We have heard about the Saptha Sthaana temples of Thiruvaiyaru, Thirupazhanam, Thiruchotruthurai, Thiruvedhikudi, Thirukandiyur, Thirupoonthuruthi and Thiruneithanam. Similaraly the famous Mylapore Saptha Sthaana Shiva temples are to be worshipped and divine grace to be obtained. They include:
(1) Sri Karaneeswarar Temple,
(2) Sri Theerthapaleeswarar Temple,
(3) Sri Velleeswarar Temple,
(4) Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple,
(5) Sri Valeeswarar Temple,
(6) Sri Malleeswarar Temple and
(7) Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple,
Thee temples are to be visited in this order to obtain divine grace for:
(1) Success in your endeavours
(2) Boon for getting married
(3) Birth of good children
(4) and other unlimited boons
Timings ; 6:30 am to 11:30 am 4:30 pm till 8:30 pm.
Phone :
Sri Karaneeswarar is one of the famous the seven Shiva temples located half a km from Sri Kapalesswarar temple. Sage Agasthiya had worshipped hereduring his times This temple should be visited first on the route of Saptha Sthana Shiva Temples.
Dating back to 12th Century, it is believed that Chola king, Vikrama Chola constructed this eat facing ancient 5 tier gopuram serene temple. Many inscriptions of the temple have been lost due to poorly planned renovation and painting. Sage Vasishta also worshiped Sri Karaneeswarar at Mylapore. "Kaarana" means Cause and Since Lord Shiva is the cause for the entire universe, the idol is named as Karaneeswarar, that translates to "the Lord who is the Cause". The presiding deities are Sri Karanaeeswarar and Sri Swarnalathambikai also known as Porkodi Amman.
The entrance of the temple has the idols of Sri Ganesha and Sri Bala Dandayutha Pani. After crossing the Dwajasthamba and the Nandi, there is entrance to the presiding deity Sri Karaneeswarar. The Shivalingam here is square in shape as seen in Thirukadayur and Kalahasthi. Dakshinamoorthi, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Durga etc are part of the Koshta Vigraham (found in the walls of the temple) located on the walls of the main temple. Sri Swarnalathambikai also known as Sri Porkodi Amman is seen towards the left of the main sanctum in a separate sannidhi within the same mandapam. One can feel the grace of the majestic Sri Karaneeswarar and enchanting Sri Swarnalathambikai. Feeling blessed for having visited a temple worshiped by Sage Vashita.
On the outer praharam, there is a separate sannidhi for Sri Arunachalaeshwarar with a big shivalinga along with Sri Unnamalai Amman. Sri Sarva Mangala Vinayakar, is present with Siddhi and Bhuddi in a separate sannidhi. Sri Subramanyar along with Valli and Devasena, Bhairavar, Hanuman, Sri Durga, Sri Lakshmi and Sri Saraswathi, Navagraham and also Naalwar (Appar Sundarar Manikkavachagar and Tirugyana Sambandar) are seen. There is a Thirumurai Mandapam in the outer praharam.
Sri Theerthapaleeswarar Temple
Timings ; 6:00 am to 11:00 am 5.00 pm till 9.00 pm.
Sri Theerthapaleeswarar is centuries old and the second temple to be visited after Sri Karaneeswarar temple. The Shivalinga of this temple was consecrated by sage Agasthyar, who got his ailment cured by worshiping Sri Theerthapaleeswarar.
During the celestial marriage of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathi at Kailasam, the place became overcrowded and Earth began to tilt. In order to bring about a balance, Agasthiyar was sent to Podhigai malai, from where he had a special darshan of the wedding. While returning he fell sick, rested near a Vanni tree and prayed to the Lord for recovery. Shiva appeared in his dream, directed him to consecrate a Shivalinga, take a dip in the sea water (Bay of Bengal) and perform abhishekam to the lingam using the water. Agasthya carried out his command and the Lord appeared before him and cured him of his ailment completely.
Since Sage Agasthiyar used sea water for the Abhishekam, Lord Shiva here came to be known as Sri Theerthapaleeswarar. It is a belief that worshipping in this temple cures ailments.
The gopuram is a traditional south indian style with a long pathway to the entrance. On the left wall the history of this temple is captured. The presiding deity of this temple are Sri Theerthapaleeswarar and Sri Tripurasundari Ambal, with separate sannidhis inside a maha mandapam. Nandi found in the entrance as Adhigara Nandhi which though small in size is believed to be very powerful.
Both Sri Theerthapaleeswarar and Sri Tripurasundari Ambal are smaller idols around 2 feet. and Sri Theerthapaleeswarar is tilted towards right like a cucumber. Since Sage Agasthyar himself was short, the Lord and Mother decided to appear with a shorter height so that the Sage could comfortably perform abhishekam and puja. Mother Tripurasundari is both beauty and grace personified.
There is a separate sannidhi for Sri Chidambara Vinayakar in the outer prakaram. Students who pray for success in examination, write their class details and place it near His feet. Hence is popularly known as "Pass Granting Ganapathy". There is a Vanni Maram near the Ganapathi. Under the Peeple tree the idols of Sri Shiva and Sri Parvathy are seen where devotees light lamps around this place and perform prathatshanam to this tree. Also found are a separate sannidhi for Sri Subramanyar along with His consorts Sri Valli and Sri Devasena, sannidhi for Sri Anjaneyar, Navagraham and for Sun God. Sun God worships Sri Theerthapaleswarar on Mahashivarathri day, when the Sun light falls directly on the lingam.
Sri Velleeswarar – Mylapore
Timings : 5.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Located very close to Kapaaleeswarar temple at Mylapore, located on the South Mada street this temple which is 300 years old has beautiful architecture. There are some unique deities in this temple. Vellee means Sukra and Friday. This is the
During the Vamana avataar, Sukrachariar lost his eyesight and prayed to Lord Shiva. It is in this temple He regained his lost eyesight by the grace of Lord Shiva. Hence the presiding deity of the temple, Lord Shiva is called as Velleeswarar. The temple provides relief to Devotees who pray here for eye ailments. It is believed that initially only the Ganesha was installed and later the other primary deities were installed.
There are many prominent deities in the temples. The Primary deity is Lord Shiva as Lord Velleeswarar also known as Sukreswarar, facing the east. There is a separate sanctum facing south in the right side of the Lord for Goddess Parvathi, also known as Goddess Kamakshi, has a separate sanctum at the right side of the lord, facing south. This idol is similar to the Goddess Kamakshi temple at Kanchi.
Besides a number of other prominent deities we Lord Vishnu as Ullagalanda Perumal (Trivikrama), as in Vamana Avatar in which he lifted his legs straight up to heaven to measure the 3 foot of land.. Hence the idol is shown with one leg lifted straight up.
Sri Sukracharyar is seen here, since his curse was absolved at this place with a separate sanctum here
After the Trivikrama Avatar episode, Guru Sukracharyar, having lost his vision, came down to Mylapore and performed severe penance. Pleased Lord Shiva, restored the power of sight back to him
Sri Virupaksheeswarar temple
Timings : 6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Sri Virupaksheeswarar is third among the saptha sthaana where the Shivalinga in this temple is bigger than Sri Kapaleeswarar temple. Sage Kutsa worshiped here
This temple is believed to be constructed by Sri Sivanesa Chettiyar, father of the Angam Poompavai who wanted to get her married to Sri Thirugyanasambandar. When unfortunately she died of a snake bite. Sivanesa Chettiyar took her ashes to Sri Sambandar, who sang a poem (pathigam) and made her rise from the ashes. But he refused to marry her, as he had brought her back to life and hence should be treated as her father. She continued to spent the rest of her life as an ardent devotee of Shiva.
Virupam means "against Nature". Akshi means eyes. The Shivalinga here is said to possess a third eye, which is contradictory to nature. He is therefore referred to as Virupaksheeswarar. And his consort is Mother Visalakshi Ambal.
There are many inscriptions inside the sanctum sanctorium of the main temple which are inaccessible or destroyed dur to poor renovation and lack of restoration. There is a old inscription where chola king, Veera Rajendra Chola has donated cows to this temple.
The Gopuram of this temple was recently renovated in 2016. idol of Sri Ganasha (Bala Pillayar) is seen at the entrance. . To enter the main temple one has to do a prathikshana.
Inside the main hall are the separate sannidhis of presiding deities Sri Virupaksheeswarar and Sri Visalakshi Amman blessing devotees. The idol of Sri Visalakshi is grace and beauty personified.
During the prathikshana we can observe that, there are separate sannidis for Anjaneyar, Sri Valli and Sri Devasena sametha Sri Subramanya Swamy, Sri Natarajar, Saneeshwarar and Navagrahas. Sri Dakshinamoorthy, Sri Ganesha, Sri Durga, Sri Mahavishnu found walls of outer praharam.
Sri Valeeswarar temple
Timings : 7 a.m. to 9.00 a. 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Sri Vaaleeswarar is fifth among the seven prominent (saptha sthaana) Shiva Temples around the heritage rich Mylapore. It is believed that Vaali, gained his strength by worshiping the Shiva here and hence the name Sri Valeeswarar. This temple is also visited by Sage Gowthama, Sri Hanuman and others. In order to overcome one's fear and to gain strength one should worship Sri Valeeswarar.
Sri Vaali, Vanara Arasan (King of Monkeys), brother of Sri Sugreeva, is believed to have worshiped Shiva at this temple and had gained strength, hence the Shivalinga is named Sri Valeeswarar. Shivalinga is said to be in the implied form of Sri Muruga. Hence Shivalinga is also known as Bala Dandatheeswarar in Samskrit. Goddess is known as Sri Periya Nayaki or Sri Brihadambika.
There is a separate sannidhi with gopuram for Panchalingam, which is believed to be a Siddhar samadhi. The upper part of the Panchalingam gopuram resembles the one that is in Kashi. It is said to be equivalent to that of Kashi.
This big temple with long corridors and praharams is around 2000 years old. There are two entrances to this Maha mandapam, one for each of the presiding deities.
Sri Valeeswarar is said to be in the implied form of Sri Muruga. Hence Shivalinga is known as Sri Bala Dandatheeswarar and his grace prevails. Sri Ganesha in this temple is known as Aavudaiyar Ganapathy because he resides in the Aavudaiyar, implying that he is sitting on the Lap of Shiva, which is a blessing, hence Sri Ganesha is also known as Shiva Bala Ganapathy.
Sri Muruga is seen along with Sri Valli and Sri Devayani, He is known as Sri Shiva Subramanyar in this temple. Goddess is known as Sri Periya Nayaki or Sri Brihadambika, or the Brahad Nayaki. In the Ardha Mandapam, Sri Vaali is found facing (worshiping) Shiva with folded hands. Other Koshta vigrahams are Nardana Ganapathi, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingothbava, Brahma and Durga.
In outer praharam, we come across a separate sannidhi with gopuram hosting five Shivalingas. This is said to have emerged directly from earth with the belief that there might be a Siddhar petam beneath the same. Gopuram is constructed resembling that of Kashi, with stucco images of 22 siddhars around the Vimanam. Any temple which is built on a Siddhar peetam, is said to have a a unique vibration which pervades the surrounding place. There are sannidhis for other deities
• Sage Gowthama worshiped Sri Vaaleeswarar.
• In the Ardha Mandapam, Sri Vaali is found facing (worshiping) Shiva, with folded hands.
• In the southwest praharam, a lizard has been carved in the wall, indicating that it is a parihara Sthalam.
• The idol of Sri Yogi Ramsuratkumar, also known as "Visiri Samiyar", could be found. One of his hands is broken. It is a amazing to know that the idol of a 20th Century Godman is found in one of gopurams which was constructed much earlier.
Sri Malleeswarar Temple
Timings : 6.00 a.m. – 11.30 a.m 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Phone : 044 – 2498 1893
Prarthan, a Shiva devotee of Ayodhya chose this place filled with Malligai (Jasmine) bushes to do penance on Lord Shiva. He was blessed with the darshan of the Lord along with the mother. The Lingam worshipped by him was among Malligai bushes & hence the name came as Malleeswarar.
If the garlands exchanged between the God & the Goddess during the Kalyana Uthsavam is worn by an unmarried person / kept at home it would bring wedlock. Offering of Jasmine garland from Monday consecutively for 6 days to Lord Shiva will fulfill one’s wishes. The worship of the Lord and mother ensures that husband, wife and children are highly moral and they don’t fall into evil.
Mylai Kapaleeswarar temple
Timings : 5.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 4.00 p.m to 9.00 p.m.
Phone : 044-24641670
Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, a Siva Temple, and the Lord is Kapaleeswarar and the Goddess in Karpagambal. The temple has a big tank situated on the western side. This is the last temple to be visited in the sequence of Mylapore Sapthasana temples
The name Mylapore is due to the Goddess Uma worshipping Siva in the form of a peacock and a representation on stone in a small Shrine under a Punnai tree (Sthala Vriksha) is in the Courtyard.
It is believed that a mention has been made in his books by Ptolemy, the Creek Geographer (A.D. 90-168), Saint, Tiruvalluvar the author of Tirukural, lived in Mylapore nearly 2,000 years ago. It has been praised by the the Saivite Saints of the 7th Century, Saint Sambandar and Saint Appar.
History says that Mylapore fell into the hands of the Portuguese in A.D.1566, when the temple suffered damage.. The presence temple was rebuilt 300 years ago. .
Once, Goddess Uma was keen to know the complete interpretation of the five letter mantra Na Ma Shi Va and about the sacred ash (Vibuthi). When Shiva started teaching, She was distracted by a beautiful peacock and her attention wavered. Infuriated Siva cursed her to go to sacred Thondai Nadu and perform penance as a Peacock.. When Goddess Uma worshipped the Shivalinga under the punnai Tree, Lord released Her from the curse and fondly called her Karpagavalli. On the request of Goddess Uma, Lord Shiva to named the place as Mylapore and stay back to bless the devotes. Hence, Mylai became the abode of Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal.
Lord Brahama thought that he was great and equal to Lord Shiva as he too had five heads. Shiva wanted to teach Brahma a lesson and nipped one head and held the skull in his hand. Kapalarsquo in Sanskrit means skull in his hand. Therefore Lord Shiva was praised as Kapaleeswarar and the place of worship is called Kapaleeswaram.
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