Chennai: Sri Agatheeswarar Temple at Nungambakkam is a historic temple that is centuries old. Located on North Mada Street at Sterling Road, the temple dates back to the time of kings and according to the officials at the temple, it is still unknown as to when the temple came into existence.
“Nungambakkam was earlier known as Bommarajapuram and a king by the name Bommarajan was ruling it. He was once inflicted by a rare stomach disease that could not be cured. He prayed to Lord Vishnu. The Almighty appeared in his dream and suggested he take a bath in the temple tank here and worship Lord Shiva and Parameshwari. Upon doing so, he was freed from the disease. From then on Lord Shiva here came to be called Agatheeswarar and Parameshwari became Akilandeshwari,” says Murugan, the odhuvar of the temple.
“After Tiruvanaikkaval, this is the only temple to have a separate sanctum for Goddess kilandeshwari. Since the king was a Vishnu devotee, he built a Vishnu temple 500 metres away from this temple and
today it is known as Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple. Both the temples are managed by the same Devasthanam,” adds Murugan.
The sthala vriksha of the temple is vanni tree which is said to be more than 300 years old. The main speciality of the temple is the theppa thiruvizha which happens every year during the month of Maasi.
“For more than 80 years, the festival did not happen but for the last four years it is being celebrated continuously,” he says.
The temple was constructed by Subbu Deivanayaga Mudaliyar and as per the records, it was constructed in 1808, says Murugan. In the main sanctum, facing east, is present Lord Agatheeswarar in Linga form. Adjacent to it, on the right, is a separate sanctum for Godess Akilandeshwari, facing south. The deity is in standing posture.
In the inner prakara, on the left wall, is placed Lord Vinayagar and Dakshinamoorthy. Lord Chandikeshwarar is placed behind and on the right wall is Goddess Durga.
The processional deities of Lord Muruga along with Valli and Deivanai, and Natarajar are kept inside small sanctums at the back. On the walls of the Amman sanctum the three sakthis – Iccha Sakthi, Gnana Sakthi and Kriya Sakthi. There are two entrances to the main mandapa, one in front of Lord Shiva and the other before that Goddess Akilandeshwari.
Outside the main mandapa, on the left corner, there is a separate sanctum for Varasiddhi Vinayagar. Adjacent to it and behind the main mandapa is the sanctum for Lord Aarumugar, who is present alongside Valli and Deivanai. On the right there is a separate shrine for Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi.
Next to it is separate sannidhi for Kasi Viswanathar and Annapoorani Kasi Visalakshi. The Bhairavar sannidhi can be found beside it and towards the end, the Navagrahas are placed. The temple also has a big tank.
Every month, during Sankatahara Chathurthi, Ganapathi homam and special abhishekams for Lord Ganesha are performed. Every first day of the Tamil month, special abhishekams are performed for the Ambal.
“During every Pournami and Krithikai processions take place. During Ashtami special abhishekams are performed for Bhairavar. Every Friday, at 6 pm, Sukravara Amman procession takes place inside the temple and only women are allowed to carry the deity. Brahmotsavam happens during the month of Aadi. During Sivarathri pooja is performed in a grand manner. During the month of Karthigai, sankabhishekam happens on every Monday. During Navarathri, Chandi homam is performed,” lists Murugan about the fesitvals and celebrations in the temple.
The temple is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. The temple is open every day from 8 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 8.30 pm.