Kovur Sri Sundareswarar Temple (Budhan Sthalam) – Chennai

Address

Kovur Sri Sundareswarar Temple (Budhan Sthalam) Kovur, Chennai – 602101 Phone: +91 44 2478 0124 Mobile: +91 97899 24095 / 96771 55245

Diety

Sundareswarar / Thirumeneeswarar Amman: Soundharaambigai / Thiruvudai Naayagi

Introduction

The Sundareswarar Temple in Kovur near Mangadu, Chennai, is a place of great historical and religious significance. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Soundharaambigai, has a rich history and is associated with various legends and notable personalities

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance:

Builder: The temple was originally constructed by Sundara Chozha in 965 AD. It’s said to have been beautifully renovated by Kulothunga Chozha II at a later period.
Thyagaraja’s Visit: The famous Carnatic music composer, Saint Thyagaraja, visited this temple during his journey to Thirupathi. During his visit, he composed a set of five songs known as the “Kovur Pancharathnam.” These compositions are dedicated to Lord Sundareswarar and are a rare instance where Thyagaraja composed songs on deities other than Lord Rama.
Legend of the Cow and Mahalakshmi: According to a legend, Goddess Kamakshi performed intense penance in Mangadu to make Lord Shiva open his eyes and marry her. The excessive heat generated by her penance was cooled down when Mahalakshmi took the form of a cow and worshiped Lord Shiva, leading to the place being known as Kovur (derived from “Ko,” meaning cow).

Special Features

Unique Features:

Beautiful Architecture: The temple features a seven-tiered Rajagopuram, and the entire temple premises are renowned for their beauty. The temple is known for the striking beauty of Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Soundharaambigai.
Vimana Style: The Vimana over the main sanctum is in the Gaja Prashta style, a unique architectural feature.
Mercury (Budhan) Shrine: The temple is significant as a Navagraha temple dedicated to Budhan (Mercury), and Lord Budhan is not adorned with Nagabaranam but with a mandapam.
Multiple Deities: In addition to Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Soundharaambigai, there are separate shrines for deities like Karunakara Perumal, Lakshmi, Narayana, Subramanyar, Valli-Devasena, Ganesha, Surya, Sekkizhar, and others within the temple complex.
Rarity of Maha Vilvam: The temple’s Maha Vilvam tree is unique, with each stalk having 27 leaves. Maha Vilvam is known for its medicinal properties.
Chariot and Rajagopuram: The temple has a beautiful chariot, which is in need of renovation, and its Rajagopuram features unique sculptural depictions of Thyagaraja and scenes from his life.

Festivals

Thiruvempavai, Margazhi Arudhra Darshnam, Skanda Sashti, Soora Samharam, Thirukalyanam on Vaikasi Visagam and Shivarathri festivals are celebrated in this temple with much fanfare.