Kurungaleeswarar Temple

Overview

An ancient temple for Lord Shiva is located in Koyambedu where the main deity is Sri Kurungaaleeswarar and Goddess Sri Dharmasamvardhani (also called Aram Valartha Naayagi). sarabeswarar temple in chennai. Inscriptions which date back to Kulothunga Chozha III and Vijayanagara kings, informs about various contributions made to the temple. Inscriptions also reveal the political bifurcation of the place as Kulothunga Chozha Valanadu, part of Puliyur Kottam belonging to Jayankonda Chozha Mandalam. sarabeswarar temple in chennai. It is also said that the names of this place in ancient days were as Kosai Nagar, Koyattipuram and Prayachithapuram. Kulothunga Chozha is said to have ruled in the 12th Century and hence it is said that the temple was constructed during his period. The main deity Sri Kurungaaleeswarar is also called as Sri Kusalavapureeswarar. It is said that Lava and Kusa, sons of Sri Rama stayed with Sage Valmiki in his Ashram along with their mother Sita Devi.

About the deity

Kurungaleeswarar and Goddess Samvardhani on the right side of the Lord are facing north. As in the Meenakshi temple in Madurai, the Goddess is on the right of the Lord and has greater prominence. The belief is that worshipping Goddess on the right side of the Lord would expedite delayed marriages. Virgins worship the Goddess for early marriage life. It is said that the Goddess has taken the right position to come to the rescue of her devotees swiftly when they are in problems.

About Temple

After fourteen years of life in forest and winning Ravana in the battle, Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya and took charge of the kingdom. During that time, some idle men spoke ill of Mother Sita about her fidelity. Rama, bowing to gossips, sent sita to the woods where she gave birth to the twins Lava and Kuch in sage Valmiki’s ashram. The twin grew without knowing that Rama was their father. Rama performed an Ashwameda Yaga in Ayodhya. Lava and Kucha who came to participate in the yaga as directed by sage Valmiki returned back as it was against the rules of Vedas to perform a yagna without the wife by the side and also they learnt the truth that their mother Sita was sent to woods by Rama unjustly. The horse of the Ashwamedha Yaga came to the place where the brothers were living. Lava and Kucha caught the horse and bound it. Satrugna, the last brother of Lord Rama demanded the horse which the youth refused. They won their uncle Satrugna in battle and also Lakshmana who followed Satrugna. Sage Valmiki then explained the circumstances that compelled Rama to send Sita to the forests and said that Rama was none other a person than their own father.

Legends and Stories

The legend of this temple connects to Ramayana period, when Sita Devi was sent to forest by Sri Rama. Sita was under the care of Sage Sri Valmiki during that period and also gave birth to her 2 sons Lava and Kusa. When Sri Rama sent the Aswamedha horse around the country, Lava and Kusa brought the horse to their custody. Without knowing that it was His sons who captured the horse, Sri Rama sent Lakshmana who fought a battle with them. As Lava and Kusa fought against their own uncle, they acquired a Dhosham called Gothra Dhosham. To be relieved of it, it is said that, they installed and worshipped Lord Shiva in this place.

The presiding deity Sri Kurungaaleeswarar is too small as it was installed by two small kids. This wonderful temple has stood strong across centuries and still has not lost its originality. There are beautiful stone pillared praakaarams around the sanctum. Another beautiful stone pillared Mandapam is found in front of the temple, in which Sri Sarabeswarar is seen on one of the pillars facing west.

Festival

Brahmmotsavam in Chithirai (April-May) and Arudra Darshan in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

How to Reach Kurungaleeswarar Temple

The nearest airport is located at Chennai Airport. The nearest railway station is Chenni Metro. The temple is 2 Kms far from Chennai Koyambedu. Autos can be engaged to reach the temple.

Temple Address

Kurungaleeswarar Temple,
S Mada street,
Srinivasa Nagar,
Koyambedu,
Chennai - 600107,
TamilNadu.