Tiruvur Shringandeeswarar Temple

Tiruvur (also spelled as Thiruvur) is a charming village nestled approximately 40 kilometers from Chennai. Its closest well-known neighbor, Tiruvallur, lies about 12 kilometers away. What makes Tiruvur unique is its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Shringandeeswarar, a deity with a fascinating history.

Highlights:

• God - Shringandeeswarar 
• Goddess - Utpalambal
• Shiv Linga installed by the sage Rishya Shringa

Legend:

The temple has an enchanting legend associated with it. It is believed that the sage Rishya Shringa, who possessed deer-like horns, consecrated the Shiv Linga within the temple. Thus, the deity came to be known as Shringandeeswarar. It's worth noting that the name is often misspelled as Singandeeswarar, even by temple authorities.

History:

Historical accounts suggest that the temple's origins trace back to the Chola period. It underwent renovations during the Vijayanagara period, bearing testament to the region's rich historical tapestry. Inscriptions from both the Cholas and the Vijayanagara Kings can be found within the temple's premises.

Temple Layout:

The temple faces eastward, featuring a three-tier Raja gopura adorned with two imposing and intricate stucco Nandi figures at the entrance. These Nandi sculptures stand in a unique four-armed, standing posture. The temple tower also boasts inscriptions and the symbol of the Vijayanagara Kings.

The sanctum, also facing east, enshrines a substantial Shiv Linga, Shringandeeswarar. Adjacent to it, a separate south-facing shrine houses the presiding Goddess, Utpalambal. Facing the sanctum, the bali peetha, the flagstaff, and the Nandi mandapa are located.

The Maha Mandapa area is adorned with pillars boasting intricate carvings. Among these artistic sculptures, one particularly stands out, depicting the sage Rishya Shringa Rishi.

Within this grand space, there are stucco icons, including Nataraj-Shivakami and Nandi accompanied by his consort. However, the true gem of the temple is the image of the sage Rishya Shringa alongside the Shiv Linga named Vishwanatha.

The temple grounds consist of a wide, spacious prakra, housing several sub-shrines, including Vallal Peruman (Murugan) and Aththi Mukha Vinayakar. Notable images of Surya, Chandra, Bhairava, Vallalar, and Annanmars (seven warriors) can be found throughout the temple.

The ornate pillars feature various captivating sculptures, such as depictions of Vali worshipping the Linga, an elephant in devotion to the Linga, Nardana Ganapati, and Rishyashringa with the Linga, among others.

There are niche images adorning the surrounding wall, featuring Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma, and Durga. Chandikeshwarar can be found in its customary location within the temple.

Numerous ancient icons discovered during excavations have found their home in various corners of the temple. Notable among them are a well-preserved Murugan near the Amman shrine and a Ganesha welcoming visitors at the temple's entrance. However, some of the recovered sculptures have sustained damage over the years.

Happy travelling.