Thiruverkaadu Sri Vedhapureeswarar

Thiruverkaadu is situated about 20 kms from Chennai city. It lies on the road branching out off Mount Poondhamalli Road near Kumananchaavadi.

Though Thiruverkaadu is much known for Sri Karumari Amman temple, there’s another ancient and older temple for Lord Shiva, called as Sri Vedhapureeswarar (also called Verkaatteesar). Goddess here is Sri Baalaambigai (also called Verkanni Ammai).

As per the legend, once when Lord Brahma, the creator was proceeding to Kailash, the playful child Lord Muruga asked him for the meaning of the Pranava Manthra "OM". When Brahma admitted that he did not know it, Lord Muruga imprisoned him. As a result, all creations came to a standstill and the Devas prayed to Lord Siva to get Brahma released.

Lord Shiva sent Sri Nandhigeswarar to talk to Lord Muruga and rescue Lord Brahma. But Lord Muruga didn’t listen to Sri Nandhigeswarar. So, Lord Shiva Himself decided and went to Lord Muruga and convinced Him to leave Lord Brahma.

Since Lord Muruga didn’t obey the words of Sri Nandhigeswarar, Lord Shiva ordered Him to go to Thiruverkaadu and worship Him here. Lord Muruga visited Thiruverkaadu, formed a Theertham (Pond) using his Vel (His weapon), installed a Shiva Lingam and worshipped Lord Shiva here. The Theertham created by Lord Muruga is called Velaayudha Theertham.

In this temple, we can see Lord Muruga in a separate shrine without any weapons in His hand. Also there is a Shiva Lingam seen in front of Lord Muruga which is rare to see.

Another history connected to this temple is, during Lord Shiva’s wedding everyone including Gods, Devas and Saints gathered at Mount Kailash to witness the celestial event. Because of this, the whole earth tilted towards North, where everyone gathered. Lord Shiva directed Sage Agasthiar to go towards South to balance the earth. Sage Agasthiar prayed the Lord saying that he will not be able to see the God’s wedding.

Lord Shiva granted him a boon that from wherever He prays the Lord, he can have the dharshan of His wedding. Sage Agasthiar on his way stayed here at Thiruverkaadu and worshipped Lord Shiva and had the Dharshan of Lord Shiva’s wedding. One can see Lord Shiva and the Goddess’s in ceremonial wedding posture just behind the Shiva Lingam inside the sanctum. Sage Agasthiar was blessed to have God’s dharshan from various places and Thiruverkaadu is one of them.

The temple is constructed on a vast area and the Raja Gopuram is facing east. The Rajagopuram is 5 tiered and has various sculptures on it.

Sri Nandhigeswarar is so beautifully present at the outer praakaaram decorated with many flowers and Vilvam, allowing us to have the Dharshan of Sri Vedhapureeswarar.

In the sanctum, we can see Sri Vedhapureeswarar in the form of Shiva Lingam and behind that the wedding posture of Lord Shiva and Sri Parvathi.

At the inner praakaaram, we can see the Naalvar viz Appar, Sundharar, Manickavaasagar and Thirugnanasambandhar. Along with them are seen the others among 63 Naayanmaars in a row at the southern praakaaram.

Sri Dhakshinamurthy is found at the southern side of the praakaaram. At the south western side there is a separate shrine for Sri Sannadhi Vinayagar.

The sanctum is apsidal which is called Gajabrishta shape (Thoonganai Maadam). Sri Lingothbavar is present behind the sanctum on the outer wall.

Just behind the sanctum, Sri Kasi Viswanathar, Sri Visalakshi, Anabaya Chozhan and Sekkizhar are seen facing East towards Sri Lingothbavar.

Sri Sandigeswarar is facing south towards the Lord and another Sri Sandeeswarar is also seen sitting and meditating the Lord looking towards the sanctum.

The Vimaanam of the sanctum is of the Gajabrishta shape (கஜப்ருஷ்ட விமானம்).

Ambaal Sri Balambigai is facing south and has Simha Vaahanam facing Her towards north.

The Shiva Ganaas are seen on the top of the walls of the temple on specific directions, guarding the whole temple.

There is a tall and beautiful Dhwajasthambham adding beauty to the temple.

There is a separate shrine for Sri Saneeswarar and Sri Moorgha Naayanaar on the north eastern side of the outer praakaaram. It is said that Sri Moorgha Naayanaar was born here at this place.

Sri Arunagirinaathar has sung Thiruppugazh on Lord Muruga here and has a separate shrine facing west on the south eastern side.

The Sthala Viruksham is called VeLvela Maram (வெள்வேல மரம்) which is seen on the outer praakaaram. There is a Shiva Lingam and Sri Nandhi under the Sthala Viruksham.

The Theertham of this temple is called Velaayudha Theertham formed by Lord Muruga, which is under renovation now.

Thiruverkaadu is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams for Lord Shiva (Thiru Gnana Sambandar has sung hymns on Lord Shiva here) and is one of the renowned temples in Thondai Mandalam, which is worth visiting.

Maangaadu Sri Vaikunda Perumaal

Maangaadu is located at the outskirts of Chennai near Poondhamalli. While going from Chennai city on Mount Poondhamalli road, one has to take left from Kumananchaavadi junction to reach Maangaadu.

This temple is located very close to Maangaadu Sri Kamakshi Amman temple. This is a very ancient and beautiful temple for Lord Vishnu. The main deity here is Sri Vaikunda Perumaal.

According to the legend, when Goddess Sri Kamakshi performed Thapas here in Maangaadu, Lord Shiva came down to earth to marry Her. Lord Shiva appeared to Sri Kamakshi and directed Her to reach Kanchipuram where He can marry the Goddess.

Lord Vishnu, who is the brother of Goddess anticipating the wedding to happen at Maangaadu, came down here with maternal gifts for the bride and waited here.

But as the wedding did not happen here at Maangaadu, Lord Vishnu took abode here as Sri Vaikunda Perumaal with the Jewel (wedding ring) he brought for the Goddess and started blessing devotees.

The main deity Sri Vaikunda Perumaal is so beautiful with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi facing east. God is seen holding the wedding ring in his palm. Also He is holding Prayoga Chakra in one of his hands, which is believed to be so powerful.

Goddess here is Sri Kanakavalli Thaayaar having a separate shrine facing east on the outer praakaaram.

Aandaal shrine is found on the northwest corner of the temple, facing east.

The temple also maintains a beautiful Goshala with many cows.

Many beautiful statues like Sri Rama, Sri Anjaneya etc, are found on the outer walls of the temple.

It is said that people visiting Sri Kamakshi Amman temple should also have dharshan at Sri Velleeswarar temple and Sri Vaikunda Perumaal temple in Maangaadu, as all these three temples are interconnected with the history of Sri Kamakshi Amman.

Hanumanthapuram Sri Agora Veerabadhrar

Hanumanthapuram is a very remote village near Chengalpattu. The village is located off the road going from Chengalpattu towards Thirupporur after Perunthandalam and Senneri villages. The road that leads to this village is not easily motorable and is amidst the reserved forest zone.

Hanumanthapuram has an ancient temple where the main deity is Sri Agora Veerabadhra Swamy and Goddess Sri Kaalikaambal.

Dhakshan (son of Sri Brahma and father of Sri Parvathi) performed a Yagnya. He had invited all Devas and Gods for his Yagnya except Lord Shiva, as he always disliked him because Lord Shiva married his daughter Sri Parvathi without his knowledge.

But as per the rituals, he has to invite Lord Shiva, without which the Yagnya won’t be complete. But Dhakshan ignored Lord Shiva and also was not willing to give due offerings to Him in his Yagnya.

Knowing this Lord Shiva got furious and sent Lord Ganesha to stop Dhakshan’s Yagnya, but Lord Ganesha couldn’t succeed, followed by Lord Muruga who again couldn’t defeat Dhakshan to stop his Yagnya. Finally, He created a power from the droplets of His sweat and gave it a form and named Him Veerabadhrar. Veerabadhrar, who was created from Lord Shiva’s sweat, was assigned to defeat Dhakshan and stop his Yagnya.

Goddess Parvathi, who was also equally upset with Dhakshan’s attitude, created a Shakthi called Kaali and made her accompany Veerabadhrar in his mission to defeat Dhakshan. Sri Veerabadhrar went and chopped Dhakshan’s head with ease. From then Dhakshan didn’t have head at all. Later, with the prayers of Dhakshan’s wife, Sri Veerabadhrar blessed him with the head of a goat and hence Dhakshan is seen with the human body and goat’s head.

It is believed that Dhakshan was defeated by Sri Veerabadhrar in this place.

Sri Veerabadhrar is seen facing north, holding many weapons. Goddess Sri Kaali is present just outside the sanctum, facing east. Sri Kaali is believed to be more powerful here. This village also has a separate temple for Sri Kaaliamman.

Nandhi is seen facing south towards the Lord. This very unusual temple attracts lots of devotees during new moon days and full moon days. This place is said to cure people with mental illness. Many mentally challenged people are brought here and prayers are offered to Sri Agora Veerabadhrar. It is believed that Sri Agora Veerabadhrar blesses them to recover from their mental illness.

There is a beautiful temple pond in front of the temple, where many devotees take bath before visiting the temple. Also many bring mentally challenged people and bathe them here.

Betel leafed garland is offered to the Lord here. It is said that this place was once filled with betel leaf creepers. Betel leaf garland is considered auspicious for Sri Agora Veerabadhra Swamy here.

The age of this temple is not known to many, even to the temple priests. There are no archeological evidences or whatsoever to date this temple. But the priests say that they have been serving this temple for 12 generations and the legend of this place is passed on to them word of mouth ancestrally.

There is an old stone inscription in this temple, belonging to 1921 where one Chinnappa Nayakkar of Ayanpuram (Ayanavaram), Chennai has donated his shop sites to the temple to be used for performing atleast one time pooja everyday.

On Pournami days, Archanas are performed to Sri Veerabadhrar here throughout the night.

Beautiful temple with rich heritage.

Thirumazhisai Sri Othaandeswarar

Thirumazhisai is situated about 25 kms west of Chennai. It can be reached on the road to Thiruvallur from Poonamallee.

Thirumazhisai is one out of 3 places where Sage Agasthiyar worshipped Lord Shiva under Azhinjal tree. The Lord here is called in many names viz. Agatheeswarar, Othandeeswarar, Manaanukooleswarar and Kai Thandha Piraan. Goddess here is Sri Kulirndha Naayagi or Sri Seethalambigai.

As this place was full of Azhinjal trees, it was called as Azhisai in olden days. Later, after God took abode here, the word ‘Thiru’ was added to it and came to be known as ‘Thiru Azhisai’, which later corrupted to become ‘Thirumazhisai’.

During the Shiva Parvathi wedding ceremony at Kailash, all the Devas, Gods, Rishis and Ganas gathered to witness the holy event. As everyone gathered at the North, that is Kailash, the whole earth tilted to one side towards North, because of the weight. To balance the Bhoomi, Lord Shiva directed Sage Agasthiyar to go to the southern part of the country. As Sage Agasthiyar felt sad that he would miss seeing the holy wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvathi, Lord Shiva granted him a boon that, from wherever Agasthiyar worships Him, he would get the dharshan of God’s complete wedding ceremony.

While traveling in Southern region, Sage Agasthiyar worshipped Lord Shiva at Velankaadu (today’s Thiruverkaadu), where he wished to see Sri Shiva Parvathi wedding ceremony. The Lord too gave dharshan of the whole wedding ceremony to Agasthiyar there. On realizing this, Pulasthiyar, who is the primary disciple of Agasthiyar and all other disciples, requested Agasthiyar that they too wish to see the wedding of the Lord.

Sage Agasthiyar along with his disciples came walking towards south of Thiruverkaadu and stayed in this place, which was a forest filled with Azhinjal trees. As Azhinjal tree is considered most sacred, Sage Agasthiyar installed a Shiva Lingam and worshipped Lord Shiva here. God, pleased with Agasthiyar’s prayers again gave dharshan of His wedding ceremony to Agasthiyar and all his disciples.

Sage Agasthiyar overwhelmed by the mercy of the God, requested God to take abode in this place in Kalyaana Kolam (posture as just wed couple). As wished by Agasthiyar, Lord Shiva and Parvathi took abode here as Uma Maheshwara just behind the Shiva Lingam, worshipped by Agasthiyar.

There are 3 places of then ‘Thondai Mandalam’, where Sage Agasthiyar had worshipped Lord Shiva under Azhinjal tree. They are Azhisoor near Kanchipuram, Thirumazhisai near Poonamallee and Chinnakkaavanam near Ponneri. The divine coincidence is all the 3 temples lie on a straight line.

As centuries rolled by, the place again became a dense forest. An ancient Chozha king called Karikaal Chozha was ruling this Thondai Naadu having Kanchipuram as his capital. He was troubled by people called Kurumbars near his frontier. He was passing through this forest on his elephant for a battle against them. While crossing this forest, he found that his elephant got couldn’t move further as some wild creeper encircled its leg. The king got down from the elephant, took his sword and whipped to cut the creepers off.

He was shocked to find blood oozing out from the place where he hit the sword. He found the beautiful Shiva Lingam, which was earlier worshipped by Agasthiyar at this place. Realizing the sin committed by him by slashing on the Lord’s idol itself, he immediately took his sword and cut his arm. The Lord was pleased by the devotion of the king and made him get his arm back to normal.

The king after winning the battle against his enemies came back here and built this temple for Lord Siva. Since, the Lord gave back the hands to the king the deity got the name 'Kai Thandha Piraan' (கை தந்த பிரான் - in Thamizh means 'God, who gave hands').

According to some inscriptions, it is said that this temple had been renovated later by Chozha Kings during 10th century. The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta or Thoongaanai Maadam (தூங்கானை மாடம்) shape, looking like the back of the sleeping elephant, which is seen in many of the temples built in Thondai Naadu, by Chozha kings.

Lord Ganesha gives dharshan here as Devaraja Ganapathi facing the main entrance. The main deity (Shiva Lingam) is facing east here, behind which Lord Shiva and Parvathi are seen here in Kalyaana Kolam, blessing the devotees. Many devotees come here and worship the Lord, praying for their sooner marriage.

Beautifully sculpted Dwarapaalakas are seen on either side of the sanctum, guarding the Lord.


The temple has a very vast outer Praakaaram with huge Dwajasthambha near which Sri Nandhigeswarar is facing the Lord.

The Goddess Sri Kulirndha Naayagi is facing South holding Angusam and Paasam (weapons) on hand and showing Abhaya Hastham, blessing the devotees. Sri Maha Bhairavar is present north east to Sri Ambaal and is facing south.


Other deities are Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Naalvar, Lord Brahma and Sri Durga in the Praakaaram.

In the outer Praakaaram, there is another shrine for Lord Shiva called Sri Gangadareswarar. It is believed that Sri Gangadareswarar was installed and worshipped by Sage Pulasthiyar, who was the disciple of Agasthiyar. The Goddess for this shrine is Sri Parvatha Vardhini.

There is a separate shrine for Lord Saneeswarar, facing west, at the north east corner of this temple. There is a well nearby, from which the water is used for Abishegams to the deities. This is called Kalyaana Theertham.

Originally Azhinjal tree was the Sthala Viruksham for this temple. But, as Azhinjal trees are not found here at present, Vilvam and Paarijaatham are considered Sthala Virukshams for this temple.

There is a very huge and beautiful temple pond on the eastern side of the temple. This pond is called Agasthiya Theertham.

Pournami, Amavasai, Pradhosham and Sivarathri festivals are celebrated well in this ancient temple.

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.