Hridayaleeswarar Temple, Thiruninravur, Thiruvallur

Hridayaleeswarar Temple, Thiruninravur, Thiruvallur

Architecture

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 06.00 AM to 12.30 PM and 04.00 PM to 08.30 PM.

Festivals

Masi Maha Shivarathri in February-March; Makara Sankranti- Pongal falling almost on January 14 or a day before or after in some years occasionally; Panguni Uthiram in March-April; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Vinayaka Chaturthi in August-September; Navarathri in September-October; Margazhi Arudra Darshan in December-January; Karthikai in November-December are the main festivals observed in the temple. Other Shiva related days as Pradosha, Mondays and Fridays, Tamil New Year Day, new moon days, full moon days are celebrated with special pujas and abisheks.

Prayers

As Poosalar kept Lord Shiva in his heart, worshiped him and built an imaginary temple for the lord, many suffering from heart problems pray to Hridayaleeswarar for a cure. The power of Hridayaleeswarar is so famous that cardiologists in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur visit Thirunindravur and pray at this Shiva temple before they perform major surgery. Those suffering from heart diseases pray here on Mondays. Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord and Mother.

Legend / Local stories

The story of this temple dates back to 7th century during Pallava reign. There was a Shiva devotee living in this place during 7^th century called Poosalar. who had a desire to build a temple for Lord Shiva at this place unfortunately he could not find funds for the same. Poosalar finally decided to build a temple for the Lord by himself, as he was well read and knew all the Aagama Vidhis and nuances to build a temple, he wanted to start building the temple in his mind.

He sat under a tree called Iluppai and started meditating. He planned each and every small detail to perfection for the construction of this temple in his mind itself. He also marked an auspicious day to commence the holy work. The temple work progressed in his mind. He built the temple step by step. He had designed everything in his mind right from Vimana, Sanctum, Temple Pond, Compound walls etc., and executed each in detail as per what he had in mind.

After the temple construction work came to a finish. He even had organised all the utensils required for the temple. Finally, he also fixed an auspicious date for Kumbabishekam (consecration) of the temple. He prayed to Lord Shiva to be present for the consecration and offer His blessings. During the same period, a Pallava king called Rajasimha was ruling this part, with his capital as Kanchi (today’s Kanchipuram). He also was a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva and was building a huge beautiful temple for the Lord, at Kanchi.

He named the God as Kailasanathar and the temple as Rajasimmeswaram. The king was too proud to see the grandeur of the temple constructed by him. The king also marked a date for consecration, while the finishing touches were going on at the temple. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and told him that he cannot make it to the consecration of the king’s temple on the said date and asked him to change the day of consecration, as he had to be present for consecration of another temple built by Poosalar of Thiruninravur.

The king woke up shocked. He wanted to know about the temple which God informed him of. He immediately started with his queen, ministers to see Poosalaar’s temple at Thiruninravur. He came to Thiruninravur the next day and enquired with many people about a new Shiva temple built by Poosalar. Nobody knew anything about the temple but directed the king to the place where Poosalar was meditating under the Iluppai tree. King went and asked Poosalar himself about the temple.

Poosalar, on hearing the king explaining about his dream, was overwhelmed to realize the mercy shown to him by Lord Shiva. Poosalar explained to the king that he had been constructing the temple in his heart (Manasu in Thamizh) and had fixed a date for consecration. Poosalar made the king to look at his heart and realize the temple which he constructed. King was able to see and realize the temple made by Poosalar.

Knowing this Rajasimha was amazed to see the devotion and sincerity of Poosalar. The king himself took all the specifications of the temple which Poosalar had in mind and physically constructed a temple for the Lord here. This temple is also called Manakkoil. As Poosalar originally built the temple for the Lord in his Hridayam, the Lord here is known as Hridayaleeswarar.

Photo Gallery

How to Reach:

The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Thiruninravur Mettu Street Bus Stop, 350 meters from Thiruninravur Ramar Kovil Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Thiruninravur Railway Station, 18 Kms from Thiruvallur, 17 Kms from Thiruvallur Vaidhya Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, 15 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 11 Kms from Avadi, 35 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 37 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 33 Kms from Chennai Airport and 35 Kms from Chennai.

On the road from Chennai to Thiruvallur, (the MTH road or Chennai Anantapur road) proceed west from Padi till you cross Pattabiram. When you reach Thiruninravur you see the over bridge across the railway rack take a right turn and climb on the bridge and proceed south as you get down on the other side look for the temple on the second left road the road takes you right to the back of the temple.

You can also reach it from Thirumazhisai, one has to take right turn after Kalki Bhagwan ashram and Sriram Engg college and ask for the temple. From there Thiruninravur temple is about 4 Kms. Bus facilities are available from Chennai, Poonamallee and Thiruvallur. Buses 54A from Poonamallee, 71E from Parrys corner will take you to this Temple. All fast and normal EMU trains bound to Arakkonam, Thiruvallur, Thiruthani starting from Chennai Central and Chennai Beach halt at Thirunindravur railway station. Share autos are available from Thiruninravur railway station.

Contact Details

Hridayaleeswarar Temple,
Thiruninravur – 602 024,
Tiruvallur District
Mobile: +9194441 64108