Temples of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry: Temple Group # 8 - The Paadal Petra Sthalangal of Chennai

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Of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalangal, six are located within the city of Chennai. Chennai is a rapidly enlarging city and it is difficult to define a boundary. Rather than sticking to strict administrative confines. we have elected to include the area within the Outer Ring Road. All six temples are within easy travel distance from anywhere in the city of Chennai.. These ancient and storied Sivan temples have existed in some form or the other for more than 1500 years and have seen many dynasties come and go. They were established temples even in the early 7th century when Thirugnasampanthar and Thirunavukkarasar visited these historic temples.

These six temples in Chennai are Paadal Petra Sthalangal and have dedicated Pathigams or decads, poems of around 10 stanzas dedicated to them by one or more of the Moovar or the 3 great saints of the Tamil Saivite tradition. Living in the 7th and 8th centuries, they revived the faith by traveling from one temple to the other with their bands of followers singing, chanting, performing miracles, cleaning and renovating much revered Sivan temples.

This area is in the Thondai Mandalam or Thodai Nadu, the ancient country in the northeast of the Tamil speaking lands. There are 32 Paadal Petra Sthalangal in the Tamil Nadu part of Thondai Nadu. This region has been ruled by various dynasties including the Pallava, the Chola, the Nayakkar, the Nawabs of Arcot and the colonial British. The temples of the region carry the effects of these various dynasties, both positive and negative.

The temples are:

1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple at Mylapore or Thirumayilai

   The most famous of the Paadal Petra Sthalangal of Chennai, it is well known to many. As a popular temple in a busy city, it is an active and thriving temple with large crowds of both devotees and tourists, Sampanthar rendered the Pathigam here. It is the famous Poompavai Pathigam with which he revived the dying Poompavai back to life. Early mornings are peaceful and quiet to experience the temple.

   
   

2. Thiyagarajaswamy Temple at Thiruvottiyur

   Located in north Chennai, a rough and tumble part of the city, some have been reluctant to go here for safety concerns. It is an ancient gem. A beautiful and sprawling temple, Sung in praise by all three of the Moovar, it is a much revered temple, We visited close to midday and it was a very pleasant experience.

   
   

3. Marundeeswarar Temple at Thiruvanmiyur

   This is an ancient temple in the quieter, southern part of Chennai. It is a Paadal Petra Sthalam. Thirugnasampanthar and Thirunavukkarasar sang in praise of this temple. Marundeeswarar is Lord Sivan as the God of Medicine. It is an urban and popular temple and can be crowded at times.

   
   

4. Thiruvaleeswarar Temple at Thiruvalithayam or Padi

   This lesser known temple in the industrial, western suburb of Chennai, is not known to many as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. It was praised in the Thevaram by Thirugnanasampanthar. It is believed that the original temple was much bigger and only the inner core remains. It is still beautiful . Not crowded and a peaceful temple at most times.

   
   

5. Masilamaneeswarar Temple at Thirumullavayil

   Located on the northwestern edges of the city of Chennai, this ancient Sivan temple is a Paadal Petra Sthalam. It was celebrated in Thevaram hymn by Sundaramurthynayanar in the 8th century. Beautiful temple. Was very peaceful when we visited.

   
   

6. Vedapureeswarar at Thiruverkadu

   This temple on the northwestern edges of Chennai is a Paadal Petra Sthalam. Thiruverkadu is known more for the popular Devi Karumariamman temple there. But this Sivan temple is much older. Thirugnanasampanthar rendered the pathigam for this temple. Very peaceful temple with ancient architecture.

Sources:

Thevaram

Courtesy Google Maps