West Mambalam Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Chennai

Address

West Mambalam Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Eswaran Koil Street, West Mambalam, Chennai District, Tamil Nadu 600033 Phone: +91 44 2370 0243 / 2489 0018

Deity

Kasi Vishwanathar Amman: Kasi Visalakshi.

Introduction

The Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in the West Mambalam neighborhood of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is named after the famous Vishwanathar Temple in Varanasi and is also known as Mahabilva Kshetra. The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 17th century and continues to serve as an important spiritual center. The presiding deity is Kasi Viswanathar, and the goddess is Kasi Visalakshi.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to have been originally built during the Vijayanagara Nayak period in the 17th century and was later reconstructed in 2003. It is said that the Nayaka King, who also constructed the Tenkasi Shiva Temple, built the Kasi Viswanathar Temple at West Mambalam.

The name Mambalam is derived from the presence of Maha Vilvam (Bael) trees in the area. Over time, this became Mavilam, and eventually Mambalam. The place was once known as Mylai Mel Ambalam (a place on the west of Mylai). The name later evolved into Mel-Ambalam, which ultimately became West Mambalam.

The temple is believed to have been constructed after a Swayambu lingam (self-manifested Shiva lingam) appeared in the Mahabilam region. Following the appearance of this divine symbol, people built a temple to honor it. According to the Sthala Purana, the temple was constructed by the Nayaka king after the god appeared in his dream during a pilgrimage to Varanasi and instructed him to build a temple.

The temple’s structure bears the emblem of a fish, a signature symbol of Nayaka-era temples. Granite roof carvings of fish on this temple serve as evidence of its connection to the Nayaka dynasty.

Beliefs

Devotees who are unable to travel to Varanasi for darshan can visit the Kasi Viswanathar Temple to offer their prayers and receive blessings from Lord Shiva, believed to bestow prosperity and peace to the faithful.

Special Features

Temple Orientation: The temple faces east and has a 7-tier Rajagopuram (main tower) with a 3-tier Gopuram on the south entrance.
Main Shrine: The sanctum houses the presiding deity, Kasi Viswanathar, in the form of a small Shiva Linga, with a Nandi (bull) idol in front.
Niche Images: Around the sanctum are small niche images of various deities, including Ganesha, Dakshina Murti, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga.
Mother Shrine: The goddess Kasi Visalakshi is enshrined in a south-facing shrine located on the same mandapam (hall).
Stucco and Sculptures: The ceiling of the mandapam is adorned with stucco reliefs of designs and flowers, while sculptures of Shiva’s Nataraja dance and Kalyana Kolam of Shiva and Parvati are visible on the walls.
Other Shrines: The mandapam pillars are decorated with images of Nandhi, Sankaranarayana, Sarabeswarar, Prathiyangara Devi, Yoga Narasimhar, Sanjeeviraayar, Garudalwar, Kamakshi Amman, Artha Nareeshwarar, and others.
Additional Shrines: There are also shrines dedicated to Ganesha, the 63 Nayanmars, Naalvar, Arunagirinathar, Sekkizhar, Pattinathar, Vallalar, Ramalinga Adigalar, Kala Bairavar, Chandikeswarar, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Devasena, the Navagrahas, and Nagadevatas under a Bodhi tree in the temple premises.
Chariot: The temple’s chariot is kept in a shed at the end of the temple street, used during special processions.