Chennai: The Dhenupureeswarar temple at Madambkakam, near Tambaram, is one among the number of sites that have been conserved and restored under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The ASI states that the temple has been declared a monument of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (amendment and validation) Act 2010.
The temple is a National Monuments Authority-notified site upon which construction is banned.
The 15th century Tamil poet, Arunagirinathar’s work contains a line referring to the temple.
A number of religious festivals are celebrated in the temple, including Pradosham, Panguni Uthiram and during Navarathri, devotees visit to offer special poojas.
Apart from this, there is a rare event when the sun’s rays directly fall on the Kapila Naathar Lingam in the temple on 20, 21 and 22 April every year.
This once-a-year event is known as Bhaskara Abishekam. During this period, abhishekam is performed for the Lingam with milk and tender coconut water. It is believed that worshiping the deity during this period will cure vision-related problems.
The origin of the temple dates back to the Cholas and it is estimated to be 1,200 years old.
It is said saint Kapila Maharishi was cursed by Lord Shiva to be born as cow for committing a sin. As a cow, he continued to worship the Shiva Lingam buried in the ground by pouring milk on the Lingam. Parantaka Chola ll, father of Raja Raja Chola, came to know about this Shiva Lingam and then constructed the temple.
Kumbabhishekam-related works began in July last year, with bhoomi pooja. The last kumbabhishekam was performed in 2002 and the next one was due in 2015. However, it has been delayed by three years.