Chennai: Navagraha holds special importance in every temple. In Chennai, we have a shrine dedicated to Lord Surya which is in Kolapakkam. The Aanadavalli sametha Agastheeswarar Temple is located on Sivan Koil Street, Kolapakkam, a few kilometres from Kolapakkam MGR statue.
The temple is believed to be more than 1,300 years old. “Many inscriptions in the temple suggest that it was built during the Chola period and during their period many renovations were undertaken,” said the priest of the temple, Saravanan Gurukkal.
The main deity is Agatheeswarar and the goddess is Anandavalli. Legend says that Lord Surya and Agasthiyar worshipped Shiva here. The entry to the main sanctum is through the southern side and seen first is Goddess Anandavalli in standing posture, facing south. On the left side to theGoddess is the main deity Agastheeswarar, seen facing east.
On the eastern end of the temple, there is a separate sanctum for Lord Surya. “The temple is built in such a way that importance is given to Surya. While all the gods except Ambal face east, Surya alone faces west making it ferent. When they were floated, they were seen as alternatives but they were not able to live up to the expectations of the people,” he said.
The temple is also a dosha sthala for Sun. “The best day to worship the Sun is Sunday,” he added. There are also separate shrines for Lord Vinayaga, Muruga and Kaala Bhairava, located around the main sanctum. Also present on the walls of the sanctum are Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Mahavishnu and Sri Durgai.
“Lord Kaala Bhairava is very powerful here and special abhishekams take place every Sunday during Raahu Kalam (4.30 to 6 pm). There is also a separate ritual followed to worship the Lord. People worshipping the Lord for six consecutive Sundays get their wishes fulfilled,” said the priest.
‘Arasa maram’ (peepul tree) is the sthala vriksham and theertham is called ‘Amirtha Pushkarani’ which is found adjacent to the temple. ‘Sivarathri is celebrated in a grand manner during which four kaala poojas are performed. Also, Navarathri, Kirthigai, Vinayaga Chathurthi, Ratha Sapthami and Pradoshams are other occasions during which special poojas are performed,’ said the priest.
The temple is open from 7 am to 11.30 am and from 5 pm to 8.45 pm.