- Shiva
Karaneeswarar Temple
- Mylapore,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The Karaneeswarar Temple is a popular Hindu shrine situated at the Bazaar Road in Mylapore, Chennai. One has to take the Kutchery Road from the Mylapore Tank bus stop and from there the Bazaar Road. The temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva.
About The Temple
Sri Karaneeswara temple is one of the Sapta Sthana Shiva temples in Mylapore (one of the seven sacred Shiva temples in Mylapore). This east facing temple has a five tier Raja Gopuram (tower). The exterior wall surrounding the main shrine has separate niches for Lord Ganesha, Sri Dakshinamurti, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Goddess Durga. Lord Chandikeshwara is also near the image of Lord Brahma, just like in many other temples.
About The Deity
The chief deities of the temples are Lord Karaneeswara (Shiva) who gracess her along with Mother Shakthi as Porkodi Amman. The lord and the Ambal graces from their respective shrines. The temple houses a small Gopuram (tower), bali Perth and a flag post. The statue of the Nandi Dev appears facing the Lord present in the main sanctum sanctorum. The entrance of the main sanctum sanctorum has the vigrahas of Lord Ganesha and Sri Dhandayudhapani (Lord Subramanya).
Legend and Stories
Legend
Legends inform us of a young Brahmin in Mylapore who offered prayers to Lord Shiva here regularly. By virtue of his penance, the young Brahmin realised that Lord Shiva was the power and reason behind the creation, protection and destruction of everything in thia universe. Thereafter, Lord Shiva at this temple got to be called Lord Karaneeswara. The word “Karanam” in Tamil language means “the reason”, hence the deity got to be called as Karaneeshwarar.
History
The temple is auite ancient and belongs to the 12th century CE. However, the current temple structure has been rebuilt recently.
Significance
Lord Karaneeswara is known to grant boons generously to the worshipper. Offering prayers to Lord Sri Karaneeswara and Mother Porkodi is said to bless one with a peaceful and happy family life. Mix coconut oil, sesame oil (gingelly) and castor oil in equal parts and use this mixture to light oil lamps in multiples of six (6, 12, 18, 24 and so on) in this temple. Performing the Pradakshinam (circumambulation) the temple is alsso regarded auspicious here.
How To Reach
Airport
The Chennai Airport is the nearest located airport which has several flights connecting many major cities of the country.
Railways
Regular trains are available from other important cities of the country to the city of Chennai.
Road
Chennai being an important metropolitan city in South India, is well connected to a number of cities through regular bus services.
Temple Address
Karaneeswarar Temple,
Bazaar Rd, Thyagarajapuram,
Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Pincode – 600004.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 6 A.M to 9 P.M