Chengam Rishabeswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Chengam Rishabeswarar Temple, Chengam village, Thiruvannamalai District- 606701

Diety

Rishabeswarar Amman: Anubambigai

Introduction

Rishabeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Chengam Town in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Rishabeswarar and Mother is called as Anubambigai. This shiva temple is 1200 Years old temple. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. Chengam was also known as Kannai and Chenganma in ancient times. The Temple is situated on the banks of Cheyyar.

Puranic Significance

It is believed that the place was ruled by Nannan, Sangam era Velir King. The place had been mentioned as Chenganma in Sangam Literature Malaipadukadaam. It is believed that current name is derived from this Name. It has been indicated as Navirai Chenganma in the inscriptions as the town is located near Navirai Mountain. The Temple covers an area of about 3 acres. The Temple has single prakaram and is facing east. Presiding Deity is called as Rishabeswarar. He is also called as Thenkannai Aatkonda Nayagan as per one of the inscriptions in the Temple. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is Swayambhu Moorthy and is facing east. Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Dwajastambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. There is a unique occurrence happening in this Temple every year. Every Year during 3 rd day of Panguni Tamil Month from 5.40 PM to 6.00 PM, Sun rays will fall on Nandi and making the Nandi to glitter like gold. Mother is called as Anubambigai. She is housed in a separate shrine facing east. There is a Murugan Shrine between Sanctum and Mother Shrine forming Somaskanda. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Mahalakshmi, Veerabhadra and Navagrahas in the Temple courtyard. Two Kala Poojas are conducted in this Temple. There are inscriptions dating to Pallava Emperors Mahendra Varman, and Narasimha Varma was found in the Temple premises.