Chitrambakkam Sri Kumbeswarar Temple, Thiruvallur

Address

Chitrambakkam village,

Thiruvallur district,

Tamil Nadu

Moolavar

Sri Kumbeswarar & Ishta Siddhi Lingeswarar

Amman

Sri Kuzhanthaivalli

Introduction

Introduction
The Kumbeshwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Chitrambakkam Village, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Kumbeshwarar, and the goddess is Kuzhanthai Valli. The temple is part of the Ashta Siddhi Temples, which are situated between the Kosasthalaiyar and Kovam rivers, to the north of Perambakkam. The Shiva deity here is also known as Ishta Siddhi Lingeswarar.

Puranic Significance

The temple underwent a complete reconstruction in recent years, using bricks and cement.
A significant historical artifact is a 29-inch square stone slab with a lotus medallion at its center and six lines of inscription. This stone, once used as a stepping stone at the Selli Amman Temple (just behind the Shiva temple), contains details about the construction of the temple, dating back to the 7th Century Pallava Period.
According to the inscription, the temple was constructed by Kumaran, the son-in-law of Somasiyar of Alavayal. The area was known as Thenkaranai, possibly also referred to as Alavayal. The specific temple mentioned in the inscription remains unclear.
This temple is one of the Ashta Siddhi Shiva Temples located along the banks of the Koovam and Kosasthalaiyar rivers. It is believed that the sage Agasthiya installed these eight Shiva Lingas to worship and gain the Ashta Siddhis (eight divine powers). The worship of Kumbeswarar (formerly Ishta Siddhi Lingeswarar) grants the Prakamyam Siddhi, which fulfills all desires and wishes.

Special Features

The temple faces east, with the entrance from the south side.
Balipeedam and Rishabam are placed in front of the Mukha Mandapam.
Vinayagar is positioned on the left side of the sanctum sanctorum entrance.
The Moolavar (main deity) is placed on a raised avudayar (platform).
The Koshtam (shrine niches) contains deities like Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma, and Durgai.
In the Prahara (outer precincts), there are shrines dedicated to:
- Vinaitheerkum Vinayagar
- Lakshmi Narayanar
- Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar
- Chandikeswarar
- A Shiva Linga with a square avudayar
- Navagrahas (nine planets)
- Kala Bairavar
- A Pallava period square inscription stone.
Ambal (goddess Kuzhanthai Valli) is enshrined in a separate sannidhi (shrine), facing south, in a standing posture with Abhaya and Varada hastam (hand gestures).
The temple structure consists of:
- Sanctum Sanctorum
- Ardha Mandapam (half hall)
- Open Mukha Mandapam (front hall)
The walls are supported by Brahma Kantha Pilasters, decorated with kalasam, kudam, and palagai (vase-like motifs).
The Prastaram (upper structure) features Valapi and Kapotam (eaves) with Nasis (overhanging brackets).
The temple has a two-tier Nagara Vimanam (temple tower) above the sanctum sanctorum.
- The first level of the tower has no image in the Koshtam.
- The second level (Greevam) contains Stucco Murtis (sculpted figures).
- Maha Nasis (large overhangs) are positioned at the four cardinal directions of the Sigaram (spire).
- Kodi Karukku (decorative work) adorns the four corners of the Sigaram.