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Tamilnadu Agastheeswarar Temple Villivakkam
The Agastheeswarar Temple is situated in Villivakkam, Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Divine Mother Shakti, the temple was built around 500 years ago. The deity Lord is known as Agastheeswarar Swami and the mother as Swarnambikai. One of the oldest temples in Chennai city, it is most prominent among Hindu devotees. For most Shiva Bhakts, a visit to this temple at least once in a life time is a must. The temple has many legends associated with it praising Lord Shiva and Mother Shakti.
The temple is built on lines with other temples in South India, depicting the rich ancient culture and heritage in its sculptors, murals and other ancient forms. The old temple complex is home to a Vilvam; a tree planted by Sage Agasthya, it is said to have spiritual and medicinal healing powers. An auspicious tree, its leaves are used for daily puja in the temple.
According to the legend, Sage Agasthya killed two demon brothers Vilvalan and Vatapi. To get relief from the Brahmmahati dosha, he worshipped Lord Shiva here. As the sage Agasthya worshipped the Lord here in this temple, Shiva got the name of Agastheeswarar and became the presiding deity of the temple.
History
There are many legends that make the Agastheeswarar Temple famous and extremely pious in the eyes of the worshippers. The temple is around five hundred years old, but there are those who believe that it is more than a thousand year old temple. The temple is built in the locality called Villivakkam in Chennai City. The locality's historical name is Vilwaranyam, later changing to Villivakkam.
A revered Vedic sage, Agasthya was performing Shiva Puja in Villivakkam. It was here that he killed two demon brothers Vilvalan and Vatapi as they were causing hindrance to his puja rituals. After the sage killed them using his acquired powers he suffered from the Brahmmahati dosha. This dosha is incurred when one kills another, good or bad. Sage Agasthya worshipped Lord Shiva and pleaded for protection from the dosha. Shiva sent his trusted aide Veerabhadra to protect the Sage. As sage Agasthya performed his puja for Lord Shiva here, the temple is known as Lord Agastheeswarar Temple.
How to Reach
By Air
As Villivakkam is located in the main Chennai city, it can be easily reached by air. A major airport hub in Southern India, the Chennai Airport serves domestic as well as international tourist. The Domestic and International Terminals are connected with a common canopy making it easy for international tourist transit. As the Agastheeswarar Temple is well known, local cabs and auto rickshaws can be easily availed to reach the temple complex.
By Train
The closest rail stop to the temple is the Villivakkam railway station which can be reached using the Chennai Suburban Railway. Besides this, the Chennai Central railway station is well connected to other major rail links in the country.
By Road
The temple is located close to the Villivakkam bus terminus, around a kilometer. Many bus tour operators also ply on the route connecting Chennai to other South Indian Cities. One can also use the local state buses, taxis and auto rickshaws.
Important Shrines
The temple houses other shrines too, such as Lord Nataraja, Veer Bhadra, Kali, Mother Visalakshi and Vilvambika, Bhairava, Acharya Shankara, Subramanya, Kashi Viswanatha, four Saivite Saints and the Navagraha idols.
Significance of the Temple
The worship of Lord Shiva is of utmost importance in Hindu customs and rituals. This temple is of utmost significance as it is believed that Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati granted Sage Agasthya his wish of darshan. As Ambika had adorned herself with gold jewellery during the time, she is worshipped as Swarnambika. Tuesdays of Aadi month, i.e. July-August, special pujas are held dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mother Shakti.
The place Villivakkam received its name from slain demon brothers Vilvalan and Vatapi. During the Vaikasi Braham-utsavam of the temple, the destruction at the hands of the sage is celebrated.
Lord Shiva's aide Lord Veerabhadra who protected the sage from the dosha also has a separate temple dedicated to him at the southern entrance of the temple. As per the belief that Lord Veerabhadra is a form of Lord Shiva, during Shivarathri, Pradosha pujas and one time puja is held in his honor. Devotees seeking prosperity worship him as Ishwarya Veerabhadra.
Planet Mars in gratitude to Lord Shiva for providing reprieve from a curse created a spring outside the temple. Those worshippers facing difficulties in marriage pray in the temple seeking a relief from Mars planet's adverse effect. The temple is also known as- Angaraka Parihara Sthala. The shrine dedicated to Jupiter Guru Bhagwan is under the gaze of Mother Ambika and worshiping her provides respite to the devotees from the adverseness of Jupiter.
In the full moon fortnight on Panchami day special abhisheks are performed to Acharya Shankar. For the devotees whose wishes have been granted by the Lord and the Mother, a special abhishek in gratitude is offered to them with Vasteras, and for Lord Veerabhadra a garland of betel leaves with sandal abhishek.
Accommodation
As it is a well-known residential area with large industrial estates around, with the comforts of being well connected there are numerous places where one can stay, depending upon the budget.
Local mode of transport can be availed in form of state buses taxis and autos to reach the temple.
Tips for Devotees
The temple is open throughout the year; however, during the Panguni Wedding Festival in March-April, the 10 days Braham-utsavam in May-June and the 1008 Conch abhishek in November-December, it is better to arrive early at the temple as the surge of devotees is large.
Hotel accommodations must also be pre-booked by the tourist to ensure availability.
Rules and Rituals of the Temples
It is important to respect the timings issued by the temple authorities. The temple is open to all devotees from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 in the evening.
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