- Shiva
Tiruvottriyur Dakshinamoorthy Temple
- Tiruvottriyur,Tamil Nadu
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The Tiruvottriyur Dakshinamoorthy Temple is located in Tiruvottriyur and is dedicated to God Dakshinamoorthy, one of the forms of God Shiva. He blesses devotees in a meditative pose. He is seen as the God of knowledge and intelligence. While in every temple Dakshinamoorthy is seen on the walls, backside to the Shiva's prahara, here, the former is worshipped as a presiding deity. One can find the demon Muyalagan under the deity's feet. Interestingly, in this sthala, Dakshinamoorthy faces North direction, while he faces South in many temples. Dakshinamurthy temple of Tiruvottiyur is a unique temple built by a Siddhar (a saint) around 400 years back. It is unique because no where else you can easily find the temple for Dakshinamurthy. (There are exceptions - one temple is there in down South and there is another temple near Ambattur in Chennai). Another unique feature of the temple is that the idol of Dakshinamurthy is very big and he also faces the north direction. The temple also houses a unique idol of God Ganesha with five faces sitting on a lion. There is a metal idol of Dakshinamurthy which is lively and very beautiful. There is a small Shiv linga idol found near the main Dakshinamurthy's foot. When you happen to visit Tiruvottiyur, don't visit just the popular Thyagaraja temple. Ensure that you also visit this unique temple of God Dakshinamurthy - the God of Knowledge. Dakshinamurthy temple of Tiruvottiyur is a unique temple built by a Siddhar (a saint) around 400 years back. It is unique because no where else you can easily find the temple for Dakshinamurthy. (There are exceptions - one temple is there in down South and there is another temple near Ambattur in Chennai). Another unique feature of the temple is that the idol of Dakshinamurthy is very big and he also faces the north direction. The temple also houses a unique idol of God Ganesha with five faces sitting on a lion. There is a metal idol of Dakshinamurthy which is lively and very beautiful. There is a small Shiv linga idol found near the main Dakshinamurthy's foot. When you happen to visit Tiruvottiyur, don't visit just the popular Thyagaraja temple. Ensure that you also visit this unique temple of God Dakshinamurthy - the God of Knowledge.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To excel in academics
- To have mental peace
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
On regular days, it is kept open from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then reopens from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Thursdays, the temple remains open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., without any break.