Temples In and Around Chennai
The Paadal Petra Sthalams are 276 temples that are revered in the verses of Saiva Nayanars (Thevaram) in the 6th-9th century CE and are amongst the greatest Shiva temples of the continent. This itinerary covers all the Paadal petra sthalams in Chennai. Take a peek into the city and its lifestyle along with exploring the temples.
Package Includes
Accommodation
Food
Cab
Sthalapuranam
Itinerary Temples
- Thiyagaraja Swamy Temple, Thiruvotriyur
- Kapaleeswarar Temple, Thirumylapore
- Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur
- Vedapureeswarar Temple, Thiruverkadu
- Tiruvaleeswarar Temple, Thiruvalithayam
- Masilamaniswarar Temple, Thirumullaivayil
- Thirukalleeswarar Temple, Tirukandalam (Thirukkallil)
- Undreeshwarar Temple, Thiruvenbakkam
- Vaacheeswarar Temple, Thirupasoor
- Vataaranya Eswarar Temple, Thiruvaalangadu & more.
Full Itinerary
Morning
Thiyagaraja Swamy Temple, Thiruvotriyur
- Thiruvottiyur is home to the ancient Thyagaraja Temple also called as Vadivudai Amman Temple.
- The presiding deity is Aadhipureeswarar is in the form of a mud mound covered by an armour. On the day of the full moon of the Tamil month karthigai, the armour is removed and the representation of the god is visible to devotees.
- There is a Durga shrine in the northern side of the temple.
- Inside the main temple complex - Just opposite to the main shrine we find the Nataraja shrine and in the koshta is the Ganapati Shrine. The Ganapati is known as Gunalaya Ganapati ( abode of bliss).
- The twenty seven stars of Tamil calendar are believed to have worshipped Shiva in this temple.
- Both the Tiruvarur and Tiruvottriyur temples are believed to have the same dance poses by Shiva, as asserted by Tiruvorriyurpuranam. The dance pattern of the temple is called Padamanatanam, a continuation of Tiruvarur temple - Vishnu is believed to have gone berserk and missed the dance at Tiruvarur, and Thyagaraja asked him to go to Tiruvottriyur where he said he promised to perform the same dance.
- It is also noteworthy that Sage Pattinathar attained Jeeva Samadhi in this place.
Morning
Kapaleeswarar Temple, Thirumylapore
- Shiva is worshiped as Kapaleeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Karpagambal.
- According to the Puranas, Shakti worshipped Shiva in the form of a peacock, giving the vernacular name Mylai (Mayilāi) to the area that developed around the temple - mayil is Tamil for "peacock".According to the Puranas, during the meeting of Brahma and Shiva at top of Mount Kailash Brahma failed to show the due respect to Shiva. Due to this, Shiva plucked of one of Brahma's heads (kapalams). In an act of penance, Brahma came down to the site of Mylapore and installed a Lingam to please Shiva. This place is known as Sukra Puri, Veda Puri, among many other names including “Kailaye Mayilai and Mayilaye Kayilai “which means this place is equal to kailash. Goddess Karpagambal, a form of Shiva's consort Parvati, due to a curse became a pea-hen and did penance here to get back her original personality. Shiva's son Murugan received the spear (Sakthi Vel) for the destruction of a demon from Parvati here. Brahma had worshipped here to get rid of his ego and get back his power to create.
- Devotees pray to Lord for mental peace and Mother Karpakambika for child, wedding and family welfare. It is the staunch belief of devotees that their prayer brings them relief from any illness.
Morning
Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur
- The presiding deity of this temple is Marundeeswarar and his consort, Goddess Thirupurasundari.
- Marundeeswarar is known so because he imparted sage Agastya on curative properties of various herbs and plants Since then the Marundeeswarar temple has been a place of worship for people with diseases and various problems with their health.Lord taught Sage Agasthya the medicinal qualities of herbals and the medicines for various diseases, hence is also praised as Marundeeswarar.
- The Marundeeswarar temple has been a place of curative worship for people with diseases.
- Devotees perform milk abishek to Lord and consume the Vibuthi (sacred ash) Prasad for cure from prolonged illness and relief from sins.
Evening
Vedapureeswarar Temple, Thiruverkadu
- The Vedapureeswarar Temple is dedicated to Sri Shiva as Vedapureeswarar and Divine Mother Shakti as Balambigai.Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthy.
- Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathy are behind the Linga in their wedding form, a special feature in the temple.
- Devotees believe that bathing continuously in the sacred spring on Sundays will cure skin diseases.
- It is the staunch belief of the devotees that worshipping Mothers Tiruverkadu Balambikai, Tiruvalidayam Jagadambikai and Tiruvottriyur Vadivambikai in a single day would pour on them the choicest benefits both during this life and the life later.
- When all sages reached the border of Himalayas to witness the Wedding of Mother Parvathi with Shiva, due to their total weight, the ground went below causing the rising of the south. Lord Shiva asked Sage Agasthya to go to south to balance the ground level. For the sake of the safety of all, Sage Agasthya had to sacrifice the great opportunity of joining the divine celebrations. Lord Shiva assured the sage that he would grant the wedding darshan to him on his way to south. When Sage Agasthya reached Tiruverkadu, Lord granted darshan with Mother Parvathi.
Evening
Tiruvaleeswarar Temple,Thiruvalithayam
- The main deity is known as Tiruvalleeswarar and He is facing east and to the right is the shrine for the female deity Jagathambikai.
- The main sanctum is semi-circular in shape at the back. This type of architecture is called Gaja Brishta Vimana or Thoonganai Maadam in Tamil as this resembles the back of a sleeping elephant.
- There is a separate shrine for Guru (Jupiter) - one of the Navagrahas - in the eastern outer corridor and this temple is also considered as a Guru Parikara Sthalam.
- People pray to Lord for removal of obstacle in wedding efforts, good health and remedy from illness.
- Devotees pray to Lord Dakshinamurthy with yellow vastras seeking wisdom. It is believed that prayer on full moon day will grant total salvation.
- Bharadwajar, son of Jupiter was born as the son of a sparrow – Kari Kuruvi. Saddened by his birth as a sparrow, he worshipped Lord Shiva in many sacred places. When he came to this place, he found a Shivalinga under a Kondrai tree and worshipped Him. Lord Shiva appeared before Bharadwajar and made him the leader of birds. Based on this story, the place is called Valithayam and the Lord Valianathar.
Evening
Masilamaniswarar Temple,Thirumullaivayil
- Vada Tirumullaivayil or Masilamaniswara Temple.
- There is a scar on the head of the Swayambulinga in the temple. As if to heal the wound, sandal paste is applied on the Linga throughout the year except two days in the month of Chithirai (April-May) covering the Sadayam star day. Lord appears in His true form these days. Worshipping Lord Shiva in this form during these days would relieve the devotee of all sins, it is firmly believed.
- The Goddess is called Kodiyidai Nayagi - She who has a waist as slender as the Jasmine climber. She is considered to be a very powerful deity and is known to bestow Her gracious blessings for newly weds, unwed girls for speedy marriage and for a happy wedded life.
- Legend,The region was once infested by forests inhabited by two demons Vanan and Onan harassing righteous sages. A king, Thondaman, who waged a war against them, had to return defeated. While returning, the legs of his elephant were caught in the creepers of the jasmine. The king cut the creepers sitting on the elephant and found the creepers bleeding. He got down in fear and found a Shivalinga under the soil.In His hurry to protect the king, Lord Shiva appeared before him without even inviting Ambica with him and said that despite the injury, He would be all graceful to all. Ambica joined the Lord Later and now has Her shrine right of the Lord.
- The Nandhi is not facing the Lord, but looking at the opposite direction.
Additional Info
- The Pickup and Drop point for this itinerary is Chennai. All pilgrims are requested to reach this place before the trip starts. However all the the itineraries are customisable and the pilgrims can contact Gosthala to customize the trip details in advance.
Morning
Thirukalleeswarar Temple,Tirukandalam
- The presiding deity of this temple is Thirukalleeswarar , Sivanandeswarar and the goddess is Anandavalli.
- Shiva was in the midst of Kalli trees and so the name of the place is called Thirukallil and the Shiva is called Thirukalleeswarar.
- Rishi Bhrigu said to have worshipped Shiva here with 1000 Kalli flowers and Shiva appeared to him in the form of Sakthi Dhakshinamurthy, i.e., Dhakshinamurthy with Goddess Sakthi which is unique to this place.
- Rama’s sons Kucha-Lava fought with Lakshman and Ramar at Siruvarpuri near here. They came here, took a dip at a river and worshipped Shiva. The river is called Kuchasthalai (since Kucha took a dip).
Morning
Undreeshwarar Temple, Thiruvenbakkam
- Lord Shiva, as Swayambu Linga is facing east. As He gave a walking stick (Oondrukol) to saint Sundarar, He is praised as Oondreeswarar.
- It is strange tradition in the temple that Vada Mala (a garland made of Vada the popular dish of Tamilnadu) on new moon and full moon days.
- The right horn of Nandi the bull vehicle of Lord is found broken. Saint Sundarar with his stick in the left hand is standing nearby. The sculpture shows Sundarar sad with blind eyes.
- Those facing problems in marriage proposals, vision troubles pray to Lord and Mother for remedy.
- Mother Minnoli Amman’s shrine is facing the main entrance and is built in such a way that the devotee can worship both Lord and Mother simultaneously.
- Those having no hold in life, depressed, suffering due to lack of developments in professions are advised to pray to Lord sincerely for a paradigm shift in life. To those concluding that life is but utter dark, Ambica shows the light and instill in them self-confidence. Lord and Mother in this temple drag them from despair. Hence, the temple is greatly praised as Nambikkai Koil – Trust Temple.
Morning
Vaacheeswarar Temple,Thirupasoor
- The main shrine for Vaacheeswarar and the female deity Thangaathali Amman, are facing east.
- On the left side of the main sanctum sanctorum, Vinayakar Sabha is situated wherein stone idols of God Ganesha in various sizes can be seen.
- According to the legend, this sthalam was a bamboo forest and the Chola King Karikal Valavan while passing through this forest found a Sivalingam under the bamboo trees and constructed this temple for Lord Shiva.
- As Lord Shiva removed evils of Perumal, He is praised as “Perumal Vinai Theertha Easwara” gracing from a separate shrine.
- Devotees pray for delayed marriages to happen, for removal of adverse effects.
Evening
Vataaranya Eswarar Temple,Thiruvaalangadu
- Thiruvalangadu has famous for Sri Vataaranyeswarar Temple and the presiding deity is Vataaranyeswara goddess is Sri Vandarkulali Amman.
- This temple is one of the 5 sabhas where lord siva is performing his holy dance. This is Rathina sabha which is first among 5 sabha.
- Legend has it that when the Lord was once entranced in a deep cosmic dance, the jewels from the Lord's anklets fell onto the earth and scattered in 5 places, Thiruvalangadu being one of them.Here the Lord Saneeswara’s son Manthi worshipped Lord Shiva that is called Mantheeswarar. You can get the blessings of Lord Mantheeswarar to get rid of from the bad effects due to horoscope. Special poojas are being condcted at every saturday.
Evening
Tripuranthakar Temple,Thiruvirkolam
- The Main deity is Swayambu lingam known as Tripuranthakar and Thirupurasundari ammai.
- It is said that the Lord looks crystal while during the rainy seasons and turns red when anything untoward takes place.
- Shiva linga here known as Teenda thiru meniar so the linga is always covered by kavacham. Even Sivachariar are not allowed to touch.
- The shrine where Lord Nataraja played the Kathal Thandavam (protection dance) is opposite the Rajagopuram – main tower.
- Mother’s shrine is right of that of Lord facing east in a standing form.
- Devotees believe that worshipping Mother would break the obstacles in the way of wedding proposals.
Evening
Arambeswarar Temple, Iiambayam Kottur
- The presiding deity is called Arambeswarar and the Goddess Kanaka Kujambikai.
- The Lord was worshipped by celestial dancers, called “Arambair”. Rambha, Urvasi and Menaka were relieved of the curse that rendered them deformed of some kind and lose their beauty and charm. Thus the Lord is called Arambeswarar.
- The temple story also says that Chandran, to get rid of Daksha’s curse, bathed in the temple tank and worshipped the deity with the fragrant jasmine.
- Those who have moon in a weaker position in their horoscopes are advised to visit the place. Chandran rules the heart, the mind and the brain. It is recommended that those who wish to have the blessings of Ilambaiyam Kottur Chandrasekara must perform prayers to him at least on Monday (Somavara).
- The Yoga Dakshinamoorthy idol in this temple is a wonderful work of art.Those who worship him on Pournami (Full Moon day), are blessed with knowledge, wisdom and peace of mind.
Morning
Marundeeshwarar Temple,Thirukachoor
- Marundeeswarar Temple is located in Thirukachur where Shiva is worshipped as Marundeeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Irulneeki Thayar.
- This is a twin temple, one at the hill top and the other at the foot hill. Lord Marundeeswarar graces from the hill temple while Lords Irandeeswarar and Virundeeswarar grace from the foot hill temple.
- As per Hindu legend, Devas, the celestial deities, got cured off their illness by worshiping Shiva at this place. The Devas were treated by Aswani Devata, the divine doctor at the behest of Shiva. Shiva thus obtained the name Marundeeswarar, Marundu literally means a curative.
- There is a shrine depicting Shiva offering food to Sundarar on the Western side. Sundarar has made a mention of the event, calling the deity as Marundeeswarar, Virundeeswarar and Iranthittai Eswarar.
- People pray to Ambica seeking good vision and cure from eye troubles.
Morning
Idaisuranathar Temple,Thiruidaichuram
- Sri Gnanapureeswarar temple also known as Idaisuranathar Temple. The Main Deity is Idaichuranatha,Gnanapureeswarar and the Godesses is Govardhanambikai.
- Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthy shining as emerald.
- Generally, we see Mother Ambica with Her feet close together. Here, Ambica has one foot backward and one forward as if a in walking posture.
- 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. Hence the name for the goddess as Govardhanambikai.
- Lord came to the saint on his way and left on the way -Idai in Tamil. Hence, Lord is praised as Idai Suranathar.
- Three trees, Vilwa, Neem (Vembu) and Banyan are touching close together believed to represent Lord Shiva, Mother Ambica and Lord Vinayaka. Worshipping the trees will ensure unity in family and those separated will have a re-union.
Evening
Vedagiriswarar Temple,Thirukazhukundram
- Vedagiriswarar temple complex, popularly known as Kazhugu koil (Eagle temple). This is a hill temple. Lord Shiva in the temple is swayambumurthi.
- The main attraction, the large temple hilltop temple houses the deity of Shiva, known as Vedagiriswarar. The temple at the foothills is dedicated to Parvathi, the consort, known here as Thiripurasundari Amman.
- It is a contradiction here that Nandhi before the sanctum sanctorum is absent in this temple.
- There are 565 steps to reach the hill temple.
- A great festival known as Pushpakara Mela as great as the Kumbh Mela in north is celebrated here once in 12 years with one lakh deepas on the Jupiter transition day to Virgo sign. A conch is born in the theertha once in 12 years. This miracle happens even now.
- It is noteworthy that the tank in the temple is one containing herbal properties.
- It is the experience of the people that a mentally retarded person is cured completely with a dip in the theertha and prayer to Lord.
- It is believed that Indira is still worshipping Lord in this temple.
- Even today two eagles visit the temple every day to accept the rice offered to them.
Evening
Aaksha Eswarar Temple,Achirupaakkam
- The presiding deity is Aatchi Konda Nathar, Paakka Pureswarar and the goddess is Balasukhambal, Sundara Nayaki.
- Legend here has it that the axle on Shiva's charriot as he headed to destroy the Tripurams broke here, reminding him of Ganesha whom he had not meditated upon prior to his setting out on his mission. It is also believed that a Pandya ruler who was on his way bringing soil from Ganges for constructing a dam on a local river nearby this place happened to pass through this village in his chariot. While passing, the axle of his chariot is also said to have broken at this village in two pieces.Hence the name of this village became “Achu Iru Paagam” Meaning : “Axle into two pieces” Later this name eventually became Achirupakkam and then to Acharapakkam.
- Breakfast for 2 persons.
- Transportation in AC Etios/Dzire cabs.
- Hotel accommodation based on type of package (standard/deluxe/premium) chosen. The price mentioned in this package is for family of two members sharing a single room. For extra person, please place a separate request with us.
- Room type is Standard A/C Room in 2 star hotel.
- Toll charges and driver's allowance.
- Upon booking confirmation, the sthalapuranam of temples mentioned in the itinerary will be sent through email.
- No extra charges for one child below the age of five.
- Package does not include lunch and dinner.
- The pickup and drop point information will be provided to the customer before booking. It is customer's responsibility to reach the pickup point of the trip at specified time. On request basis, GoSthala will arrange pickup from customers place of choice at any applicable nominal charges.
- All other expenses (temple entry ticket charges, parking charges, etc.) that are not specified in the package inclusions.
- Any loss/expenses incurred by unforeseen circumstances e.g. flight delays/cancellations, road blockages, vehicle breakdown, strikes, etc.
- Expense of personal nature such as laundry, etc.
- Any applicable service tax charges.
- Transportation provided will be as per itinerary only (not at disposal).
- The package price is indicative and based on seasonal demands the price is subject to change and will be informed prior booking.
- The package does not include guide services where not mentioned. Guide services can be availed from us at an additional cost.
- GoSthala will do all the checking necessary to ensure the temples are open during the visit. However we will not be responsible if any of the temples are closed at the time of visit.
- Payment method as follows: 25% payment on confirmation; 50% payment before starting the trip; Balance payment before end of the trip.
- 15% of package cost will be charged as penalty on canceling, 31 or more days before departure.
- 35% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancellation between 22 to 30 days before departure.
- 50% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancellation between 15 to 21 days before departure.
- 100% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancelling, 15 days before departure.
