Velikkadu Kuntheeswarar Shiva Temple, Chengalpattu

Address

Velikkadu Kuntheeswarar Shiva Temple, Velikkadu, (Periavelikadu) Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu 603312

Diety

Sri Kuntheeswarar Amman: Vedanayagi

Introduction

From Arasar Koil to Koovathur on the banks of Palar river, near Chengalpattu. This is one of the Shiva temples waiting for someone to take care of. Even after the palalayam the renovation works are yet to begin. It is believed that the epic Mahabharat character Kunti Devi, during Panchapandavas exile worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Moolavar: Kuntheeswarar Consort: Vedanayagi The temple is facing east with a Rajagopuram base. Balipeedam and Nandhi are in front of Mukha mandapam. During 1960 CE, Walls are raised in the Mukha mandapa for the Vinayagar and Valli Devasena Subramanian. Also, Some sculptures of Shiva Lingam, Ambal, Dhandayuthapani, Suryan, Bhairavar are in the Mukha mandapam. Koshtas and Chandikeswarar sannadhi are empty now. The temple was renovated about 50 to 60 years before and the inscriptions are found on the mukha mandapa ceiling. Solar and Lunar eclipse is shown in the form of reliefs on the ceiling. Ambal is in a separate sannadhi facing south. Even though the temple is claimed to be more than 1000 years old, might have been constructed during the Vijayanagara period. The temple is now in dilapidated condition. The sanctum with artha mandapam is kept locked for safety reasons. The tree roots damaged the Vimana extensively. But still, even at the age of 90+ years, Gurukkal Chandramouli does the pooja sincerely. Pradoshams are also conducted.