Parasuramalingeswarar Ayanavaram

Saivite Temples, Chennai District

God

Parasuramalingeswarar facing east

Goddess

Parvathambigai with four hands facing east in separate shrine inside the same prakaram

Other Gods

Ganesha, muruga, nalwar, natarajar, sivakami, narthana vinayagar, dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, brahma, durga, chandikeswara, patteeswarar, navagraha, surya, Chandra, sani, bairava

Parasuramalingeswarar Ayanavaram is an east facing with a 5 tier Rajagopuram at the eastern entrance. The Vimana over the sanctum sanctorum is Gajaprastam (sitting elephant). The base of the lingam is square and is made of sand stone with a sliver of moon on its face. The lingam is said to change color according to season between black and a golden hue. It is also said to exude heat at times. Lot of excellent carvings are found in the pillars here. The Single Prakaram is spacious. A large temple tank is there opposite the temple across the road on the eastern side.

Holy water (Theertham) – Brahmatheertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Peepul (Ficus religiosa), Neem (Azadirachta indica)

History

The Cholas and Pallavas have contributed to the development of Parasuramalingeswarar Ayanavaram, which is estimated to be more than 1000 years old.

Mythology

Parasurama, an avatar of Mahavishnu, killed his mother at the behest of his father. In order to clear off his sin due to this, he worshiped Shiva here at Parasuramalingeswarar Ayanavaram. Brahma, called Ayan, took bath in this temple tank and worshiped Shiva and that’s why the place is called Ayanpuram and later Ayanavaram.

Directions

Parasuramalingeswarar Ayanavaram is located in Parasurmeswarar kovil street just off Konnur High Road towards the western side.

Stay and Food

There are many hotels and restaurants in the adjoining areas of Kellys, Perambur and Purasawalkam

Saivite Temples