Sivan Kooram

Saivite Temples, Kancheepuram Taluk

God

Shiva, facing west

Goddess

No information

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga

Sivan Kooram temple is an ancient structure which has been almost completely lost over time. What remains now is only the base of the Sanctum Sanctorum which could be one of the oldest Pallava structure and Apsidal (Gajaprashtam – sitting elephant) constructions. A large temple tank is seen on the south of the temple. Looking from all these aspects this should have been a large and grand temple in the ancient past. There is an Amman temple opposite on the bank of the temple tank where we found some ancient looking idols which could also belong to Sivan Kooram temple. Ganesha and Muruga are at the entrance to the Lords chamber inside. The Lingam is a tall Banalingam with a square Aavudayar (base) and the specialty here is that the Balipeedam is found behind the main deity. The idol of Nataraja found here is the dance posture of Oorthuvajanu. There is no Ganga in his head and the fire in his hand is found replaced with a snake.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Temple tank – Parameswara Thadagam

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Sivan Kooram was constructed by Prameswara Varman I during the 7th Century CE. Out of 7 Copper plates found here the first 2 refer to this area as ‘Ootru aattu kottathil adangiya neervelur ennum manyavanthira rashtrathil amaindhulla Kooram’ and the temple as ‘Vidya Vineetha Parameswara Pallava Griham’ and the rest of them talk about the Pallava Dynasty. 9 stone inscriptions recovered here belong to Pallava king Nandi Varman II and Rajaraja Chola. These inscriptions mention their contributions towards the temple poojas, lamp burning and reciting of the Mahabaratha epic. Also found mention is the fact that Brahmins proficient in the 4 Vedas have lived here and to contribute to the expenses of this temple the king donated a village called Parameswara Mangalam and also provided tax exemption to Sivan Kooram. A 9th Century CE idol of Lord Nataraja found here has been preserved at the Museum at Chennai. The Kanchi Puranam mentions this place as ‘Koorma Gramam’.

Legend

Sage Gurureswara is believed to have worshiped the lord here at Sivan Kooram.

Directions

Sivan Kooram is about 4.5 kilometers west from the Chennai Bangalore highway which goes bypasses Kancheepuram. The exit to Kooram is about 3 kilometers after the exit to Kancheepuram from the highway. Sivan Kooram is at the eastern end of Kooram village.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Kancheepuram.

Saivite Temples

Kancheepuram Temples

Tamilnadu Temples