Kasi Viswanathar West Mambalam

Saivite Temples, Chennai District

God

Kasi Viswanathar facing east

Goddess

Kasi Visalakshi, facing south

Other Gods

Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara, Navagrahas, Bhairava, Muruga with consorts, 63 Nayanmars, Naalvar, Vallalar, Sekkilar, Pattinathar, Ramalinga Adigal

Kasi Viswanathar West Mambalam is an east facing temple with a 7 tier Rajagopuram. The shiva linga was found in this area which was called Mahabilam (or Mahavilwam) in those days which over time became Mahapallam and finally Mambalam as we know it today.

Holy Water – No information

Holy Tree – No information

History

Kasi Viswanathar West Mambalam is said to be about 400 years old. The shiva lingam was found under the ground and the temple was built. This could also indicate the presence of an older temple in the ancient past. Kasi Viswanathar West Mambalam has undergone much renovations in the recent past.

Mythology

This area called Mahabilam used to be frequented by Saints who bathed in the pond here and prayed to the Vilva Trees considering them as lord Shiva himself. the locals took example and started following the rituals of the saints. Pleased with this Lord Shiva appeared as a Swayambu (self ocurring) Lingam from the ground which was taken up and built into a small shrine which is now Kasi Viswanathar West Mambalam.

Directions

Kasi Viswanathar West Mambalam is about a kilometer from the T.Nagar Bus Terminus along Madley Road after the subway. There is virtually no way you can park a car here.

Stay and Food

There is a place called Thanjavur Mess here which is quite old and worth a try. There is a street food vehicle shop opposite the nearby Ayodhya Mantapam which sells excellent Vadai, Sundal, Bajji and Bonda in the evenings and run by a ‘Brahmin Mama’, who is quite popular with the locals.

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