Sri Sundareswara temple

Overview

The Sundareswarar Swamy Temple one of the Navgrahas of Chennai is located in Kovur, Chennai suburb. Kovur being a small town which is situated about 22 kms from Chennai. On the way from Porur towards Kunrathur is present this small temple. The temple is not connected to the road rather its about 200 meters off the main road.

About the Temple

The Temple is facing south having a beautiful 7 tiered Rajagopuram. The street known as Sannadhi Street is in itself so beautiful covered with shady trees and ancient houses giving aesthetic appeal to whole atmosphere. This temple is for the mercury god i.e. Sri Budhan and is one of the navgrahas temple of Chennai. Lord Sri Sundhareswarar and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai names depicts the beauty reflected in them and were said to be the most beautiful. It is believed that, Sri Sundhareswarar, will cure all your ailments and minimize your sufferings. The whole of temple has been consecrated by Kumbhabhishekam recently and looks bright and fresh. Kovur also has a massive temple of Lord Shiva, which is been built by Kulothunga Chozha, around 7th century.

About the Deity

As the name suggests, the main deity of the temple being Sri Sundhareswarar (also called Thirumaeneeswarar) and the Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai ( Thiruvudai Naayagi). Sri Veerabadhrar, Sri Valli Devasena Samedha, Sri Subramanyar and Navagrahams are the other deities present in the temple arena. Along with them all 63 Naayanmaars are also present in this temple.

Legend and Stories

According to the legends, while performing thapas on Panchagni (fire) in Maangaadu, Goddess Kamakshi was praying to Lord Shiva to marry her. Her penance intensified the whole atmosphere and the surroundings became extremely hot, making all living beings suffer because of enormous heat. This had no effect on Lord Shiva,and he kept on meditating deeply with His eyes closed. Worried about the outcome of this act, Sages and Devas worshipped and pleaded Lord Vishnu to somehow save the world from the increasing heat by the penance. Then, Lord Vishnu directed Sri Mahalakshmi to do something and save everyone. And then, Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi came down to earth to this place in the form of a cow and worshipped Lord Shiva compelling Him to open his eyes, so that the world is saved. Pleased by Her prayers, Lord Shiva finally opened His eyes, after which the heat of the place started abating and became cooler.

Festivals

The festivals like "Thiruvembavai" and the "Arudhra"festival of Tamil month of Margazhi, Sashti Soora Samharam, Skanda and Sivarathri are celebrated in the temple, where thousands of devoteed surrender their prayer during the Thirukkalyanam festival which is held on Vaikasi Visakam day. And on this day a procession is taken from the temple along with the presiding deities and the Panchmurthis.

Significance

Sri sundareswara temple has its special significance as its devotees belief and faith in fulfilling wishes, getting prosperity, being free of unfavourable influence (dosha) is believed to be fulfilled.

Accessibility

Airport

And Kovur has no airport, but the nearest airport is Tirupati.

Railways

Regular trains are also easily available to Kovur from other major cities.

Road

The temple is about 1 km away from the Kovur bus stand.

Temple Address

Sri Sundareswara temple, Koil Street,
Near Kundrathur Main Road,
Near Post office,
Kovur,
Chennai.