Sri Maragadhavalli sametha Sri Margasahayeshwarar and Sri KarunakaraPerumal temple Maduravoyal,Chennai

Another Gem of an ancient temple came to my notice recently as I was travelling on the busy Poonamalle high road. A recently put up sign board drew my attention to this ancient temple and I could visit it today. The temple has been taken up by the Archeological survey of India and is being re built.You would never imagine such a peaceful ancient temple exists near this busy highway.

The Vishnu temple was actually situated nearby on the banks of the cooum.Apparently in 1970’s there was flooding and the temple was washed away and the Moola virat was rescued and installed in this Shiva temple.

HOW TO REACH:

On Poonamalle highroad as you are coming from the Kanchi/ Bangalore side towards Chennai you will cross the inner ring road and then come to the first signal.Just after this is the Maduravoyal corporation office and adjacent to this is the narrow lane leading to the temple. Since I was not sure about this road I proceeded a bit straight and took the next acute left turn  east mada street and reached the temple

The main Shiva temple is undergoing renovation

Due to the renovation the main lord is in Balalayam and kept in a small enclosure in the for court next to the navagraha. The most captivating thing here was the sheer peace and greenery with multiple Ganeshas under various banyan trees

There were also a mango tree , Bhilva tree and Jack fruit tree all with fruits

In the hind court of the temple complex is the Karunakara perumal temple with Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

Picture of the main deity taken with the permission of the Bhattar below

A small derelict temple which I am sure will be attracting more visitors shortly

Sri Kari Varadaraja Perumal Temple–Nerkundrum Chennai

Among the many rare gems hidden inside of Chennai this temple ranks  on top and I was lucky to visit it today.The perumal opens his eyes when Nerkundram is performed so wonderful is the sculptors work. The sculptures are unquestionably ancient but the temple is very modern

Here is a link to the video of the phenomenon I saw on you tube

You tube link of Moola virat during Aarathi

I had heard many years ago from my daughters school friend  that this temple was in nerkundram today morning I located it and visited

HOW TO REACH:

On Poonamalle high road after  proceeding from  Koyambedu , before reaching the MGR engineering college signal on the left look for Dayasadan street  turn in and take the narrow lane on the left adjoining the mosque then take the first right and you will be in front of the temple. The roads are all narrow and I was able to negotiate with my zen, It will be prudent to park in the mosque street and walk down

LEGEND OF THE TEMPLE:

The legend here is related to the Gajendra moksham episode of Vishnupuranam where Gajendra’s foot is caught by a gandharva in crocodile form and the merciful Lord gives moksha to both at this place. The temple is a few thousand years old said the hereditary bhattar.

As you enter the main gate on the left you see these sannidhis  for the alwars, Anjeneya and Sri Vishwaksenar(Ganesha)

Anjeneya sannidhi

Once you see these sannidhis you are in front of the main sannidhi with the Garudalwar in front. This sannidhi is air conditioned and has glass doors.

Behind this structure  are the sannidhis for thayar and Andal.these are all so wonderful to see ancient sculptures in modern housing!!

A view of the reflection of the Moola virat in the mirror on top of Garudalwar sannidhi

The perumal is flanked by Sridevi and Bhoodevi . He stands with the Varada hasta left pointing to his feet the right hand has the Gada the posterior hands have the chakra and Conch, He also has a simha muka on his abdomen.

It is the belief here that he is the lord of the navagrahas. All prayers are fulfilled in 9 days or 9 months(child birth) and thanks giving is done then with in 9 weeks.

Sri Agneshwarar sametha Oushadambikai Koil–Vanagaram Chennai

I travel very frequently on the Tambaram Maduravoyal bypass and  I was always keen to visit the temple seen from the bypass.Today morning I was given the opportunity do so.The one word to describe the visit was PEACE

HOW TO REACH:

The temple is open to the elements and can be seen west of the bypass. The service road which exists between PH road (Near Jesus calls ) and Chettiyar agraharam near the toll booth gives us access to the road leading to the temple, There is no proper road  up to the temple but the ground is motor able. You can also enter the temple from inside Chettiyar agraharam on the west

LEGENDS AND INTERESTING THINGS:

There was a huge Shivalingam which was more than a 1000 years old apparently lying in the open.It is thought to be the Jiva Samadhi of a sage. It was moved into the present garbhagraha  in 1960

The Original place where this lingam was found is still in worship but pilgrims are allowed only on the pradosha days  and on Sivarathri days all are allowed to worship the lord with our own hands offering Maha vilvam(9-12-15 leaved Vilvam leaves)

Originally daily these vilvam leaves would be brought from the Kovoor temple but now a days there are two trees in the temple itself

There was also a 3 faced rudraksha tree which unfortunately dried up this summer

The temple in itself is a very peaceful small structure with small enclosures for the Agnishwarar, Oushadambikai, Ganesha and murugan.The Mahishasura mardhini is exquisite

The Shivan sannidhi is in front and the Ambal sannidhi is on the right in the pic below

The Koshta vigrahas

Vinayaka below

Mahishasura mardhini above

Navagraha sannidhi below

The legend of Parvathy saving the lord from the hala hala poison  hence she is called Oushadambikai

A short visit which was very pleasant