Chennai: Dharmeshwarar temple is a Shiva temple at Manimangalam which is located 10 km from Tambaram.
According to the head priest of the temple, Manimangalam itself has historic significance as during the 7th century AD the battle between Narasimha Varma Pallava and Pulakesi II the Chalukya king was fought here.
Dharmeshwarar temple’s inscriptions suggest that the temple was built in the time of the Cholas.
The main deity is called the Dharmeshwarar, and the Goddess is known as Sri Vedhaambigai. The temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
“In the temple inscriptions, it is mentioned that the temple was donated by the kings to the Vedic scholars for performing Vedic rituals for the well-being of the country. Manimangalam is one such village and was called Grama Sikhamani Chathurvedhi Mangalam,” adds the priest.
The temple is built entirely of stone and the sculptures add beauty to it. At the entrance is a huge peepal tree. “This tree is more than 60 years old,” said the priest.
Even the steps for the temple are carved out of stone. Outside the main sanctum sanctorum, Lord Vinayagar and Lord Muruga are seen on either side of the entrance.
Inside the main sanctum sanctorum is Lord Dharmeshwarar is in Linga form, facing east. With this sanctum there is one more small sanctorum that is empty.
“It is believed that there used to be a Nataraja idol inside it but it was stolen by some miscreants and could not be recovered,” says the priest.
On the outer praakaram, around the main sanctum, on the left corner is Sri Vinayagar under the shade of a tree.
On the surrounding walls, Sri Vinayagar and Dakshinamurthi facing south, Maha Vishnu facing west and Lord Brahma and Durga facing north.
On the right corner, there is a small shrine for Lord Chandikeshwarar.
Along the inner praakaram, there are sculptures of Parivaara murthis and a dilapidated Shivalinga.
Outside the main sanctum, on the right, there is a separate shrine for Goddess Vedhaambigai, just before the sanctum sanctorum. Goddess Vedhaambigai faces south.
Facing the main sanctum is a Nandhi and bali peetam. There is also a pond adjacent to the temple.
About the festivals in the temple, the priest says, “During festivals like Maha Shivarathri, Karthigai Deepam and Pradhoshams, special poojas and abhishekams are performed in a grand manner. During these festivals the temple also sees huge crowds as people from far away places come to worship here.”
Since the temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, it is open from 8-10 am and 3-5 pm only.