Chennai Valasaravakkam Velveeswarar and Agastheeswarar Temple

Address

Chennai Valasaravakkam Velveeswarar and Agastheeswarar Temple

120, State Highway 113, Indira Nagar, Thandavamoorthy Nagar, Indira Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai,

Tamil Nadu 600087

Moolavar

Velveeswarar, Agastheeswarar

Amman

Tripura Sundari

Introduction

Velveeswarar Temple, also known as Agastheeswarar Temple, is located in the rapidly developing residential area of Valasaravakkam, Chennai, South India. The temple has a rich history, dating back around 1500 years, during the reign of the Kulothungan Chola dynasty. Situated on Arcot Road, the temple is a serene and expansive space, with a large lotus pond inside the temple complex. The absence of surrounding compound walls contributes to the temple’s open and beautiful surroundings, making it a peaceful and spacious place of worship.

Puranic Significance

The temple’s primary shrine is dedicated to Velveeswarar, represented as a large Shiva Lingam, facing east, with a Nandi idol placed in front. The temple stands out due to the absence of a Rajagopuram (tower) or flagstaff, which are typically found in most traditional temples.

Adjacent to the Velveeswarar shrine is the shrine of Agastheeswarar, another prominent Shiva Lingam, which also faces the east direction. This dual representation of Lord Shiva forms the basis for the temple’s name, combining both Velveeswarar and Agastheeswarar.

The Goddess Tripura Sundari, a form of Goddess Parvati, is housed in a separate shrine facing the south direction. Surrounding the main shrines, the prakara (corridor) houses several smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, enhancing the temple’s spiritual ambiance.

Notable Shrines and Deities:

Vinai Theertha Vinayakar – A shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Subramanya – The shrine of Lord Subramanya, accompanied by his consorts Valli and Devasena.
Bana Pureeswarar – Another significant Shiva Lingam located within the temple.
Dakshinamurti, Bhairav, Hanuman, Rama-Sita-Lakshman, Navagraha, Natraj-Sivakami, and Karumari – These deities are represented in individual shrines around the temple.
Chandikeshwara – Positioned in his usual location.

The walls surrounding the Velveeswarar shrine feature niche images of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, and Brahma, emphasizing the temple’s comprehensive spiritual significance. Similarly, the walls of the Tripura Sundari shrine contain the images of the divine trinity: Brahmi, Vaishnavi, and Maheswari.

Special Features:

Velveeswarar Shrine: The primary shrine houses Velveeswarar in the form of a large Shiva Lingam facing the east, with the Nandi idol in front.
Tripura Sundari Shrine: Dedicated to the Goddess Tripura Sundari, it faces the south direction.
No Rajagopuram: Unlike many traditional temples, this one lacks a towering gateway, which adds to its serene and spacious atmosphere.

This temple, with its historical significance and diverse array of deities, remains an important religious site in Valasaravakkam. The presence of multiple deities and unique features make it a special place for devotees to worship and seek blessings.