- Shiva
Agatheeswarar Temple
- Nungambakkam,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The Agatheeswarar temple is situated in Chennai. It is dedicated to lord Shiva and this is the place where shukra Planet venus worshiped lord Shiva.
About The Deity
The main praharam has the Agastheeshwarar sannidhi facing the east. The base of the sivalingam has constant water percolating like in Thiruvanaikaval. When they tried digging up to 20 feet during the kumbabhishekam they could not go to the base of the lingam and encountered water welling up and this has been led to a well nearby and the priest informed me that this is the source of water for the entire complex and the surrounding area as well. The ambal sannidhi is to the right facing the south. Akhlandeshwari is in standing pose.
About The Temple
Though a Lord Shiva temple, Mother Shukravara Amman is the prominent deity here. Though She has shrines in other Shiva temples, She is taken in procession in this temple only. Planet Venus - Shukra worshipped Lord Shiva to regain his eye sight which he lost to Lord Maha Vishnu during His Vamana Avtar. Mother Parvathi too was in penance on Lord at that time. Lord Shiva was just thinking to whom His grace should go first. Mother Parvathi was gracious to ask the Lord to offer His grace to Shukra first. She told Shukra that the Friday (Shukravar) belonging to him should be transferred in Her favour and that he should not be adverse to Her devotees which Shukra readily agreed. Thus, Mother Anandavalli became to be praised as Shukravara Amman.
Legend and Stories
King Bommarajan who ruled this place once, got Sula disease (a form of fever where he was burning hot) and prayed to Perumal. Perumal guided him to take bath in the Agastheeswarar temple tank and worship Shiva here. He did the same and got his disease cured. Goddess Akilandeswari has a separate shrine here next only to Thiruvanaikkaval. At one corner of the temple tank is present the Swayambu amman Asalathamman.The amman temple is being rebuilt now.
Festivals
Purattasi Navarathri in September-October and Maha Shivrathri in February-March are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
How To Reach Agatheeswarar Temple
The temple is well connected by road within Chennai. The nearest railway station is in Chennai, and international airport is in Chennai.
Temple Address
Agatheeswarar Temple,
11, N Mada St,
Nungambakkam,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600034
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To pray for moksha
- For happiness
- For wealth
- For education
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 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.