Agasteeswarar Pozhichalur

Agasteeswarar, Pozhichalur

Saivite Temples, Tambaram Taluk

God

Agasteeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Ananthavalli, facing south

Other Deities

Ganesha, Muruga, Bhairava, Saneeswara, Navagraha, Surya, Chandran, Anjaneya. Sanctum Niches – Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara

Agasteeswarar Pozhichalur is an east facing temple with an entrance gateway from the west. The east facing Sanctum of the lord is in the form of Gajaprastam (back of an elephant). There is a temple tank to the west of the temple. This is considered one of the Navagraha temple around Chennai dedicated to Lord Saneeswara (Saturn) and hence throngs with people on important days. Crows (the mount of Lord Saneeswara) congregate here in large numbers and are fed by the devotees to get releif from their sins and to appease Saneeswara. In the month of Chithirai (mid April- mid May) the rising sun’s rays are said to fall on the Lord for 3 days. The Navagraha Temples around Chennai are:

1. Kolampakkam – Agastheeswarar (Surya)
2. Somangalam – Somanatheeswarar (Chandran)
3. Poonamallee – Vaitheeswarar (Angaaragan)
4. Kovur – Sundareswarar (Budhan)
5. Porur – Ramanatheswarar (Guru)
6. Mangadu – Velleeswarar (Sukran)
7. Pozhichalur – Agastheeswarar (Sani)
8. Kundrathur – Nageswarar (Rahu)
9. Gerugambakkam – Neelakandeswarar (Kethu)

Holy Water (Theertham) – Sani Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

The original beautiful name of Pugazh Chola Nalloor (famous town of the Cholas) has become Pozhichalur today. Pugazh Chola Nalloor was created in the 9th Century CE and Agasteeswarar Pozhichalur Temple in the 12th Century CE. Stone inscriptions provide these information.

Legend

The shivalingam at Agasteeswarar Pozhichalur is believed to have been installed and worshiped by Sage Agastya during his presence in southern India to balance the world due to the congregation of vast number of people and celestial beings in Mount Kailash for Lord Shiva’s wedding. Hence the name Agasteeswarar. Saneeswara (Saturn) is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva here at Agasteeswarar Pozhichalur to get relief from his sins for creating hardship and suffering to people.

Directions

Agasteeswarar Pozhichalur temple is about 3.5 kms northwest from Pallavaram Railway station. At Pammal take a right which will take you to Agasteeswarar Pozhichalur.

Stay and Food

Local snack shops are available. Place of stay is Chennai.

Saivite Temples

Kancheepuram Temples

Tamilnadu Temples