Koyambedu Sri Kusa Lavapureeswarar Samundra Ambigai temple- Chennai

Address

Koyambedu Sri Kusa Lavapureeswarar Samundra Ambigai temple- Sivan Koil St, Virrugambakkam, Koyambedu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600107

Deity

Sri Kurungaaleeswarar ( Sri Kusalavapureeswarar) Amman: Sri Dharmasamvardhani

Introduction

• Alternate Name: Kusalavapureeswarar Temple
• Location: Koyambedu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Significance: Important Hindu temple

Puranic Significance

• Presiding Deity: Kurungaleeswarar (another name for Lord Shiva)
• Goddess: Shrine dedicated to Goddess Dharmasamvardhini (Aram Valartha Nayagi)

Historical Significance

• Date: Dates back to the Medieval Chola period
• Inscriptions: Inscriptions from the time of Kulothunga Chozha III and the Vijayanagara kings
• Construction: Built by the Tawker clan of the Gujarati community, instrumental in the region’s development

Legend

• Connection to the Ramayana: Sita Devi gave birth to Lava and Kusa during their stay in Sage Valmiki’s ashram
• Conflict: Lava and Kusa built the temple to Lord Shiva in Koyambedu to absolve their sins after a conflict with Lord Rama’s army

Special Features

• Temple Architecture:
  • Compact structure with a modest tower
  • Five-tiered Raja Gopuram (temple tower)
  • Stone-pillared Mandapam featuring Sri Sarabeswarar on one pillar
• Deities and Shrines:
  • Main deity, Kurungaleeswarar, installed by Lava and Kusa as children
  • Additional shrines for Lord Ganesha, Sri Visaalaakshi Samedha Sri Kaasi Viswanathar, Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Subramanyar, Sri Nandhigeswarar, etc.
  • Well-maintained temple garden known as Nandhavanam

Additional Details

• Sthala Viruksham: Sacred tree is the “Palaa Maram” (jack tree) located on the outer prakaram
• Theertham: Sacred water body called Lava Kusa Theertham, believed to have been created by Lava and Kusa
• Intricate Sculptures: Depictions of Lord Rama performing puja to Lord Shiva and Lord Shiva saving Markandeya from Yama

Festivals

• Major Festivals:
  • Brahmotsavam in Chithirai (April–May)
  • Arudra Darshan (December–January)
• Monthly Observances: Pradosham and other Shiva-related festivals celebrated with enthusiasm

Century/Period/Age

12th century A.D.

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Koyambedu

Nearest Railway Station

Koyambedu Metro Station

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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