Chenganmaal Chenganmaaleeswarar Temple, Chengalpattu

Address

Chenganmaal Chenganmaaleeswarar Temple, Chenganmaal, Thiruporur Taluk Chengalpattu District – 603 103 Mobile: +91 99529 24944 / 91767 70308 / 98845 04932

Diety

Chenganmaaleeswarar Amman: Periya Nayagi / Brihan Nayagi.

Introduction

The Chenganmaaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a significant and historic temple located in Chenganmaal village near Kelambakkam in the Thiruporur Taluk of Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. This temple is known for its religious and architectural significance, as well as its association with a unique legend related to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Presiding Deities: The main deity of the temple is Lord Chenganmaaleeswarar (a form of Lord Shiva), and the Mother deity is known as Periya Nayagi or Brihan Nayagi.
Location: The temple is located approximately 200 meters from the Thaiyur Bus Stop, 25 kilometers from Thiruvanmiyur Railway Station, and 35 kilometers from Chennai Airport. It is situated on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), about 6 kilometers before Thiruporur.
Historical Significance: The temple is believed to have been built by the early Chola Emperor Kochengata Chola in the 3rd century CE. Both the temple and the village were named after Lord Chenganmaaleeswarar.
Inscriptions: Inscriptions from the Chola period and later inscriptions from the Nayak Kings can be found on the temple’s walls, offering insights into its historical importance.
Legend: The temple is associated with a fascinating legend about the creation of the Chakrayudha (a powerful discus) by Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu’s desire to obtain it. Lord Vishnu worshiped Lord Shiva with 1008 lotus flowers but was left with one flower short. To complete the offering, he plucked one of his own eyes and offered it to Lord Shiva. Touched by his devotion, Lord Shiva granted him the divine Chakrayudha. This is why Lord Shiva here is known as Chenganmaaleeswarar and the place as Chenganmaal, after Lord Vishnu (Chenganmaal).
Purpose: Devotees visit this temple to seek relief from eye-related ailments, given the significance of the legend.
Temple Architecture: The temple faces east and features an entrance arch with stucco images of Lord Shiva, Parvathi, Vinayaga, and Murugan. Inside, you can find the sanctum sanctorum with the Lingam, as well as other idols like Vinayaga, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga. The temple also has shrines for various deities, including Chandikeswarar, Selva Vinayagar, Murugan, Gaja Lakshmi, Jyestha Devi, Navagrahas, Bhairavar, and Suryan.
Theertham: The temple is associated with Vishnu Theertham, a large pond located to the right side of the temple.
Sthala Vriksham: The sacred tree of the temple is the Vilvam Tree, and there is also a Peepal tree in front of the entrance arch. Naga idols can be found beneath the Peepal tree.
Festivals: Various Shiva-related festivals, particularly Masi Magam, are celebrated at this temple with enthusiasm.

The Chenganmaaleeswarar Temple is not only a place of worship but also a site rich in history, culture, and tradition, attracting devotees and visitors from near and far.