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Tamilnadu Sundareswara Swamy Temple
Sundareswara Swamy Temple a Kovur (Pallavaram) near Chennai is an ancient and important temple dedicated to the main deity Shri Sundareswara Swamy, also known as Thirumaeneeswarar. The temple also has the Goddess Shri Soundharaambigai, also known as Thiruvudai Naayagi. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at Kovur near Chennai. Kovur is a very small town that is situated at a distance of 22 kilometers from Chennai. It is located on a road going towards Kunrathur. This temple is quite famous since Saint Tyagaraja visited the temple and composed five songs also called "Kovur Pancharatnam".
HIstory
The Sundareswara Swamy Temple at Kovur is also regarded as one of the Nava Graha temples within Chennai and is considered for parikara Sthalam of the Bhudan. The temple is also associated with Saint Sekhizhar who wrote Periyapuranam. The temple was constructed by Sundara Chozhan in the period of 965 BC. The construction of the shrine which is in gajaprishta style, with resemblance to Tiruvottiyur temple, indicates that this temple was constructed during the Pallavas times.
Discovery Of The Temple
The exact date of discovery of the temple is not known. However, legend has it that Saint Thyagaraja had visited the temple while he was going to Tirupati. While passing through the place some bandits stopped him and threw stones on the palanquin. Saint Thyagaraja got down to explain that he is a normal pilgrim and is not rich. The bandits asked him who have thrown the stones back at them. Thyagaraja said that there was nobody else with him and the thieves told him that they saw two young men throw the stones back at them. Saint Thyagaraja realized that Shri Rama & Shri Lakshmana had come to his aid. This made him realize the importance of the Kovur temple and this in turn led to the composition of "Kovur Pancharatnam".
How To Reach
By Air
Chennai has a domestic airport that is well connected with the other airports throughout the country. Kovur is located at a distance of 22 kilometers from Chennai and there are several buses connecting Chennai and Kovur.
By Rail
The Chennai Central Railway station is well connected with other cities, with a number of trains reaching Chennai.
By Road
Chennai is also well connected with other cities through buses. Taxis can also be hired from Chennai to reach Kovur.
Important Shrines
The temple includes Sundareswara Swamy and Soundrambika, with the sanctum of both in the same structure. Lord Sundareswara Swamy faces east, in a large lingam form. The temple faces south and has an incredibly beautiful 7 tiered Rajagopuram. The Kalyana Sundareswara icon is present along with the consort Somaskanda, Goddess Saundaryanaki, Nataraja along with Sivakami as well as Manikkavachakar, arupattu moovars and Subrahmanya along with Devasena and Valli. The temple also has Vishnu's utsava moorti along with Bhoodevi and Sreedevi.
Significance Of The Temple
Being one of the Nava Graha temples in Chennai, the Sundareswara Swamy Temple at Kovur is very important. Legend indicates that Goddess Kamakshi did her penance in Mangadhu and this caused the entire world to tremble. The heat that emerged became unbearable for living beings and so Goddess Mahalakshmi came in the form of Kamadhenu, the celestial cow, so as to pacify Kamakshi. After the heat reduced Lord Shiva came in the true swaroopam as Linga with Parvati and this was called Thirumeneeswarar or Sundareswara Swamy. Since Mahalakhsmi came as a cow, this place was called Kovur, with Ko menaing cow in Sanskrit.
Weather And Time To Visit
Kovur like Chennai experiences extreme changes in temperature. It is advisable to visit Kovur during December to February, since these months record the mildest temperatures. Summers can be extremely hot as well as humid.
Accomodation
Excellent accommodation is available in Chennai with plenty of budget as well as luxury hotels offering exceptional amenities.
- There are a wide variety of hotels offering different meals as well as cuisines. It is advisable for devotees to make advance bookings.
Tips For Devotees
The Sundareswara Swamy Temple at Kovur is an exceptionally old and beautiful temple with a gorgeous 7 tiered Rajagopuram. Observe and enjoy the intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures. Do not forget to view the Maha Vilvam which is the Sthalam Vruksham or the sacred tree of the temple. This tree is unique because it has 27 leaves in one stalk. The street around the temple features beautiful trees and old architecture. Take your time in observing and admiring its beauty.
Rules And Riuals Of The Temple
The temple is famous for Arudhra festival as well as Thiruvenbavai festival. Other festivals celebrated at the temple include Shiva Ratri as well as Skanda Sashti Soora Samharam. Pooja is performed five times at the temple each day.
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