Echur Kashi Vishalakshi Sametha Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Chengalpattu

Address

Echur Kashi Vishalakshi Sametha Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Chengalpattu

Echur village,

Chengalpattu district,

Tamil Nadu – 603109.

Moolavar

Kasi Vishwanath

Amman

Kasi Vishalakshi 

Introduction

• Location: Echur Village, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding Deity: Kasi Vishwanath (Lord Shiva), with Kasi Vishalakshi (Mother).
• The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old. Echur village is situated on the road to Mamallapuram, approximately 7 kilometers from Thirukkalukkunram in Chengalpattu District.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple has a rich history dating back to the Chola period, when it was initially built and worshipped. However, over time, the temple was destroyed, and the Lord’s presence was forgotten as the idol was hidden in the soil.
• A few years ago, a boy from the village had a dream in which Lord Shiva revealed himself. Initially, the boy did not share the dream, but when the dream occurred again, he told his parents. This led to the villagers believing there was a hidden treasure at the site. When they began digging, they discovered a Shiva Linga and constructed a small shed to begin worship.
• The Lord manifested Himself as Kasi Vishwanathar, and the temple was later renovated with the Kumbabhishekam (consecration ceremony). The deity was named Kasi Vishwanathar, followed by Kasi Vishalakshi.

Beliefs:

• It is believed that those who worship at Echur Temple are blessed with:
  • Marriage
  • Children
  • Freedom from debts and other personal problems.

Special Features:

• The temple consists of several key parts:
  • Sanctum Sanctorum (main shrine)
  • Artha Mandapam (entrance hall)
  • Front Hall (main gathering area)
• The temple has Lord Nandi placed outside, as is customary in Shiva temples.
• Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga are placed on either side of the temple.
• Another Nandi is situated in the Artha Mandapam.
• The Dwara Balakas (door guardians) are found in the front hall of the sanctum.
• In the Sanctum Sanctorum, the Shiva Linga is positioned on a high plinth, facing east, and is titled Kasi Vishwanathar.
• The Goshtas (outer sanctums) include Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, and Chandikeswarar. Bhairava is also found in the temple’s Prakaram (outer courtyard).

Festivals:

• Masi Magam and all other Shiva-related festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion at Echur Temple.

Century/Period

1000 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

Echur

Nearest Railway Station

Chengalpattu

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

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