Poonamallee Sri Vaitheeswarar Temple (Angarakan Sthalam), Chennai

Address

Poonamallee Sri Vaitheeswarar Temple (Angarakan Sthalam), Poonamallee, Chennai – 600056 Phone: +91 44 2649 1444

Diety

Sri Vaitheeswarar Amman: Thaiyal Nayagi

Introduction

The Vaitheeswarar Temple in Poonamallee, Chennai, is a significant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Vaitheeswarar, and Goddess Thaiyal Nayagi.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance:

The temple’s origin dates back to ancient times when it was known as Puvirinthamallee, later anglicized to Poonamallee.

Architectural and Cultural Features:

The temple is a medium-sized Chola temple with architectural sculptures dating back to the era of Rajaraja I. The northern gopuram has exquisite engravings.
A 3-tier Rajagopuram adorns the eastern entrance of the temple. The temple features a Thirukulam (temple tank) with proper fencing.
The temple is a Parihara Sthalam for Chevvai Dhosham, and special pujas are performed on Tuesdays for Sri Angarakan (Mars).
Vishnu Nandi, a Nandi idol with a unique name, can be found at the entrance of the Maha mandapam.

Deities and Shrines:

The presiding deity, Vaitheeswarar, is represented by a large Shiva Lingam facing the east direction. The sanctum entrance features the idol of Alagu Vinayaka (Ganesha) and Sevvai Padham (the footprints of Angarakan).
The temple also houses the idols of Dwarabalakars Thindi and Mundi.
A unique feature of the temple is that on the 21st to 25th of the Tamil month Maasi, the sun’s rays directly fall on the presiding deity at around 6 am.

Goddess Thaiyal Nayagi:

Thaiyal Nayagi is housed in a separate shrine facing the southern direction near the sanctum. Devotees believe that she blesses them with wealth and prosperity.

Special Features

The sacred tree (Sthala Vriksham) of the temple is the Thazhi Panai Maram (Palm tree).
The temple pond, known as Vinai Theertha Kulam, is situated on the eastern side.
The temple features Subramanya Chakra, Sri Chakra, and Shiva Chakra, installed by Adi Shankaracharya in the inner prakaram. Abhishekam is performed for these chakrams during Pournami and Amavasya.
Other shrines in the temple complex include those dedicated to Surya (Sun), Veeran, Vinayaka, Vishwanathar with Vishalakshi, Kumbeswarar, Kailasanathar, Annapoorani, Mahalingeswarar, Adi Shankar, Maha Lakshmi, Nataraja with Sivakami, Somaskanda, and Muruga with his consorts Valli and Devasena. The temple also houses shrines for Navagraha, Bhairava, Chandikeswarar, Nalvar, and Chandran.
A unique feature is the shrine for Viduthalai Shani (freedom Shani), where Saneeshwara stands separately facing east. It is believed that this is the place where Nala was relieved from Shani’s influence.

Festivals

An interesting aspect of the temple is the “Surya Pooja,” where, during the Tamil month of Maasi, on the 21st to 25th of the month, the rays of the sun directly fall on the sanctum sanctorum around 6 am. This event is considered highly auspicious.