Cheyyur Sri Kandhaswamy Temple, Chengalpattu

Address

Cheyyur Sri Kandhaswamy Temple, Cheyyur, Chengalpattu District – 603 302 Mobile: +91 94447 29512

Deity

Sri Kandhaswamy Amman: Valli and Devasena

Introduction

• Located in Cheyyur Town, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.
• Dedicated to Lord Murugan.
• Recognized as a Thirupugazh Sthalam, praised by Saint Arunagirinathar.
• Managed by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance

• Built by the Cholas in the 10th Century CE.
• Historically known as Jayamkonda Chola Nallur and Virarajendra Nallur.
• Temple faces east with a flat Rajagopuram on the southern side.
• Two prakarams and granite compound walls surrounding the temple.
• Balipeedam, Peacock vehicle, and Dhwaja Sthambam in the outer prakaram.
• Deepa Sthamba used during the Karthigai Deepam festival.

Temple Structure

• Sanctum Sanctorum: Includes the Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, and frontal porch.
• Murugan Idol: Four-armed, holding Vajra, and showing Abhaya Hastha.
• Consorts: Valli and Devasena positioned on either side of Murugan.
• Koshta Idols: Include Nritya Skanda, Brahma Sastha, Shiva Gurunathar, and others.
• Maragatha Linga Shrine: Perpetual lamp marking where a Siddhar once installed a Maragatha Linga.
• Muthu Kumaraswamy Shrine: Depicts Lord Murugan in warrior pose, known as Samhara Moorthy.
• Navagraha Shrine: Separate shrine for the nine planets.
• Vedalam Idols: 27 Vedalam (ghost) idols representing the 27 Nakshatras.

Beliefs and Rituals

• Theipirai Ashtami: Devotees worship Vedalam (representing Nakshatras) and Bhairava for blessings from Lord Murugan.
• Worship of Shiva Guru Nathar for wisdom and Brahma Sastha for changing fate.

Festivals

• Kandhasashti: Includes Vel Vaangum Vizha.
• Aadi Krithikai: Festival dedicated to Lord Murugan.
• Karthigai Deepam: Celebrated with lighting the Deepa Sthamba.
• Thaipoosam: Celebrating Lord Murugan.
• Panguni Uthiram: Marks the marriage of Murugan with Valli and Devasena.

Cultural Significance

• Chengalvaraya Sastri composed devotional songs for Lord Murugan.
• Sarva Vadhyam: Traditional musical instrument used during festivals.
• Intricate Sculptures: Featured in the temple, including depictions of Ayyanar, Idumban, and Arunagirinathar.

Century/Period/Age

10th Century CE

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Cheyyur

Nearest Railway Station

Melmaruvathur

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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