Kurungaleeswarar Koyambedu

Saivite Temples, Chennai District

God

Kurungaleeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Dharmasamvardhini,
Aramvalarthanayagi facing north

Other Gods

Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Chandikeshwarar, Vishnu Durga, Sastha, Vinayaka, Subramanya, Naalvar, Navagrahas, Jurakeshwara, Kapala Bhairava, Gnana Saraswathi, Veerabhadra

Kurungaleeswarar Koyambedu is a large north facing temple with a majestic newly built 7 tiered Rajagopuram at the northern entrance. the main deities are facing north too. Due to this unusual layout Dakshinamurthy facing south is present behind the main deity in the place usually occupied by Vishnu or Lingotbavar. A large temple tank is present at the north eastern side from the Gopuram. The pillars of the outer Mantapa are artistic with beautiful sculptures, particularly famous is that of Sarabeswarar. It has four rows of four pillars each and each pillar has a carving on its sides. The name Koyambedu is derived from the story that Lava and Kucha tied the Ko (the Horse of Rama) to the Ayam (Iron) Pedu (Fence). Saint Arunagiriar has described this place as Kosai Nagar in his Tirupugazh.

Holy Water – Lava Kucha Theertham

Holy Tree – No information

History

Inscriptions found in Kurungaleeswarar Koyambedu which date back to the period of Kulothunga Chozha III and Vijayanagara Kings mention the various contributions made to the temple. They also reveal the political bifurcation of the area as Kulothunga Chozha Valanadu, part of Puliyur Kottam belonging to Jayankonda Chozha Mandalam.

Mythology

After ascending the throne in Ayodhya, Rama sent sita to the forests even though she was pregnant. Sage Valmiki took her in in his Ashram where the twins Lava and Kusha were born. As they grew up Rama’s Ashwameda Yaga Horse which came around here was captured by them. In the ensuing battle the twins defeated everyone including all of Rama’s brothers. In the meantime Valmiki explained their background to them and seeked the apology of Rama. Kusha and Luv worshiped Kurungaleeswarar here to rid themselves of the curse for fighting with their father and enable the reunion with their him. This place was also called Kusha Luva Puri.

Directions

Kurungaleeswarar Koyambedu adjoins the area north of the Koyambedu Market and can be accessed from the outer ring road just after crossing the signal junction after the bus terminus towards the Bangalore highway. Visit the nearby perumal temple.

Stay and Food

Lodges are around, but the noise, chaos and lack of parking will discourage you to stay here. For food you have the Adyar Ananda Bhavan, Grand Sweets & Snacks and other fast food chains in the main road.

Saivite Temples