Bhaktavatsaleswarar Temple

Overview

The Bhakthavatsaleshwarar Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Tirukkazhunundram, on the outskirts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is situated at the heart of the town Thirukazhukundram, on the foot of the hills. The temple consists of totally four gopurams (towers), with the Rajagopuram (tallest tower) located on the direction south. The Raja Gopuram is 9 tiered while the other three towers have 7 tiers. A huge Nandi is found in this temple facing Lord Vedagiriswarar on the hilltop. The absence of a Nandi on the hilltop, in front of the presiding deity Vedagiriswarar is the unique feature of this temple.

About The Temple

The Tamil word “Kazhugu” literally means eagle and “kundram” means hills. The place was named Thirukazhukundram because, it is believed that even today, two eagles visit this temple every day to accept the rice offered to them. This is also the place where the much revered Nayanmar, Thiru Sundarar is said to have got gold from Lord Shiva. A number of saints and Siddhars have performed penance at this place and have attained salvation. The temple is surrounded by a peaceful environment which is most suitable for spirituality and meditation.

The temple of Lord Baktavatsaleshwarar at Thiruparangundram has been glorified and praised by many great Saivite saints and poets, including the famous Pattinathar. Lord Shiva is said to have granted his divine darshan to the revered Saivite Saint Manickavasagar at this place. Arunagiriar, who is one among the renowned religious scholars, has considered the place to be equivalent to Amaravathi, the capital of Indira’ s celestial kingdom. King Suraguru is said to have had the Lord’s darshan here. Sage Markandeya, who is blessed by the Lord Kasinathar himself, (Lord Shiva in Kasi, which is presently called Varanasi ) is believed to have visited this place and had performed the abisheka to this Lord, when a sacred conch is said to have appeared from the abishek water. Thus this theertha is rightly praised as the Markandeya theertha and produces a conch even now once in every 12 years. There are totally twelve theerthas (sacred springs) around the hill namely 1) Indira, 2) Shambu, 3) Rudra, 4) Vasishta, 5) Meignana-true wisdom. 6) Agasthya, 7) Markandeya, 8) Kausika, 9) Nandhi, 10) Varuna, 11) Akalika and 12 Pakshi theerthas.

Legend and stories

According to legends, two sages named Poosha and Vruddha is believed to have performed penance, praying Lord Shiva seeking the holy Sharoopa status. Lord Shiva is said to have modified their demand and granted the Sayujya status instead. He also promised the Rishis to elevate them to Sharoopa later. The disappointed sages refused to accept nothing less and were thus adamant on their demand. Lord Shiva is said to have become angered with their behaviour and thus cursed them to become eagles. Since then, the Rishis are said to have visited this hill in the form of eagles, known as Shambu and Aadhi. They are also regarded as the chief deities of the Pakshi Theertha that they had created. It is generally believed that the eagles usually bathe in the much revered Rameswaram, eat at Kazhukundram and stay in the holy city of Kasi every day. The tradition of feeding these eagles is in practise for more than thousands of years now. Ancient tales reveal that King Suraguru played an important role in creating this sacred place.

Festivals

The Chithirai festival spanning for 10 days sis the much celebrated festival in this temple and draws a large number of devotees during the months of April-May; Aadi Pooram 10 day festival for Mother Ambica in July-August is also an important festival. Other than these, the full moon days, new moon days, pradosha days, Tamil and English New Year, Deepavali and Pongal are the other special days of this temple. Special abishek and aaradhanas are performed for the deity during these days. Located very close to Tiruvannamalai, the holy ritual of Girivalam on full moon days is observed by devotees at his place too. Lakhs of devotees participate in the Girivalam here, which was practised in this temple even before it began in the popular Tiruvannamalai.

How To Reach Bhaktavatsaleswarar Temple

Road

Thirukazhukundram is situated on the Chengalpat-Mamallapuram road route. Regular bus facilities are available to this place from nearby town and cities such as Chennai, Kancheepuram, chengalpet, etc. The place lies at a distance of 80 km from Chennai and 17 kms from Chengalpat.

Railways

The nearest railheads are the Chengalpat and Tambaram railway stations.

Airport

The closest airport is the Chennai Airport.

Temple Address

Bhaktavatsaleswarar Temple,
Adivaram Street, Tirukazhukundram,
Tamil Nadu - 603109.