- Shiva
Sri Karaneeswarar Temple
- West Saidapet,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Karaneeswarar Temple is a popular Hindu shrine located in the locality Saidapet, in Chennai. The temple is basically a Shivite shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathi. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Karaneeshwarar and Goddess Swarnambika. The temple also houses separate shrines for Lord Ganapathi, Lord Karthikeya and other Parivara Devtas.
About the Temple
The Karaneeshwarar temple has a 7-storied Raja Gopuram and two prakarams. The outer precinct consists of the shines of Lord Ganesha and Lord Karthikeya. The shrine of Lord Vedagiriswara is located next to the Dwajasthamba. The main precinct of the temple houses the shrine of Lord Karaneeswara and the Goddess Swarnambika. Beautifully crafted idols of Lord Dakshinamoorthy and the sixty three Nayanmars are installed inside the inner Prakara. Separate shrines for Lord Palani Andavar, Lord Virabhadra and Lord Surya are also found within the temple. Located beside the temple, is the temple tank with a few fleet of steps, near which the shrine Lord Ganesha with his consorts siddhi and Buddhi is situated. This temple has a garden known as “nandavanam”.
Legend and Stories
Lord Indra who had given the holy cow " Kamadhenu" to Sage Vashishta, was worried that she had not returned, even after a long time. He came to know that Kamadhenu had been cursed into becoming an ordinary cow by Sage Vasishta since she had created obstacles during his prayers. On consultations with his Ganas, Indra found out that Kamadhenu can be cured of her curse, on the construction of a Temple to Lord Shiva in between Mylapore and Thiruvanmiyur on the North western direction. Indra then ordains the clouds to rain and thereby cool the area providing wonderful green pasture. He installed a Linga and prayed Lord Shiva who is believed to have blessed the holy cow and also Lord Indra, by granting him the status of Gopathi ( Lord of Cows). The tank around this temple which was created by Indra is called Gopathi Saras. It is believed that people who take a holy dip in this tank on full moon days, gets cured of their illnesses.
Pooja Timings
- Palliyarai Pooja 05:45 am
- Kalasanthi Pooja 06:30 am to 07:30 am
- Uchikala Pooja 11:00 am
- Sayaratchai Pooja 06:00 pm
- Arthajama Pooja 09:15 pm
Important Festival Details
- Chithirai - Pramochavam 11 days and Vasantha Urchavam 26 days
- Vaikasi - Visakam Urchavam
- Aani - Aani Thirumanjanam Srimanthnatarajar Urchavam
- Aadi - Aadipuram And Lachcharchanai
- Aavani - Avani Moolam Natarajar Abishekam
- Purattasi - Pournami Day Neraimanikkatchi
- Ippasi - Aswni Natchathirathil Annabishekam and Kantha Sasti Vaibavam
- Karthikai - Karthikai Somavaaram, Mankalavaaram, 108 Sankabishekam and Karthikai Deepam
- Markazhi - Mankkavasakar Urchavam and Arudra Urchavam
- Thai - Makara Sankaraanthi, Thai Poosa Theppa Thiruvila
- Maasi - Maasi Magam Theerthavaari, Chandrasekar Urchavam
- Panguni - Panguni Uthiram
How to reach Sri Karaneeswarar Temple
Road
Regular buses from available from almost every parts of Chennai to Saidapet, which is the nearest bus stop.
Railways
The nearest railway station is the Saidapet station.
Airport
The nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport.
Temple Address
Sri Karaneeswarar Temple,
Suriyammapet,
West Saidapet,
Chennai,
Tamil Nadu - 600015
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To solve problems with regards to marriage
- For general well-being
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
From Saturday to Thursday, the temple is open from 05:45 am to 11:00 am and from 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm. On Fridays, the temple is open from 05:45 am to 12:00 Noon and from 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm.