Hosur Sri Chandra Choodeswarar Hill Temple- Krishnagiri

Address

Hosur Sri Chandra Choodeswarar Hill Temple- Sanasandiram, Hosur, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu 635109, India Phone: 04344-652172 / 90420 12135

Deity

Sri Chandra Choodeswarar Amman: Maragathambal

Introduction

• Location: Hosur, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu
• Deities: Lord Chandrachoodeswarar (an incarnation of Lord Shiva) and Goddess Maragadhambika (Goddess Parvathi).
• Unique Feature: Lord Shiva is adorned with a moon-shaped ornament, hence the name Chandrachoodeswarar. The temple features a large Nandi statue inside.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Names of Hosur: Known as Chevidapadi in the 10th century, Murasunadu in the 13th century, and Hosur from the 16th century onwards.
• Ancient Connection: Although the exact history is unclear, Hosur and the temple are mentioned in ancient texts like the Padmagiri Mahathyamam (from Brahmanda Purana), suggesting that a Shiva shrine has existed here since ancient times.
• Inscriptions: The temple has inscriptions dating back to the 13th century during the patronage of the Hoysala king Thirupuvanamalla Barvatharaja Anthiyazhvar in 1260 AD. Inscriptions of Rajendra Chola and details from the Perumal Temple in Hosur provide further historical significance.
• Renovation: The temple was renovated by Azhakiya Perumal Aathimoolam.
• Sacred Text Reference: The temple is mentioned as Bhadragiri Mahatmiyam in the Brahmanda Purana.

Special Features

• Name Meaning: ‘Chandra Choodeswarar’ refers to Lord Shiva wearing the Moon (Chandra) as an ornament on His head.
• Goddess Parvathi’s Name: Known as Maragathambika, where ‘Maragatham’ signifies green.
• Other Shrines: The temple also has shrines for Lord Muruga, Ganesha, and several saints.
• Theerthams (Holy Water Sites): The temple is visited for pilgrimages or holy dips in the following theerthams: Jambava, Vrishabha, Maragatha Sarovaram, Pandava, Shivagangai, and Hanuma Theertham.

Festivals

• Mahashivaratri:
  1. Major festival celebrated with grandeur and devotion.
  2. Devotees participate in special poojas and rituals throughout the night.
  3. Abhishekam (holy bathing of the deity) with various sacred items like milk, honey, and sandalwood paste.
  4. Thousands of devotees visit the temple to seek blessings.
  5. Special prayers and chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” fill the temple.
  6. Lighting of lamps and offering of Bilva leaves are significant during the celebration.
  7. The temple is beautifully illuminated, and cultural programs are often organized.

Century/Period/Age

1260 AD.

Nearest Bus Station

Hosur

Nearest Railway Station

Bengaluru

Nearest Airport

Bengaluru

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