Thiruvelichai Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Thiruvelichai village,

Kanchipuram district,

Tamil Nadu 600126

Moolavar

Pasupatheeswarar

Amman

Simha Priya

Introduction

The Pasupatheeswarar Temple is a dedicated shrine to Lord Shiva, located in Thiruvelichai Village, a suburb of Chennai, near Pudupakkam in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu. The temple is also dedicated to Mother Shakti, known as Simha Priya. Situated around 3 km from the Pudupakkam Anjaneyar Temple, this temple is located on the Kelambakkam-Vandalur Road, around 3 km from the Kelambakkam Bus Stop. Though it is not easily accessible by public transport and is located in a more remote area, the temple remains a quiet but spiritually significant location.

Puranic Significance

The Pasupatheeswarar Temple is unique in that it was originally a private temple, built for personal worship by a saint known as Gnanacheri Gnanigal. During the 17th-18th centuries, there was an Advaita philosopher, Carnatic composer, and saint named Sadashiva Brahmendra. It is believed that in his past lives, Sadashiva Brahmendra was born as Dattatreya, Ugra Pandya, Aanaya Nayanar, Vilvamangala Swamigal, and Abirami Bhattar.

Later in life, Swamiji became a Mouna Guru, a silent teacher, and did not speak. It is believed that he took rebirth in the 20th century in Tamil Nadu and started a religious organization called Gnanacheri in 1979 CE, leading to his recognition as Gnanacheri Gnanigal. The temple, originally built for private worship, is dedicated to Shiva, and it also has shrines for Varadaraja Perumal, Anjaneya, and Prathyangira Devi. The Kumbhabhishekam (consecration) of the temple was performed in 1999 CE.

Special Features

The temple complex is large and divided into multiple sections, each with unique features:

Pasupatheeswarar Shrine

Sanctum: The east-facing sanctum houses the Shiva Linga, named Pasupatheeswarar.
Niche Images: The walls around the sanctum have images of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma, Vishnu, and Durga.
Other Shrines: In the Maha Mandapam, there are two shrines facing the south:
- One enshrines Goddess Shakti (Simha Priya).
- The other holds the Utsava idols of Natarajar and Shivakami.
Bali Peetham and Nandi Mandapam: Both are positioned facing the sanctum.

Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Shrine

A separate east-facing shrine for Varadaraja Perumal is located in the prakara of the Pasupatheeswarar shrine, accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi in the main shrine.
The shrine also includes a small north-facing sub-shrine for Kanaga Valli, as well as sub-shrines for Garuda and Hanuman. Behind the shrine, a niche image of Krishna playing the flute can be seen.

Viswaroopa Anjaneya Shrine

This section enshrines a large idol of Hanuman, known as Viswaroopa Anjaneya.
Opposite to it is a shrine dedicated to Ram, Sita, and Lakshman.

Prathyangira Shrine

Near the temple tower, there is a north-facing shrine for Prathyangira Devi, who is depicted with a lion face.

Other Deities

In the corner of the prakara, there is a shrine housing a group of deities, including:

Pandurangan and Ragumayee
Pasupatheeswarar (Shiva Linga)
Sundara Varadaraja Perumal with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi
Durga
Murugan with Valli and Devasena
Siddhi Vinayakar

Additionally, there are two separate idols placed under trees in the vicinity.

Festivals

The temple celebrates a variety of Shiva-related festivals, especially the grand celebration of Maha Shivaratri, which is observed with much fervor. Other important festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva and associated deities are also celebrated throughout the year.

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/12/pasupatheeswarar-temple-thiruvelichai.html