Kolapakkam Sri Agastheeshwarar Temple (Surya Sthalam) - Chennai

Address

Kolapakkam Sri Agastheeshwarar Temple- Surya Sthalam, Sivan Koil Street, Kolapakkam, Chennai – 600116 Mobile: +91 9976596342

Diety

Sri Agastheeshwarar/ Vakeeswarar Amman: Ananthavalli.

Introduction

The Agastheeshwarar Temple is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kolapakkam Village near Porur in Chennai City, Tamil Nadu.

Presiding Deities:

Agastheeshwarar / Vakeeswarar: The primary deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, known as Agastheeshwarar or Vakeeswarar.
Ananthavalli: The goddess in this temple is known as Ananthavalli and is in a standing posture facing south.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance:

The temple is over 1300 years old and has a rich historical background. It is believed to have been constructed by the Chola dynasty, with contributions from various rulers, including Aditya Chola I (9th century CE), Rajaraja Chola I, Rajaraja Chola II, Kulothunga Chola III, Sundara Pandya, and Vijayaganda Gopala, among others.

Association with Surya and Sages:

The Agastheeshwarar Temple is considered one of the Navagraha temples, specifically dedicated to Surya Bhagavan (the Sun God). Surya’s shrine is a prominent part of the temple.
It is believed that Surya Bhagavan worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple, which is why Surya is given prominence here.
The temple also has associations with sages such as Agastya, Vageesar, and legends that connect them to the installation of the Shiva Linga.

Special Features

The temple, despite its historical significance, is relatively small in size. It doesn’t have a Rajagopuram (towered entrance).
The main deity, Lord Shiva, is enshrined in the sanctum in an east-facing direction. Nandi Mandapam is located facing the sanctum.
Unique to this temple is a Surya shrine, which features a deity of the Sun God facing west, signifying his worship of Lord Shiva.
The temple’s entrance arch is facing south, and the inner sanctum features niche idols of deities like Ganesha, Dakshina Murti, Lingodhbava, Brahma, and Durga.
There’s a shrine for Chandikeswara in his usual location. A small shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, along with Lord Subramanyar (Murugan), Valli, and Deivanai, is also present.
The temple includes a shrine for Kala Bhairavar, and special pujas are performed every Sunday during Rahu Kalam, a specific time considered favorable for Bhairavar worship.

Rinavimochana Lingeswarar:

This temple also houses a shrine for Rinavimochana Lingeswarar, a deity believed to free devotees from all types of debts, including Deva Rina (debt to God), Rishi Rina (debt to sages), and Pitru Rina (debt to ancestors).
Devotees believe that by worshipping Rinavimochana Lingeswarar here, their debts are forgiven, and they are liberated from the need to repay these debts in future births.

Unique Features:

The temple is unique in that it allows devotees to view the three main deities, The Sun God, Kala Bhairavar Idol, and the Shivalingam, all at the same time through a Salaram (window).
The temple’s Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree) is the Arasa Maram or Peepal tree, and it is surrounded by a well-maintained landscape and garden.
The temple’s holy Theertham is the Amirtha Pushkarani, which can be found adjacent to the temple.

Festivals

Special days like Pradoshams, Shivarathri etc., are celebrated well in this temple. Devotees throng from different parts of the city during such days.