Agastheeshwarar Temple, Pozhichalur, Chennai
| Date built: | – |
|---|---|
| Deity: | Agastheeshwarar |
| Architectural style: | Dravidian architecture |
| Major festivals | – |
| Locale: | Pozhichalur |
| District:: | Chennai |
| Address: | Agastheeshwarar Temple,Pozhichalur, Chennai – 600 074 |
| Phone | +91 44 22631410 / 32564022, +91 93818 17940 / 93823 05974 |
Architecture
This region was once ruled by Cholas. The original name of this place is Pugazh Chola Nallur which has been corrupted to Pozhichalur. This temple was built in the 12th Century AD.
Legend / Local stories
Vada Thirunallaru:
Lord Shani (Saturn)has different phases like Kanda Sani, Janma Sani, Ezharai Sani. Sri Sani Bhagavan is said to have been relieved of his sins by performing penance to Lord Shiva. As directed by Lord Shiva he visited this village and created a holy pond called “Nallar Sani Theertham” and worshipped Lord Shiva and was cleansed of his sins. Hence, Sri Sani Bhagavan here is believed to be Mangala Saneeswarar with no Doshams or ill effects. Hence, he is seen in this temple as the prime God (only next to Thirunallar).
In the north Tamil Nadu this is the only temple dedicated to Lord Sani where devotees throng in large numbers to get relief from the impact of Sani. In this temple, when offerings of food are made, crows (that are believed to be the vehicle of Lord Shani) come in large numbers to eat the food offered. During this time, devotees gather in large numbers and feed the crows to get themselves relieved of their sins. Due to this reputation, this place is called as Vada Thirunallaru.
Agastheeshwarar:
As per the legend, as all the celestial beings went to Himalayas to attend the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the earth lost its balance. To balance the earth, Shiva asked the sage Agastya to travel towards the southern direction. Due to greatness of this sage, he was equivalent to all the celestial beings and as soon as he moved to the southern direction, the earth was balanced back. Agastya did not want to miss the wedding. With the help of Lord Shiva, he got the divine sight and watched the divine marriage in many sites in South India. Pozhichalur is one such site where he got the darshan of divine marriage. Shiva Linga was also installed by him and hence it is called as Agastheeshwarar.
Origin of Shivalingam:
It is said that the Shivalingam was unearthed when the Mudaliars who owned these lands were ploughing their fields.
Naadi Parihara Sthalam:
This temple is mentioned in Nadi Jodhidam for Pariharams and hence it is popularly known as Naadi Parihara Sthalam.
Temple Opening Time
The Temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 11.30 AM and 04.00 PM to 08.30 PM. On Saturdays, Temple remains open from 05.00 AM to 01.00 PM and 03.00 PM to 09.00 PM.
Pooja Timings
- Ushakalam Pooja – 5.45 AM
- Kalasanthi Pooja – 8.00 AM
- Uchikala Pooja – 11.30 AM
- Sayaratchai – 03.00 PM
- Arthajama Pooja – 08.30 PM
Festivals
Mahasivarathri, Karthikai Deepam, Sani Peyarchi, Rahu Kaalam, Pradoshams, Arudhra Dharisanam and Guru Peyarchi are the major festivals celebrated amid much pomp and splendor.
Prayers
Those who cannot go to Tirunallar worship here and do Dosha parihara and return happily. Light ghee lamp in Sani Hora and live in prosperity mitigating all troubles.
Photo Gallery
How to Reach:
The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Pozhichalur Sivan Koil Bus Stop, 500 meters from Pozhichalur Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Gerugambakkam, 5 Kms from Pallavaram Railway Station, 9 Kms from Porur, 10 Kms from Porur Junction, 11 Kms from Mangadu, 8 Kms from Kundrathur, 7 Kms from Meenambakkam Metro Station, 14 Kms from Guindy Railway Station, 7 Kms from Meenambakkam Railway Station, 6 Kms from Tirusulam Railway Station, 25 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 10 Kms from Tambaram Railway Station, 21 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 8 Kms from Chennai Airport and 22 Kms from Chennai.
The Temple is situated behind Meenambakkam Airport. On the GST road proceeding from Kathipara after the airport look for the right turn after Areva signal and Pallavaram bus stand take this road for about 2 kms you will reach the junction of Pozhichalur road and Kunrathur road take a right turn here and proceed about 2 kms as the road winds you can see the temple on the right-hand side. The temple can also be reached from Kunrathur. You can also reach this temple from Gerugambakkam, Kolapakkam from the Porur side.
Bus routes to Pozhichalur:
M52 Pallavaram – Pozhichalur
M52BET Pozhichalur – Hasthinapuram
M52ET Pozhichalur – Guduvanchery
52S Nemilicheri – Pozhichalur
52H Pozhichalur – Manimangalam
52 Broadway – Pozhichalur
X60G Broadway – Pozhichalur
Contact Details
Agastheeshwarar Temple
Pozhichalur, Chennai – 600 074
Phone: +91 44 22631410 / 32564022
Mobile: +91 93818 17940 / 93823 05974
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Web: www.pozhichalursaneeswarartemple.org