Thiruvenbakkam

Padal Petra Sthalam – Thiruvallur District

God

Oondreeswarar, facing east.
Other names – Aadharandeswarar

Goddess

Minnioliammai, facing south.
Other names – Thadithgouriammai, Kanivaimozhiammai

Other Deities

Ganesha, Muruga with consorts, Bhairava, Navagraha

Thiruvenbakkam is a small east facing temple with 2 Prakarams. The original temple was relocated here while the Poondi reservoir was created. This area has many prehistoric sites and the museum is well stocked with prehistoric articles. The reservoir provides an ideal picnic spot in favorable weather.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Kushasthalai River, Kailaya Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Ilandhai (Zizyphus jujuba)

History

Thevaram Hymns have been rendered by the great saivite saint Sundarar (8th century CE).

Legend

Sundarar in his blind condition came here to sing and get his vision back. Seeing him stumble the goddess stepped out to help him and the lord stopped her, the idols of the goddess has a leg forward representing this event. She then helps Sundarar in the form of a bright Lightning (Minnal) and thus her name came to be Minnoli Ambal. When Sundarar appealed for help the Lord gave him a walking stick. Angered that his blindness was not cured he throws the stick and it hits the Nandi breaking its horn. Thus the Nandi idol is seen here with a broken horn. As the Lord here gave Sundarar a stick to lean (Oondru) and walk with he is called Oondreeswarar.

Directions

From Thiruvallur take the road to Poondi, Uthokottai adjoining the lake bund. At the lake bund take a left and reach the Thiruvenbakkam temple which is on the road itself.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Thiruvallur

Padal Petra Sthalams