A 12th century temple near the public market - Kurungaleeswarar temple, Koyambedu, Chennai

Koyambedu - the congested area of Chennai is famous for its bus terminus and the wholesale market. Only a few know that Koyambedu is not known only for them, but it has two ancient temples belonging to the 12th century CE.

Kurungaleeswarar Temple is one of the twin temples of Koyambedu. It is a Shiva temple. He is known as Kurungaleeswarar in this site.
The legend states that Kusha and Lava, the sons of Lord Rama, worshiped the Shiva Linga in this site. Hence, the place was called Kushalavapuri in the olden days. Later, the name got corrupted to Koyambedu. The legend further records that this locality was originally the hermitage of the sage Valmiki. After Sita was exiled, she, along with her two sons, lived in his place.

Besides, Kurungaleeswara Shiv Linga in the east-facing sanctum, the temple enshrines Dharmasamvardhini, the Goddess, in a separate south-facing shrine. 

Dakshinamurti, Brahma and Durga are found as the Koshta idols. Chandikeshwarar is found in his usual location near Durga. 

The sub-shrines of Ganesha, Navagraha, Shasta, Subramanya with his consorts and Nalvar are also found in this temple.

The temple is believed to have been built by Kulothunga Cholan III during the 12th century CE. The pillars of the Kurungaleeswarar temple are artistically beautiful and have many impressive sculptures. Sharbeshwara sculpture in a pillar has become very popular in recent years, and it attracts hundreds of people to this temple.

Happy travelling.

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