Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Ancient shrines of Kodambakkam
|
Although Kodambakkam is synonymous with `Kollywood', few would be aware that it is one of the oldest areas with two Siva temples dating back to the Chola period.
|
KODAMBAKKAM, BEST known now as the centre of the Tamil film industry, is one of the oldest areas of Chennai and once formed part of the ancient territorial subdivision known as Puliyur Kottam which derived its name from a small village called Puliyur in this area. Reminiscent of this ancient character are two little-known Siva temples with historical associations.
One of these is the Vengishwarar or Vyagrapurishwarar temple, so called as sage Vyagrapada is believed to have worshipped Lord Siva at this place. The main shrine and the vimana above it are apsidal in shape and date back to the Chola age.
Beside the shrine of Goddess Shantanayaki, which is also an ancient Chola structure, there are newer shrines for Lord Ganesha, Muruga with his consorts, Bhairava, Sanisvara and Navagrahas. The temple, with a single prakara faces east and has a beautiful seven-tiered rajagopuram.
Another historic temple in the same area, nestling in a quiet by-lane is the Bharadvajeshwarar or Valishwarar temple, so named as sage Bharadwaja and the monkey king Vali are believed to have offered worship at this place. The main sanctum enshrining a Siva linga belongs to the Chola period, a few Tamil inscriptions found on its north and west walls, datable to the 13th century testify the antiquity of this monument. Beautiful miniature sculptures of a linga worshipped by a cow, another worshipped by a snake, and yet one more by Vali adorn the outer walls of this ancient shrine.
Goddess Swarnambika in a standing posture is installed in a separate shrine facing south. Images of Ganesha, Muruga and his consorts, Chandesha, Bhairava, Navagrahas and Hanuman are also enshrined in this temple complex.
An exquisite stone sculpture of a standing Ganesha, datable to the Chola period, originally placed in one of the niches of the main sanctum is now carefully preserved just outside the entrance of the main shrine.
The annual Brahmotsavam in this temple concluded recently in the month of Chittirai.
CHITHRA MADHAVAN
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
