George Town Sri Kachaleeswarar Temple, Chennai

Address

George Town Sri Kachaleeswarar Temple, Chennai Armenian Street, George Town, Chennai – 600 001 Phone: +91 44 – 2522 7177

Deity

Sri Kachaleeswarar Amman: Soundarambikai / Azhakambigai.

Introduction

• Location: George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped as Kachaleeswarar or Kachabeswarar.
• Goddess: Houses Goddess Soundarambikai (Azhakambigai).

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background:
  • Constructed in 1725 by Kalavai Chetty, a Dubash for the British East India Company.
  • Built on his land; historically significant as the site of the first major conflict between left and right-handed castes in Madras.
• Origin of the Name:
  • Named after Dalavai Chettiar, a devotee who worshiped Kachaleeswarar in Kanchipuram.
  • Legend: During heavy rainfall, Dalavai Chettiar prayed for help to return home; Lord Shiva took his form and completed his tasks. In gratitude, he built the temple in Chennai.
• Unique Representation:
  • The lingam features five forms:
    • Koormasanam (tortoise)
    • Ashtanagasanam (eight serpents)
    • Simhasanam (lion)
    • Yugasanam (time)
    • Kamala Vimalaasanam (lotus flower)
  • This representation is rare and distinctive among temples.
• Goddess Soundarambikai:
  • Situated in a separate shrine with idols of Goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswathi nearby.
  • Worshiping these three deities is believed to grant education, wealth, and personal development.

Special Features

• Worship and Rituals:
  • Daily worship follows the Veda Aagama Procedure.
  • Regular practices include pujas, parayanam (recitation of holy texts), and deity processions.
  • Significant Days:
    • Tuesdays and Fridays feature special parayanam and songs for community welfare.
    • Durga is worshiped during Rahu Kaalam on Tuesdays for relief from troubles.
    • Special abishekams to Kaala Bhairava on new moon nights for dispelling sorrow.

Festivals

• Major Festivals:
  • Brahmotsavam in Chithirai (April-May).
  • Other important festivals include:
    • Vaikasi Visakam
    • Aani Thirumanjanam
    • Aadi Pooram
    • Avanai Utsavam
    • Navarathri
    • Kandha Sasti
    • Ayyappan Poojai
    • Dhanurmatha Pooja
    • Pongal
    • Maha Shivarathri
    • Panguni Uthiram

Century/Period/Age

1725

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Parry’s Corner

Nearest Railway Station

Chennai Beach

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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