Porur Sri Ramanatheeswarar Temple (Guru Sthalam), Chennai

Address

Porur Sri Ramanatheeswarar Temple (Guru Sthalam), Eswaran Koil Street, Porur, Chennai – 600 116 Phone: +91 44 2482 9955

Diety

Sri Ramanatheeswarar Amman: Sivakama Sundari

Introduction

The Ramanatheeswarar Temple in Porur, Chennai, is a significant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Ramanatheeswarar, and Goddess Sivakama Sundari.

Puranic Significance

Historical and Mythological Significance:

The temple is believed to be 1500 years old and is connected to the Ramayana period. According to legend, Lord Rama, on his way to Sri Lanka, rested here in what was then a forest.
While resting under an Amla tree, Lord Rama realized that a Shiva Lingam was buried underground, and his feet had touched the head of the Lingam unknowingly.
To rectify this, Lord Rama undertook a 48-day penance with only one Amla fruit as his food, leading to the emergence of the Shiva Lingam.
Overwhelmed by the Lord’s grace, Lord Rama named the Shiva Lingam Ramanatheeswarar and worshipped Him. Goddess Parvathi appeared as Sivakama Sundari.
Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva as his Guru, and the place became a Guru Sthalam among the 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai.

Equivalent to Rameswaram:

The temple is considered equivalent to Rameswaram, and it is often referred to as “Uttara Rameswaram.”
Devotees who cannot visit Rameswaram can visit this temple to seek blessings from Lord Rama.

Special Features

Architectural and Cultural Features:

The temple is unique in offering Sadari and Theertham to devotees, a practice typically followed in Vishnu temples but maintained here in honor of Rama’s devotion to Lord Shiva.
It is one of the Navagraha Temples of Thondai Mandalam dedicated to Guru Bhagwan (Jupiter).
The temple has a 5-tiered Rajagopuram and is surrounded by a single prakaram.

Deities and Shrines:

The presiding deity, Ramanatheeswarar, is represented by a large self-evolved Shiva Lingam (Swayambu Lingam).
The entrance to the sanctum features two Dwarapalakas (guardians) and an idol of Ganesha.
Nandi and the bali peetha are located in the Maha mandap area.
The temple also has Stucco images of the 12 Rasis (Zodiac signs) on the central ceiling of the Mahamandapam.

Goddess Sivakama Sundari:

Sivakama Sundari is housed in a separate south-facing shrine located outside the Maha mandapam area on the eastern side.
The goddess is depicted in her typical standing posture with four arms.

Unique Practices:

The temple follows the tradition of placing Sadari (silk shawl) on the devotees’ heads and offering Theertham (holy water). This practice is more commonly seen in Vishnu temples but is maintained in this Shiva temple as well.

Other Features:

The temple has an Amla tree (Nelli Tree) and a holy Neem tree in the prakaram.
A small Shiva Lingam is placed under the Amla tree, along with Nandhi, Lord Brahma facing north, and Lord Rama’s footprint (Rama padam).
There is no separate shrine for Guru, but Lord Shiva Himself is revered as Guru Bhagavan.