Sirukundram Vanmeeganathar Temple, Chengalpattu

Address

Thiruporur Taluk,

Chengalpattu District – 603 002

Mobile: +91 91768 67741 / 99088 06716

Moolavar

Vanmeeganathar

Amman

Kedara Gouri

Introduction

Vanmeeganathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sirukundram Village in Thiruporur Taluk in Chengalpattu District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Vanmeeganathar / Putridankondeeswarar and Mother is called as Kedara Gouri. This Temple is considered as Parihara Sthalam for cancer illness.

Puranic Significance

Sirukundram: It is said that once, the village hosted seven temples. However most of the temples were lost to nature fury barring this temple. The Lingams from four temples can be seen in this temple premises. The Village was called as Sivan Kundram due to the presence of these Shiva temples but later got corrupted to Sirukundram.

Vanmeeganathar:

It is believed that Sage Valmiki worshipped Lord Shiva here. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Vanmeeganathar. It is said that he installed seven Shiva Lingas in this village but only 5 Lingas remains (including the presiding deity)

Special Features

The Temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old. This temple is facing towards east with an entrance from the southern side. Nandi and Balipeedam can be seen facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Presiding deity is called as Vanmeeganathar / Putridankondeeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

Ganesha, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Kedara Gouri. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the Sanctum in Maha Mandapam. Saneeswarar and Maha Lakshmi can be seen in the koshta of mother shrine.

Idols of Vinayaga and Murugan with his consorts can be seen in Maha Mandapam. There are 4 Shiva Lingams installed in a row in the temple premises. A Nandi can be seen facing these Lingams. All these Lingams are facing towards east. It is said that these Shiva Lingams were brought from the dilapidated temples once existed in this village. Sthala Vriksham is Sarakondrai tree.