Villivakkam Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Chennai

Address

Villivakkam Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, South Mada Street, Villivakkam, Chennai – 600 049 Phone: +91 44 2617 2326 Mobile: +91 97909 96743 / 99520 38155 / 93832 01591

Diety

Sri Agastheeswarar Amman: Swarnambikai.

Introduction

The Agastheeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in Villivakkam, a well-known locality in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, holds significant historical and cultural importance. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshiped as Agastheeswarar. The temple also houses the goddess known as Swarnambikai.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance: The temple is believed to date back to the Chola period and was constructed by Kulothunga Chola in the 12th century CE. It is one of the oldest temples in Chennai and has a rich historical heritage.

Legend and Origin: The temple’s name and legend are associated with Sage Agastya. It is said that two demon brothers, Villavan and Vatapi, were causing havoc by luring and killing innocent people. They had a deceitful method where one of the brothers would transform into a fruit, offer it to a passerby, and then the other brother would burst out from the person’s stomach. When they tried this trick on Sage Agastya, he calmly consumed the fruit and said, “Vathapi Jeer No bhava,” effectively digesting the demon. This event led to the area being named “Konnur.”

Beliefs

Those facing obstacles in marriage due to adverse Mars effects and of shy nature pray in the temple. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform special abishekam to Lord and Mother with Vastras and sandal abishek to Lord Veerabhadra with betel leaves garlands.

Special Features

Villivakkam: The area was later known as Villivanpakkam due to the legend, as Sage Agastya planted a Vilvam tree in the region. The Vilvam tree, known for its medicinal and spiritual significance, still stands in the temple premises and is considered sacred.

Angaraka Theertham: The temple is unique in that it is associated with Angaraka, the planet Mars. According to legend, Angaraka, or Mars, created a sacred pond known as Angaraka Theertham outside the temple. He undertook severe penance and worshiped Lord Shiva here to seek relief from a curse. Taking a bath in the temple tank on a Tuesday is considered highly auspicious, as it is believed to alleviate the malefic effects of Mars.

Temple Architecture: The temple occupies an area of about two acres and features two prakarams. Despite its historical significance, it does not have a Rajagopuram (tower at the entrance). The main sanctum faces the east, and the temple entrance faces the south. There are stucco images of various deities, including Rishabaroodar, Dwarapalakas, Murugan, Ganesha, and Nandhi, at the entrance.

Other Deities: In addition to Lord Shiva and Swarnambikai, the temple has shrines for other deities, including Ganapati, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Devasena, Saraswathi, Lakshmi, Kasi Vishwanathar, Vishalakshi, Agastya, Uma & Maheshwara (Utsava deities), Somaskanda, Ganesha, Nataraja, Sivakami, Surya, Chandra, Bhairava, and the Nalvar.

The Agastheeswarar Temple’s rich history, association with Sage Agastya, and connection to Mars make it a unique and spiritually significant place of worship and pilgrimage for devotees and visitors. The presence of the sacred Angaraka Theertham and the Vilvam tree further enhance its cultural and religious importance.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several festivals, including a 10-day Brahmmotsavam in May-June following Vaikasi Visakam, 1008 Conch abishekam in Karthikai (November-December), and the Panguni Wedding Festival in March-April.