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
