Virupaksheeswarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai

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Virupakesheeswarar temple is the fourth Sapta Sthana Shiva temple in Mylapore, Chennai. It is located near Karaneeswarar temple. 


(Please read my earlier posts to know about the first three Sapta Sthana Shiva temples - Karaneeswarar temple, Theerthapaleeswarar temple, and Velleswarar temple.) 


Virupakesheeswarar temple is one of the oldest temples in Mylapore. It is believed that it was built by a devotee named Shivanesan Chettiar. As per the popular legend, his daughter Poompavai died, and the great saint Tirugnana Sambandhar brought her back alive from her burnt bones. Although the temple is supposed to be very old, the current structure appears to have been constructed in recent years.


The presiding deities of Virupakesheeswarar temple are Virupakesheeswarar (Lord Shiva) and Vishalakshi Amman. The Shiva Linga idol is slightly bigger in size. Virupakesheeswarar means 'one with three eyes.' 


Some of the other sub-shrines and deities in this temple include:


  • Nataraja
  • Nalvar
  • Navagrahas
  • Ganesha (Selva Pillaiyar)
  • Dandayudhapani
  • Shaneeswara
  • Surya
  • Bhairava
  • Utsava idols (festival idols)
  • Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Bala Vainayaka, Brahma and Durga as the niche idols
  • Chandikeshwara
  • Shamukha with Valli and Devasena



People believe that a dip in the holy tank that is located in the temple will cure them of their diseases.


When you go to Mylapore, don't miss this small but beautiful temple.


Happy travelling.


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



Location: Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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