- Shiva
Gangadeeswarar Temple
- Purasaiwalkkam,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Gangadeeswarar temple, Purasawalkam. Crowded Purasawalkam has an ancient Chola temple for Siva right in its centre, whose tall, five-tiered gopuram is visible from the main road. It is dedicated to Gangadeeswara, the form of Siva who received the River Ganga on her torrential descent from the heavens.
About The Temple
The sanctum sanctorum, which is facing the eastern direction has Gangadeeswarar in the form of small Shiv Linga. Near the main shrine, a separate shrine for the Goddess Pankajambal is found which is facing the south direction. Adjacent to the sanctum sanctorum, there is another shrine facing the east direction having Somaskanda idols.
The smaller prakara (corridor) surrounding the shrines of Gangadeeswarar, Somaskanda and Pankajambal have various idols and small shrines. The idols of Surya and Chandra are found facing the shrine of Gangadeeswara. The idols of Nalvar, Nagaraj, Bhageerat, Kasi Viswanath, Veerabhadra, Sekkizhar, Kulachirai Nayanar, Surya, Shanmuga, Durga, Bhairav, Dakshinamurthy and another Bhariav are located in the small prakara. The small shrines of Maha Ganapati, Subramanya with his consorts Valli and Devasena, Natraj utsav (bronze) idol with Sivakami, Uchishta Ganapati with Siddhi and Shiv Linga with Manonmani. The wall surrounding the main shrine has the images of Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga and Chandikeswara.
The temple also has another entrance, Bali peeth and flag staff opposite to the shrine of Pankajambal. The big prakara has the shrine where the bronze idols of 63 Nayanmars are placed. The walls have paintings depicting the stories of Lord Shiva. These are not old paintings. They are very recent time additions. There is a tree where Shiv Linga named Kurunda Malleswarar and Nandi are found. It is believed that the great devotee Manikavasagar preached under this tree. A new attraction is the giant idol of Lord Shiva along with Shiv Linga and Bhagirath. Another surprise for the devotees is a rare shrine of Satyanarayana in this temple. Bana Linga shrine, Navagraha shrine and Ramalinga Adiglar idol are also found in the big prakara. You can also enter the temple tank (very big tank) through the big prakara.
Festivals
Prathosam Pooja
Bharamaourchavam
shivaratri
Thiruvathira
Navratri Vazhipadu
"Sani Peyarchi" at the month of Purattasi
"Guru Peyarchi" at the month of Karthigai
Margazhi
Vasantha Ourchavam
Pooja Details
Daily poojas are conducted for four time in this famous temple.
| Pooja Name | Time |
| Kala Santhi | 7.30 A.M |
| Ukshakala Pooja | 11.00 A.M |
| Sayaratchai Pooja | 4.30 P.M |
| Artha Jamam & Pallaiarrai Pooja | 9.00 P.M |
How to Reach Chennai
Road Distance or driving distance from Chennai International Airport to Aminjikarai is 15 kms (9.00 miles). The Gangadeeswarar thirukoil is located nearly 4 km from the central Railway Station and 3 km from the Egmore Railway station. The Gangadeeswarar thirukoil is located near the Purasawalkam Bus stand.
Temple Address
Arulmigu Gangadeeswarar Thirukoil,
No,131 Gangadeeswarar Koil Street,
Purasawalkam,
Chennai - 600 084.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To pray for salvation
- For wealth & health
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 7.00 A.M To11.00 A.M and from 4.30 P.M To 09.00 P.M.