Bhoothagireeswarar Sirudavur

Bhoothagireeswarar, Sirudavur

Saivite Temples, Chengalpet Taluk

God

Bhoothagireeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Aaranavalli, facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga with consorts, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara

Bhoothagireeswarar Sirudavur is an ancient temple which was in ruins till recent times. A local man had taken up the renovation and carried forward till he could with support from a few others. The work has been stalled due to lack of funds. This beautiful temple has a large Gajaprastha Vimaanam and a well cleaned and maintained temple tank adjoining it. During our visit in 2019 the main deity and other idols were kept immersed in water outside awaiting consecration. There was also another ancient Shiva Lingam which was found nearby. The Nandi has its head turned almost 90 degrees which is not common. The Shiva Lingam has a white color to it.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Temple Pond

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Bhoothagireeswarar Sirudavur is an ancient where stone inscriptions are found. This and the Sanctum’s Gajaprastha Vimaana indicate the temple to be quite old.

Legend

Upon the request of Brahma, Lord Shiva deputed his Bhoothas to perform his Yaga (fire sacrifice) as Brahmins. In the middle of the Yaga the Bhoothas had an urge to see the sight of Lord Shiva as Nataraja. Fearing they would desert the Yaga Brahma appealed to Shiva and the latter appeared in the Yaga fire ensuring the completion of the ritual. The Bhoothas are believed to be the ancestors of the present day Dikshitars of Chidambaram nataraja Temple. On their way to Chidambaram they are believed to have installed the Lingam here at Bhoothagireeswarar Sirudavur and worshiped. Thus the name of the Lord here.

Directions

Etteeswarar Paiyanoor is 9 kilometers south of Thiruporur in the Mahabalipuram road. Take a right at Paiyanoor Village and drive down to reach the temple. There is a Perumal Temple also adjacent.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Thiruporur or Chingleput.

Saivite Temples

Kancheepuram Temples

Tamilnadu Temples