was about to offer the last flower, He was shocked to see that there was no more flowers. Lord Vishnu immediately owed Himself as the last flower to complete the Pooja.

This temple is believed to have been built during 12th century. This temple does not have a Rajagopuram.

The Lord here is facing east. Goddess Sri Brihannaayagi is beautiful and is facing south.

This small temple has a beautiful Praakaaram on which Lord Ganesha is on the south west corner. Lord Ganesha is seen here as Sri Selva Vinayagar. There is an Urchava Mandapam made of stone pillars adjacent to Sri Selva Vinayagar shrine.

Other deities are Sri Subramanyar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Brahma and Sri Durgai. Surya Bhagavan has a small shrine facing west adjacent to the main entrance. There is a tall concrete Mandapam adjacent to Surya Bhagavan shrine for the temple's bell.

An old, tall Dwajasthambham adds attraction to the Praakaaram.

There is a big pond outside the temple on its northern side, which serves as Theertham for this temple and is called as ‘Vishnu Theertham’. The Sthala Viruksham here is Vilvam.

A small, yet beautiful and calm temple to cherish is not too far from the city.

Pancheshti Sri Agatheeswarar

Pancheshti is a very small village located on Chennai Kolkota highway, about 30 kms from Chennai. After crossing Red Hills and Karanodai on the highway, you have to take a right turn to enter this village. The temple is just 500 meters off the highway.

Pancheshti had got its name from Pancha Ishti. Pancha means 5 and Ishti means Yagna means Penance which is performed to get some wish fulfilled.

According to legend, there lived a demon king called Sukethu, who along with his family suffered some curse. To get him relieved of the curse, Sage Agasthiyar performed about 5 yagnas called Deva Yaagam, Brahma Yaagam, Bhootha Yaagam, Pithur Yaagam and Manusha Yaagam here. Hence this place got its name Pancha Ishti which later corrupted to become Pancheshti and now Panchetti.


It is said that Sage Agasthiyar stayed here for long and worshipped Lord Shiva and also helped the Devas like Lord Indra, Indrani (Indra’s wife) and Viswaroopan to get relieved of their curses, by performing Pradhosha Poojas.

A king called Mithradhwaja, who was ruling this part with his capital as Kanchipuram, used to visit this temple on all Pradhosham days to worship Lord Shiva here. Once during such visit, he heard a voice crying for savior. When he went near, he saw a tiger trying to kill a old man who was a passer by. The king asked the tiger to leave the old man. The tiger replied that it is also old and has to feed it’s family, for which the old man is the prey. The king told the tiger to take him as the prey and leave the old man alive. The king also said that he is on his way to Pancheshti for Pradhosha Pooja and on return he will offer himself to the tiger. The tiger agreed. After his pooja the king returned to the tiger and asked to take him as the prey. The tiger vanished and Lord Shiva gave Dharshan to him along with Parvathi. The king who was overwhelmed with the mercy of the Lord, has contributed a lot to this temple.


The Lord here is a Swayambhu (self evolved) Lingam, which is said to be existed even before the arrival of Sage Agasthiyar here. As Agasthiyar worshipped here, the Lord here is called Sri Agatheeswarar.


The Ambaal (Goddess) here is Sri Anandhavalli, who is so beautiful in standing posture facing south. She is made of green granite and is three eyed, hence considered powerful. As she has her left foot forward, she is believed to be the destroyer (Chathru Samhaari) of all the evil forces or enemies. Worshipping her here eliminates all the evil forces, enemies and hurdles in one’s life.

Sage Agasthiyar has installed a Maha Yantra, also called Durga Yantra (containing scriptures) just in front of Ambaal to bring down her fierce (Ugram). Abishegams are performed to this Yantra on Tuesdays and Fridays and also poojas during Rahu Kaalam timings.


The sculptures of Adhi Devathas (Gods) connected to the Maha Yantra which is installed in front of Ambaal, is sculpted at the ceiling (in the pic above) of the entrance in Raja Gopuram. This Yantra is called Ekadasa Kona (11 angled) Maha Yantra which contains sculptures of all the Gods pertaining to the Maha Yantra which is found in front of Goddess.

More importance is given to Ambaal in this temple and the Raaja Gopuram (Main Tower) itself is facing south towards Ambaal. All the sculptures in Raaja Gopuram are made to face Ambaal. Ashta Dhik Baalakas (Gods of 8 directions) Indra, Agni, Yama, Nrithi, Vaayu, Kubera & Eesaan are sculpted in a row near the entrance of Raaja Gopuram facing Ambaal here. Also the Navagrahas sculpted on the other side are again facing Ambaal. In Navagrahas, Lord Saneeshwara is seen with his Vaahana (carrier) as Eagle instead of crow, which is quite unusual. As all the Devas and Navagrahas face the Ambal here, it is believed that Ambaal is so powerful in removing Navagraha Dhoshas.


In Hindu mythology, any temple facing the South is called Parihaara Sthalam, in which one can find remedy for any kind of problems in life. Doing Annadhaanam (free feeding) here is considered most auspicious and believed that it will get us back the lost positions, possessions and will help attain God’s feet. Lighting the Ghee lamp here, one is removed of all his sins.


The Theertham (Pond) here is called as Agasthiya Theertham. It is said that, the pond originated from the saliva of Sage Agasthiyar. As per the legend, river Ganges (holy Ganga) merges in this Theertham during the Full moon days of Thamizh month ‘Vaikaasi’. If one makes a dip here in this water on the said day, it is said that he will never have a re-birth in this world again.

Vilvam tree is the Sthala Vruksham here.

This holy place is said to have references in ancient Naadi Astrology for various Parihaarams (remedies).

Sage Agasthiyar’s disciple, Sage Pulasthiyar has installed a Shiva Lingam in a separate shrine facing south, inside this temple. This God is called Ishta Lingeswarar who is worshipped for fulfilling one’s wishes, resolving any legal problems and to gain peace and harmony.

The other deities present here are Sri Vinayagar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Maha Vishnu, Sri Brahma, Sri Durga etc. There is also a small shrine for Balamuruga in which Lord Muruga is seen in Srishti Kolam (means gesture of a creator), which he did when he captured the powers of Lord Brahma and started doing the job of creation by himself, when once Brahma couldn’t answer Lord Muruga on the meaning for Omkara.

The walls of Raja Gopuram of this temple, carries hundreds of sculptures which are feast to watch. Though this is a Shiva temple, the sculptures of Vaishnava concepts are given equal importance here. The entire walls of Raja Gopuram, have sculptures connected to incidents from all the 4 Yugas.

I was able to capture a few sculptures out of so many.

Hanuman meeting Sita Devi at Ashoka Vanam.

Brahma’s penance on Agni.



Maha Kali (Mahishasura Mardhini) on the bull (Mahisha).




Thapas Kamakshi performing penance on Panchagni as in Maangaadu.




God with Rishaba Vaahana



Ashta Dik Balakaas



Yama Dharma Raaja




Navagrahaas




Nandhi playing Mirudhangam



God’s marriage




Churning of Ksheera Saagaram (Paarkadal)




Mohini (Mahavishnu) distributing Amrutham (Celestial Nectar which evolved upon the churning of Paarkadal), to Devas



Lord Shiva resting on Sri Parvathi’s lap out of dizziness as he drank the poison emerged out while churning Paarkadal (as seen in Suruttuppalli)

Sanjeevi Maharishi with his disciple

Lord Brahma performing Yagna and Lord Vishnu accompanying him




Dasavathara (from top) & Sri Dharma Saastha (bottom)




Sri Dharma Saastha (incarnation of Lord Ayyappa) on Gaja (Elephant) Vaahana along with wives Poorna and Pushkala

Mahavishnu’s Ananthasayanam. Brahma on Lotus seen emerged from Lord Vishnu’s Naabhi (Navel)

Sri Krishna with Bama & Rukmani




Sri Anjaneyar (Hanuman) carrying Lord Vishnu

Arjuna performing Thapas (penance) on Agni to obtain Paasupathaasthra (Lord Shiva’s arrow) from Lord Shiva

Sage Naaradhar




Lord Ganapathi (Ganesha) in standing posture

Another important thing which needs mention, is about the priest, Sri Rajamani Gurukkal whose family is ancestrally serving this temple and the God here. He patiently explains about each and every part of the temple, the legend, history and about the sculptures present here with the only objective of making every devotee to know about the significance of the temple and it's heritage.

All full moon days, Pradosham days, Pankuni Uthram, Vaikasi Visakam & Sivarathri days are most auspicious here and celebrated in a grand manner.

One shall reach Sri Rajamani Gurukkal at 94442 20780 to get more details on Poojas, Sevas, Dharshan timings, etc.