Hosur Sri Chandra Choodeswarar Hill Temple- Krishnagiri

Address

Hosur Sri Chandra Choodeswarar Hill Temple- Sanasandiram, Hosur, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu 635109, India Phone: 04344-652172 / 90420 12135

Diety

Sri Chandra Choodeswarar Amman: Maragathambal

Introduction

The Chandra Choodeswarar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located on a rocky hill in the town of Hosur, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu. Due to variations in the local languages (Tamil, Kannada, Telugu) and dialects, the temple is also referred to as ‘Chandira Choodeshwarar’, ‘Chandra Choodeshwara’, ‘Chandra Choodeshwar’. The Presiding Deity of this Temple is Lord Chandrachoodeswarar who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He Blesses His Devotees along with His Consort Goddess Maragadhambika who is none other than Goddess Parvathi Herself. Lord Shiva is decorated with a Moon Shaped Ornament here and hence the name Chandrachoodeswarar. There is a Huge Nandhi installed inside this Temple.

Puranic Significance

In the 10th century, Hosur was known as Chevidapadi, and in the 13th century, Hosur was known as Murasunadu, from 16th century onwards, it is been called as Hosur. The exact history of the temple is not clearly documented. Considering that the Hosur region is mentioned in ancient texts like the ‘Padmagiri Mahathyamam’, a part of Brahmanda Purana, a shrine for Shiva is deemed to have existed here from ancient times. The 13th-century inscription found during Chandra Choodeshwara temple patronage. Perumal Temple in Hosur and Bangalore Shiva Temple inscriptions tell the details of donations to Chandra Choodeshwara temple. There are also inscriptions of Rajendra Chola in this ancient temple. The temple was renovated by Azhakiya Perumal Aathimoolam. This temple was built by a king from the Hoysala dynasty called Thirupuvanamalla Barvatharaja Anthiyazhvar in 1260 AD. Although this temple is different from the usual temple architecture of Tamil Nadu, it has an ancient history. In the Brahmanda Purana, there is a mention of this temple as Bhadragiri Mahatmiyam. This is also a famous pilgrim site and hordes of pilgrims visit this temple for various pilgrimages or theerthams like Jambava, Vrishabha, Maragatha Sarovaram, Pandava, Shivagangai and Hanuma Theertham. Apart from Lord Shiva, this temple also has dedicated shrines for Lord Muruga, Ganesha and many saints

Special Features

• ‘Chandra Choodeswarar’ means the Eshwara who wears the Moon (Chandra) as an ornament on his crest or tuft of hair on top of the head. • Shiva’s consort Parvathi is worshiped here as Maragathambal. ‘Maragatham’ means green.