Chennai: Arulmigu Aavudai Nayagi Udanurai Nandeeswarar Temple, located at Adambakkam, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with a rich history that dates back to the time of Ramayana.
Located near St Thomas Mount railway station, it is said this was the place where Lord Shiva appeared before Bringa Maharishi in Nandi form.
Temple trustee K Sitharama Gurukkal said, “Right from 1862, my ancestors have been looking after the temple and I am now the sixth generation to continue it.”
Speaking about the temple’s history, he said, “There was a sage called Bringa Munivar and he did severe penance atop the hill here, which is now known as Parangi Malai. It was here that Lord Shiva appeared before him in the form of Nandi. Hence, Lord Shiva in the temple bears the name Nandeeswarar.”
In the main sanctum is present Lord Nandeeswarar in Linga form facing east. On the right, inside the main mandapa, is a separate sanctum for Goddess Aavudai Nayagi Amman, facing south.
On the outer walls of the main sanctum, Lord Dakshinamoorthy is placed on the left. On the back wall, there is Lord Vishnu and on the right wall, Lord Brahma and Goddess Durgai.
Opposite Brahma is the sanctum for Lord Chandikeswarar. There are also separate sanctums for Lord Sundara Vinayagar and Valli Devasena Sametha Siva Subramaniar.
According to historical records, the temple was built by a Chola king called Aadhani Cholan. It was also because of the king the area came to be known as Aadhani, which later became Adambakkam.
“The temple was constructed during the Chola period which is approximately 1005 AD. However, details of the first kumbhabhishekam are unknown. In 1978, a kumbhabhishekam was performed and after that it was done in 2014,” the temple trustee said.
Speaking about the temple’s speciality, he said, “Nandhi means bull and Aavudai means cow. This is the only temple where both the God and the Goddess’ name represents bull and cow. Also, if devotees, for whom there is an obstacle in getting married, worship the Lord continuously for five Pradhoshams, offering two rose garlands to the deity, they will get married soon.”
During every Monday and during Pradhoshams and Sivarathri, Rudra Trisathi archanai will take place followed by Aarudra Darshan.
Festivals like Sivarathri, Navarathri and other important occasions are celebrated in a grand manner in the temple.
The temple is open from 6.30 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 9 pm.
For details, contact Sitharama Gurukkal at 98410 06251.