- Shiva
Somanatha Eswar Temple
- Kolathur,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Sri Somanatha Eswar Temple is situated near Ganga theatre, at the Sannadhi street of Kolathur locality. Kolathur is a small residential area situated at the suburbs of Chennai city in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva who is called Sri Somnathar in this temple.
About the temple
The temple has no tower (rajagopuram), bali peeth, flag staff. There is a big idol of Lord Ganesha in its entrance. The Nandi deva is found facing the main sanctum sanctorum of Lord Somanathar. The east facing main sanctum houses a small Shiv Linga. The entrance to this sanctum has two small idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan on either sides.
Goddess Amudambigai graces from a separate shrine situated opposite to the main shrine of Lord Shiva. The Navagraha (planet gods) are seen in a corner. The wall surrounding the main shrine contains tiny images of various gods such as Lord Ganesha, Sri Dakshinamurti, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Durga and Sri Chandikeswarar.
There are also separate shrine for Bhairava, Surya,Chandra and Natraj-Sivakami. Lord Murugan also graces here with his consort from his sanctum. The vigrahas of the famous Nayanmars called the “Nalvar” (the four important devotees of Shiva) are found within the inner precinct (corridor) while the spacious outer prakara houses the shrub of Lord Vishnu who graces here as Lord Amirdha Raja Perumal, along with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi.
Legend and Stories
Legend says that Chandra Bhagvan (moon god) worshipped the Lord here and took bath in this temple’s tank to get rid of his curse. Hence the Lord here got to be called Sri Somanath (Soma=Moon). Another legend goes by that there once lived two demons Vilvan and Vatapi who often troubled the Rishis and saints. When they tried troubling Sage Agastya, the angered sage killed them. The place where the sage burnt the dvil Vatapi is called Kolathur (“Kola” in Tamil means “to kill”).
Accessibility
Airport
Chennai is well-connected to a number of national and international destinations through regular flights plying from the Chennai Airport.
Railways
Chennai, being the is the headquarters of Southern Railway, a division of Indian Railway is one of the prominent cities in south India which operates several trains to a number of other cities through its two major stations namely the Chennai Central and the Chennai Egmore.
Road
Chennai is well connected by state and national highways to all the major cities of the country. The Koyambedu bus station in Chennai is considered as Asia's largest bus station with frequent and regular buses available to many important places.
Temple Address
Somanatha Eswar Temple,
Sannathi St, Kolathur, Chennai,
Tamil Nadu, India, Pincode – 600099.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- For marital purposes
- For child boon
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
6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.4.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.