Theerthapaleeswarar Temple, Triplicane (Mylapore), Chennai

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 Theerthapaleeswarar temple in Triplicane is the second Sapta Sthana Shiva temple of Mylapore in Chennai (seven great temples of Mylapore). Even though this ancient temple is considered one of the most important temples of the historically rich Mylapore area, the temples' location is part of the current Triplicane area.

The temple is located in a highly congested area at Dr. Natesan Street near Lloyds Road in Triplicane. By looking at the temple's current state, anyone hardly would believe that this temple had such a significance in the past.

Legend

The current structure of the temple might be around 500 years old. However, as per the legend, the temple was worshiped by the sages, Agastya and Atri.

In the olden days, 64 sacred ponds were leading from this temple till the ocean. The current situation is terrible. Forget about 64 sacred ponds; you cannot find even a single pond. Even the temple remains little known and is located in an encroached lane.

When Lord Shiva and Parvati's divine marriage happened in the Himalayas, all the Devas went there to attend the function. To balance the earth from the south, Shiva asked Agastya to go towards the south direction. On his way to Podhigai hills, Agastya took rest under a Vanni tree where this temple is located today. 

As per the advice from Lord Shiva, he took a dip in the ocean and also performed pooja to Shiva Linga using the seawater. As the seawater was used for abhisheka by the sage, the deity was named Theerthapaleeswarar. To help the dwarf sage Agastya to perform poojas, the Shiva Linga Murti reduced his height.

Temple Layout


The east-facing temple does not have a tower but has an arch at the entrance. Although the temple is supposed to be very old, the current structure seems to be new.


The presiding deity of the temple is Shiva Linga named Theerthapaleeswarar. The Goddess Tripurasundari is found in a separate shrine. Theerthapaleeswarar and Tripura Sundari are very small idols.


Nardana Vinayaka, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga are found as the Koshta (niche) idols on the sanctum's outer wall.


Some of the other idols and small shrines found in this temple:


  • Festival (utsava) idols
  • Nataraja
  • Bhairava
  • Lakshmi Narayana
  • Surya
  • Nalvar
  • Chidambara Vinayaka
  • Chandikeshwarara
  • Subramanya with Valli and Devasena
  • Hanuman
  • Shaneeswara
  • Navagraha


Vanni tree is the Sthala Vruksha (holy tree) of this temple.


It is unique to find seawater being used for poojas in this temple.


Happy travelling.


Visit my site, krishnakumartk.com, to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.




Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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