Navagraha Sthalams of Thondai Mandalam

There are 9 temples at the outskirts of Chennai

dedicated to the Navagrahams. Similar to Kumbakonam, our ancestors have built temples
for all 9 planets in the then Thondai Mandalam.

All these temples are built with the purpose that in those days traveling all the way to
Kumbakonam from this part of the country was highly tedious.

All of them belong to the Chozha period with brilliant architecture and divinity. Few of
these temples are in the state of neglect where others still look fresh and new even after
centuries.

The main deities of all these temples are Lord Shiva in different names. In few places the
main deity, Lord Shiva Himself, represent the planet and so there is no separate shrine for
the respective Graham in the temple.

As a recap I put this post here to have a

collective view of all 9 Navagraha temples in Chennai, which I thought would be easy for
people to view them from a single page.

If planned well, one can visit all these temples in a day itself, as most of them lie on the
same route (from Porur to Somangalam) except the one at Poondhamalli.

Here is the list of the Navagraha temples located in Chennai. Click on the names of the
temple for descriptions.

Kolappaakkam Sri Agatheeswarar Temple

Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Suryan

Somangalam Sri Somanaadheeswarar Temple

Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Chandran

Poondhamalli Sri Vaidheeswarar Temple (Uthara Vaidheeswaran Koil)

Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Angaaragan

Kovur Sri Sundhareswarar Temple

Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Budhan

Porur Sri Ramanaadheswarar Temple (Uthara Raameswaram)

Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Guru

Maangaadu Sri Velleeswarar Temple

Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Sukran

Pozhichalur Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Vada Thirunallaaru)

Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Saneeswarar

Gerugambaakkam Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple

Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Kethu

Kunrathur Sri Naageswarar Temple (Vada Thirunaageswaram)

Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Raahu

All these temples are of historic importance and recently Tamilnadu Tourism has started
operating package trip to these Chennai Navagraha temples.
Kolappaakkam (ொகொளப்பொக்கம்) is located at about 18 kms from Chennai. One can take
the road from diagonally opposite to MIOT Hospitals off. Mount Poonamallee Road, to
reach Kolappaakkam. Alternatively, one can also go from Porur via Gerugambaakkam
and reach Kolappaakkam.

Kolappaakkam has a beautiful Shiva

temple where the main deity is Sri Agatheeswarar (also called Sri Vaakeesa Mahadhevar)
and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli.

This temple is said to be over 1300 years old. According to legend, Sri Surya Bhagavan
had worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple. Sri Surya Bhagavan has a separate shrine
inside this temple facing the Lord towards west. This temple is one of the Navagraha
temples of Chennai devoted to Sri Surya Bhagavan. The Sun God is given prominence in
this temple, where all important deities of the temples are facing Surya Bhagavan shrine.

The color of Vasthram (clothing) meant

for Sri Surya Bhagavan is Red. The Dhaanyam (grain) dedicated to Him is Wheat and the
auspicious day to worship Sri Surya Bhagavan is Sunday. Worshipping Sri Surya
Bhagavan on Sunday, by offering red cloth, red flowers and wheat gives success to one in
all his deeds. Also, it is said that worshipping Sun God makes one gain the Thejas.

It is said that, apart from Surya Bhagavan, Sage Agasthiyar too had worshipped Lord
Shiva here and hence the name Sri Agatheeswarar. Another Rishi called Vaakeesa Muni
also had worshipped Sri Agatheeswarar here.

The temple is built facing south on a vast land. Sri

Agatheeswarar is seen facing east. Ambaal Sri Aanandhavalli is facing south and is in
standing posture. Nandhi is seen facing the Lord towards east.

Other deities
like Sri Ganesha, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Mahavishnu, Sri Durgai and Sri
Sandigeswarar are seen around the sanctum.
 There is a separate shrine for Lord Ganesha called
Raja Ganapathy here. Also, Sri Kaasi Viswanathar and Sri Visaalakshi have separate
shrines facing east at the south west portion of the temple. Lord Subramanyar also has a
shrine in the temple in which a Maragatha Mayil (Peacock made of green granite) is
found.

Sri Kaala Bhairavar is very popular in

this temple and is said to be more powerful. Special Poojas and Abishegams are
performed to Sri Kaala Bhairavar every Sunday during Raahu Kaalam (4.30 pm to 6 pm)
timings. It is said that people worshipping Sri Bhairavar here for 6 consecutive Sundays,
get their wishes fulfilled.

Many kings have patronized this temple during various periods. A king called
Aadhithyan is said to have done renovations to the temple during 878 AD.
 Also Raja Raja Chozha I, Raja Raja Chozha II
(1152 AD), Kulothunga Chozha III (1188 AD), Sundara Pandiyan (1200 AD), Veera
Rajendra Chozha, a Telugu Chozha king called Vijayakanda Gopala are said to have
contributed much to the temple, according to the inscriptions found in the temple.

According to another inscription, a king

by name Sri Vijaya Maharaja of Sumatra Island (Indonesia) is said to have gifted 250
Kuzhi (குழி - in Thamizh is an unit to measure lands) of lands to Sri Agatheeswarar at
Kolappaakkam, during the 8th year of his reign. Inscriptions reveal that Sri Vijaya
Maharaja was contemporary to Raja Raja Chozha and also had very cordial relationship
with the then Chozha kingdom. The inscription also gives details about some Buddhist
activities nearby this temple and Sri Vijaya Maharaja was a Buddhist.
 In the recent past, the ASI have
explored the area and found ruins of a Buddhist shrine near the temple. A couple of
Buddha statues and pillars were discovered near this temple, which is kept in the street
sides of the temple. A carving of Lord Ganesha is also found on one of these pillars.
Archeologists predict that Sri Vijaya Maharaja, who visited the Buddhist temple at
Kolappaakkam, could have also visited Agatheeswarar temple and made donations to the
temple.

The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is

‘Arasa Maram’ (Peepul tree) and Theertham is called ‘Amirtha Pushkarani’ (pic above)
which is found adjacent to the temple and is less maintained.

Special days like Pradhosham, Sivarathri etc., are celebrated well in this temple.
Devotees throng from different parts of the city during such days.
 This wonderful temple with great
significance is now coming to light gradually.
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Somangalam lies at about 35 kms south west of Chennai city. One can take the route
from Tambaram via Kishkinta to reach Somangalam. The better alternative is to take the
road from Pallavaram going to Kunrathur. After reaching Kunrathur junction, one has to
take left (towards south) to reach Somangalam. Somangalam is about 10 kms from
Kunrathur. Also plenty of busses ply from Porur directly to Somangalam.

Somangalam is an ancient, beautiful

village having a temple for Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Sri Somanaadheeswarar
and Goddess Sri Kamakshi Amman.

This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of

Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) devoted to Sri Chandra Bhagavan (Moon God).
According to legend, once, Sri Chandra Bhagavan (also called Soman) is said to have got
cursed by Dhakshan. As a result, he lost his divine charm and forgot all 16 form of arts he
acquired. To come out of this, He is said to have created a pond here called Soma
Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva here. After this, he got back his beauty and
wisdom. As Sri Soman (Sri Chandra Bhagavan) worshipped the Lord here, Lord Shiva
here is called Somanaadheeswarar and the place came to be known as Somangalam.
 This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for those having
any Dhosham related to Chandra Bhagavan. Sri Chandra Bhagavan has a separate shrine
in the temple, facing west.

This temple is said to have been built

by Kulothunga Chozha in 1073 AD during his 3rd year of reign. According to
inscriptions found here, this place was referred as ‘Jayankonda Chozha Mandalathu
Senkaattu Kottathu Maaganoor Naattu Somangalamaana Rajasigaamani Chathurvedhi
Mangalam” (ொஜயங்ொகொண்ட ோசொழமண்டலத்து ொசங்கொட்டுக்ோகொட்டத்து மொகனூூர்
நொட்டு ோசொமங்கலமொன ராஜசிகாமணிச சதுர்ோவதிமங்கலம்). Those days the places gifted
(tax free) to Vedic Brahmins by ancient kings were called Chathurvedhi Mangalams.
 The inscriptions found in the temple
also reveal the information about the local lake which got damaged and about the repair
works done to it. Also, there is information about the cows donated to the temple to fetch
revenue to light the lamps in the temple, every evening.

There lived a king called Somakaanthan in this part

of the country, who wished to build 108 Shiva temples throughout his country. While he
was in the middle of the construction work for this temple, he had his enemies marching
towards his territory for war. The king was shocked to hear this, because he was never
prepared for a war at that time and had engaged all his soldiers in the temple construction
work.
 With much grief, he prayed Lord Shiva
here to save him. Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion in constructing the temple,
directed Sri Nandhigeswarar to fight against the king’s enemy. Nandhi turned towards
east and blew away the entire troupes of the enemy just with his forceful breath. Lord
Shiva made Nandhi to face east permanently to make sure that there were no further
attacks to the king’s country by enemies.

Here one can see Nandhi unusually

facing east instead of facing the Lord in the sanctum. This is one of the very unique
features of this temple.
 Ambaal Sri Kamakshi Amman has a
separate shrine in the temple, facing south.

Lord Natarajar here is present as Chathura Thaandava Murthy which is again very unique
and rarely seen anywhere.

The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape or

Thoongaanai Maadam (தூூங்கொைன மொடம்) type which is popular in Chozha
architecture. Such structures would look like the back of a sleeping elephant.
 Sri Vinayagar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy,
Sri Mahavishnu, Sri Brahma, Sri Durgai and Sri Sandigeswarar are seen on the outer
walls of the sanctum.

The other deities like Sri Valli Devasena Samedha

Sri Subramanyar and Sri Bhairavar have separate shrines on the outer praakaaram.
 The Sthala
Viruksham for this temple is Sarakkonrai Maram which is found on the northern side of
the sanctum. There is a small shrine having small Shiva Lingam below this tree and is
called Viruksha Lingam. An image of a tree is carved on stone above this Lingam.

A few dilapidated idols are seen near

Sthala Viruksham.
 In the southern side of the outer
Praakaaram Saptha Maathaas are seen in a row along the walls, in which Sri Jyeshta Devi
is also present. Sri Jyeshta Devi is said to be the elder sister of Sri Mahalakshmi, who
evolved earlier to Sri Mahalakshmi when the mighty ocean was churned.

The Theertham for this temple is said

to be Sandeeswara Theertham, which is believed to be created by Sri Sandigeswarar.
Another Theertham is Soma Theertham, which was created by Moon God is present a
little away from the temple.
 The temple is strictly closed between
12 pm and 4 pm. This beautiful temple surely has lots within itself for temple lovers.
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Poondhamalli is about 25 kms from Chennai city and has an ancient temple for Lord
Shiva, which is more than 1000 years old. The main deity here is Sri Vaidheeswarar and
Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi.

This temple is very similar to the Vaidheeswaran Koil temple near Kumbakonam, which
is one of the Navagraha Sthalam for Angaaragan (Mars in English or Chevvaai in
Thamizh).

This temple is one among the

Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for Angaaragan. It is said that Sri
Angaaragan worshipped Lord Shiva at this place.

Sri Angaaragan’s Paadham (foot mark) is found in the temple just outside the sanctum
under the Panai (Palm) tree sculpted on stone. This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for
Chevvaai Dhosham. Special Poojas are done here on Tuesdays for Sri Angaaragan.

The temple is so huge with very vast

praakaarams. The main deity is facing east in the form of Shiva Lingam. Goddess Sri
Thaiyyal Naayagi is facing south.
 In the inner praakaaram Sri
Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Brahma, Sri Subramanyar, Sri Sandigeswarar and Sri Durgai are
seen. There are 3 Chakras installed by Sri Aadhi Sankarar in the Praakaaram called Sri
Chakram, Subramanya Chakram and Shanmuga Chakram.

On the northern praakaaram there is a Baana

Lingam installed facing the entrance.
 Though there is an entrance at the eastern side, the
temple has its main entrance and Rajagopuram facing north.

There are some beautiful carvings on

either sides of the entrance.
 The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is
Thaazhi Panai Maram (Palm tree). The temple pond (called Vinai Theertha Kulam) is
located on the eastern side of the temple, which needs attention.

Surya Pooja happens in this temple in

the Thamizh month ‘Maasi’. On the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th of Maasi, Sun’s rays
directly fall on the main deity around 6 am in the mornings. This amazing act happens
only on these 5 days of the year and never repeats again.
 This temple is also called 'Uthara
Vaitheeswaran Koil'. A wonderful temple with amazing architecture.
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Kovur is a small town situated about 22 kms from Chennai, on the road going
from Porur towards Kunrathur. The temple is located about 200 meters off the
main road.

Kovur has a massive temple for

Lord Shiva built by Kulothunga Chozha, dating back to 7th century. The main
deity of this temple is Sri Sundhareswarar (also called Thirumaeneeswarar) and
Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai (also called Thiruvudai Naayagi).

According to legend, Goddess Kamakshi was

performing thapas on Panchagni (fire) in Maangaadu praying Lord Shiva to
marry Her. Her penance was so intense that the whole surroundings became
too hot and all living beings suffered because of enormous heat. But Lord Shiva
was meditating deeply with His eyes closed. Sages and Devas worshipped Lord
Vishnu to save the world from the heat of the penance. Lord Vishnu directed
Sri Mahalakshmi to save the world.
 Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi came
down here to this place in the form of a cow and worshipped Lord Shiva to
make Him open the eyes, so that the world is saved. Pleased with Her prayers,
Lord Shiva opened His eyes, after which the heat of the place subsided and
became cooler.

As Sri Mahalakshmi worshipped

here in the form of a cow, the place came to be known as Kopuri (In Thamizh,
Ko means cow) and later corrupted to become Kovur. At later stages
Kulothunga Chozha had built this temple beautifully.
 The temple is facing south with a beautiful 7
tiered Rajagopuram. The entire Sannadhi street itself is so beautiful with shady
trees and ancient houses.

This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai
Mandalam) for Sri Budhan (Mercury).

Lord Sri Sundhareswarar and

Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai are said to be so beautiful here and hence they
are called so. It is said that, by worshipping Sri Sundhareswarar, one will be
cured of many ailments. The temple has undergone Kumbhabhishekam
(consecration) recently and looks fresh and new.
 Other deities present in the temple
are Sri Veerabadhrar, Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Subramanyar and
Navagrahams. All 63 Naayanmaars are also present in this temple.

Saint Thyagaraja has visited this temple on his way to Thirupathi. It is said that
Saint Thyagaraja traveled on a palanquin towards Thirupathi and passed
through this place. He also visited this temple on his way. A local headman
called Sundharesan asked the saint to compose and sing some songs on him.
Thyagarajar refused and said that he won’t sing praise of any individual and he
will sing praise of God only and left Kovur.

While going from Kovur, his palanquin was obstructed by a group of bandits
who threw stones on the palanquin and his servants to stop him from going
further. The saint Thyagaraja stopped and got down from the palanquin to
explain the bandits that he was not so rich to be robbed and also he was on a
pilgrimage to Thirupathi. The bandits came near Thyagaraja and asked him who
threw the stones back at them. Thyagaraja told them that there were no other
people with them except the carriers of palanquin. But the thieves told that
they saw 2 youngsters furiously throwing back the stones on them to save
Thyagaraja. Saint Thyagaraja realized that they were none other than Sri Rama
and Sri Lakshmana who came to his rescue.
 Saint also realized that there is
some holy power to this place and again came back to Kovur temple and sung 5
compositions (Keerthanas) called ‘Kovur Pancharathnam’. The local headman
was too proud thinking that Saint Thyagaraja sung in praise of him only. But the
saint explained him that the 5 compositions were made in praise of the Lord Sri
Sundhareswarar and not the individual called Sundhareswaran. The Kovur
Pancharatnams are "Ee Vasudha" (Sahaana Raagam), "Kori Sevimpa"
(Karaharapriya Raagam), "Sambo Mahadeva" (Pantuvarali Raagam), "Nammi
Vachina" (Kalyani Raagam) and "Sundareswaruni" (Sankarabharanam Raagam).

Most of the compositions of Saint Thyagaraja are in praise of Lord Rama only.
This is one of the few places where he had composed Keerthanas on other
Gods.

Sri Sekkizhaar, who was born in the

nearby place ‘Kunrathur’, started writing ‘Periya Puranam’ from this temple
only.
 Another rarity of this temple is the Sthala
Viruksham called Maha Vilvam tree. The Maha Vilvam of this temple is a very
rare one that each stalk of Maha Vilvam has 27 leaves to it. This Maha Vilvam
also has many medicinal properties in it.

The Theertham for this temple is called Siva

Gangai Theertham. This temple also has a beautiful chariot which requires
renovation.
 Such another marvelous temple,
standing tall across centuries is definitely a boon to pilgrims.
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This ancient temple for Sri Ramanaadheswarar is located in Porur, very near to Porur
junction, off. Kunrathur Road.

This ancient temple is connected to the Ramayana period. According to the history, Sri
Rama on His way to Sri Lanka rested here in this place which was then a forest. While
resting under an Amla tree (‘Nelli’ in Thamizh), He realized that there was a Shiva
Lingam under the ground and his feet had touched the head of the Lingam unknowingly.

Sri Rama acquired a Dhosham as He had touched the Lingam with His feet. So he
undertook a penance towards Lord Shiva for 48 days with just one Amla fruit as his food,
to recover from the Dhosham and to bring out the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva pleased with
Sri Rama’s penance came out from the earth and gave Viswaroopa Dharshan to Sri
Rama.

Sri Rama overwhelmed by the Lord’s mercy named the Shiva Lingam as Sri
Ramanaadheswarar and worshipped Him. Goddess Parvathi too appeared and gave
Dharshan to Sri Rama as Sri Sivakaama Sundhari.

Sri Rama with sincere prayers worshipped Lord

Shiva as His Guru and got to know the directions to reach the place where Sri Sita was
kept under custody of Raavana and headed towards Sri Lanka.

As Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva as His Guru, this place became a Guru Sthalam
among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). Here Lord Shiva
Himself is worshipped as Sri Guru Bhagavan.

Also this place is called Uthara Raameswaram, as Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here,
similar to Raameswaram. Also according to temple sources, it is said that Porur was
called as Uthara Raameswaram in ancient days. It is also said that, this temple is
equivalent to Raameswaram and those who are not able to go pilgrimage to
Raameswaram can visit this place and be blessed by the Lord.

The main deity Sri Ramanaadheswarar is too gigantic and beautifully decorated, facing
east. This huge deity is a Swayambhu Lingam (self evolved). Goddess Sivakaama
Sundhari has a separate shrine in the temple.

The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape or

Thoongaanai Maadam (தூூங்கொைன மொடம்) type which is popular in Chozha temple
architecture. Sri Vinayagar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy and other Koshta Murthies are found
around the sanctum. This temple does not have Rajagopuram at the entrance and
Vimanam above the sanctum.

Nandhigeswarar is found on the outer praakaaram

facing the sanctum.

Here Sri Sandigeswarar is seen in a peculiar

position near Nandhi facing south.

The practice of offering Theertham and

Sadaari are generally seen only in Vishnu temples. But, this is probably the only Shiva
temple, where Theertham and Sadaari are offered to the devotees.
 The Sthala Viruksham is Vembu (Neem tree) which
is seen on the southern side of the praakaaram. Lord Brahma is seen under the tree facing
north. A small Shiva Lingam is kept facing east with Nandhi, adjacent to Lord Brahma.
The Neem tree is dressed up with a nice saree which looks like a beautiful woman.

Pournami, Pradhosham, Sivarathri and Guru Peyarchi are celebrated well in this temple.

One can’t stop admiring the beauty of Sri Ramanaadheswarar and His magnificence at
this temple.
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Maangaadu is a small beautiful village 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 Shiva. The main deity here is Sri
Velleeswarar. There is no Ambaal in this temple, as Sri Kamakshi Amman is present
nearby.

According to the legend, when Goddess Sri

Kamakshi performed Thapas here in Maangaadu, Lord Shiva came down to earth to give
dharshan to Her and marry Her. It is said that, Sri Sukran (Venus) worshipped Lord Shiva
here. When Sri Kamakshi came here to have dharshan of Lord Shiva, she saw Sri Sukran
worshipping the Lord. The Goddess went back as She did not want to disturb the prayers
of Sukran.

Later Lord Shiva directed the Goddess to come to Kanchipuram and married Her there.
As Sri Sukran (Velli in Thamizh) worshipped Lord Shiva here, the Lord came to be
known as Sri Velleeswarar and also called as Sri Bhaargaveswarar.

This temple is Sukran Sthalam among the Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai
Mandalam). Sri Sukran blesses people with wealth, prosperity, good family, vehicles,
fame and social status.

The main deity Sri Velleeswarar is huge and looks very grand, facing east. Lord Ganesha
and Lord Muruga are seen at either side of the entrance of the sanctum. Lord Ganesha
here is holding a Mango fruit in His hand and is called ‘Maangani Vinayagar’. The place
Maangaadu itself had got its name as it was once a vast Mango forest.
 Lingothbavar is seen on the outer wall behind the
sanctum. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu are present on either side of Lingothbavar
worshipping Him.

There is a separate shrine for Sri Veerabadhrar

behind the sanctum. Sri Veerabadhrar is said to have got created from the sweat of Lord
Shiva to defeat Dhakshan.
 Sri Subramanyar shrine is present at the
North West side of the outer praakaaram. Sri Subramanyar is so beautiful and seen with
His consorts Sri Valli and Sri Dhevasena. All the 3 deities are made of a single stone.
Lord Muruga’s Vaahanam (carrier) peacock is present outside the shrine facing the
shrine.

A beautiful Nandhi is present outside

the sanctum, facing towards west. 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.
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Pozhichalur is about 3 kms from Pallaavaram Railway station off the road towards
Kunrathur.

It has an ancient Shiva temple belonging to Chozha period.

The main deity here is Sri Agatheeswarar and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli.

This beautiful temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai
Mandalam) dedicated to Lord Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan.

According to legend, Lord Shiva directed Sri Agasthiyar to go towards south to balance
the earth during His wedding at Mount Kailash. As per the God’s direction, Sage
Agasthiyar came down to the southern part to balance the weight of the earth. While he
was on his way to Podhigai hills, he stayed here for many years and worshipped Lord
Shiva, a Swayambhu (self evolved) Lingam at this place.
Sage Agasthiyar had a boon that wherever he worships Lord Shiva, he will get the
dharshan of the Lord’s marriage with Goddess Parvathi. Sage Agasthiyar is said to have
worshipped Lord Shiva here and got His dharshan in this place.

Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. As Sri Saneeswara
had been giving ill effects to people, he had gained Dhosham out of it. Sri Saneeswara
Bhagavan, wanting to be relieved of his dhoshams, prayed Lord Shiva for help.

Lord Shiva asked Sri Sani Bhagavan to come to this place and worship Him. As directed,
Sri Sani Bhagavan came to this place, created a pond called ‘Sani Theertham’ and
worshipped Lord Shiva and got relieved of his problems.

Hence, Sri Sani Bhagavan here is believed to be Mangala Saneeswarar with no dhoshams
or ill effects. People having problems because of Sani (Saturn), worship here to reduce
the ill effects. This place is also called ‘Vada Thirunallaaru’.
The main deity, Sri Agatheeswarar is seen facing the east and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli
facing south. The temple is facing north and does not have Rajagopuram.

Sri Sani Bhagavan is facing west towards the main deity in the sanctum. This temple is
also a Parihaara Sthalam for Raahu and Kethu.
This temple had been renovated during Chozha period. The sanctum is built in
Gajabrishta shape (also called Thoongaanai Maadam) shape.

Lord Ganesha (Vinaayagar) is seen under a peepul tree at the south west corner of the
temple. At southeast of the sanctum, Lord Anjaneyar (Sri Hanuman) has a separate
shrine.
 The Sthala Viruksham for this temple 'Maa Maram'
(Mango tree) is at the north western side of the temple.

There is a beautiful Shiva Lingam under the Mango

tree along with Sri Nandhi.
The Theertham of this temple is called ‘Sani Theertham’ which is located a little away
from the temple. This pond is in a very poor state with encroachments all around.

Raahu Kaalam, Pradhosham, Aarudhra Dharsanam, Sivarathri, Sani Peyarchi and

Karthigai Deepam are few of the special days in this temple.

Temple Address : Sri Agastheeswara Swami Temple, Pozhichalur, Chennai - 600 074.
Tel : 044 - 32564022, 9382305974, agaskoil@yahoo.com (Contact : Mr. Shanmugavel
Kumarasamy, Trustee). Website : www.pozhichalursaneeswarartemple.org

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Gerugambaakkam is located about 20 kms west of Chennai. While going from Porur
towards Kunrathur, one should take left to reach Gerugambaakkam.

Gerugambaakkam has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva, which belongs to Chozha
period. The main deity is Sri Neelakandeswarar and Goddess Sri Aadhi Kamakshi.

This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of

Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) devoted to Sri Kethu Bhagavan. There is a separate
shrine for Kethu Bhagavan on the southern side of the sanctum. Special Poojas and
Homams are performed to Sri Kethu Bhagavan during Raahu Kethu Peyarchi. This is
also a Parihaara Sthalam for people having ill effects in their lives because of Kethu’s
position in their Horoscope.

The main deity Sri Neelakandeswarar is situated in a small and beautiful sanctum. The
Lord got His name Neelakandeswarar, as he swallowed the Aala Kaala Poison which
evolved during the churning of the ocean, after which His neck turned blue. In Thamizh
‘Neela’ means blue and ‘Kanda’ means neck.

It is said that the Nandhi in front of the Lord is so powerful, as he absorbs the poisonous
breath of the Lord after He consumed poison.

Sri Aadhi Kamakshi is present just outside the main sanctum, facing south. Sri Aadhi
Kamakshi is tall and looks very beautiful. She is said to be the first among 5 forms of
Kamakshi.
 Navagraham is present at the north east side corner
of the temple. There are carvings of image of snake on the ceiling of Navagraha shrine,
which indicates that this temple is a Parihaara Sthalam.

There is an old and vast temple pond

adjacent to the temple, which definitely requires attention.

The entire temple itself is now in a poor condition with lack of funds. It is said that when
the temple was being constructed during the Chozha period, it was kept on hold due to
some foreign invasion. So, the temple looks semi finished.

Recently, Tamilnadu Tourism has made arrangements to organize package tour to all 9
Navagraha Sthalams around Chennai and hence the turnout of people is gradually
increasing here.

This lovely temple amidst a calm village has more to be uncovered.

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Kunrathur is located about 25 kms from Chennai city. One can reach Kunrathur by taking
the road off GST road from Pallavaram. One can also take the road from Porur junction
leading to Kunrathur.

Kunrathur has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva which is over 800 years old. The main
deity is Sri Naageswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi.

This temple was built by the famous

poet Sri Sekkizhaar who wrote the popular ‘Periya Puranam’. Sekkizhaar was born in
Kunrathur itself. Once Kulothunga Chozha II wanted to know his intellect and tested him
with his questions. Sekkizhaar answered the king perfectly and the king was amazed.

The king made Sekkizhaar his minister at his capital. Sekkizhaar was an ardent devotee
of Lord Shiva and was regularly worshipping Lord Shiva at Thirunaageswaram near
Kumbakonam.

During later stages, Sekkizhaar built a temple for Lord Shiva at Kunrathur which is very
similar to the Thirunaageswaram temple. He installed the deity (Shiva Lingam) with
Naagaabaranam (snake as an ornament) around the Shiva Lingam and named the Lord as
Sri Naageswarar.
 This temple is also popularly called as
Vada Thirunaageswaram.

This temple is considered the Raahu

Sthalam among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). The Naagar
around the deity is considered the ‘Raahu’ for worship. Parihaarams (remedial worship)
for Raahu are done here, especially during Raahu Kethu Peyarchi and also during Raahu
Kaalam (4.30 pm to 06.00 pm) on Sundays.

The temple is very huge and wonderful.

The vast praakaarams add beauty to the temple. Sri Naageswarar is seen facing east and
Goddess Sri Kamakshi is facing south. Sri Sekkizhaar also has a separate shrine inside
the temple.

A magnificent Dwajasthambham is located on the

eastern side of the temple, straight to the entrance.

Sri Nandhigeswarar is seated in a small

stone mandapam and is facing east towards the sanctum.
 Sthala Viruksham (holy tree) for this
temple is ‘Shenbaga Maram’ and Theertham is ‘Surya Pushkarani’. Surya Pushkarani is
very large and beautiful which is seen outside the temple on the south eastern side.

The temple definitely showcases the dedication of Sri Sekkizhaar toward Sri
Naageswarar.
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