Veerabhadra Swamy Temple – A Rare Shrine in Mylapore, Chennai

Mylapore, the cultural heart of Chennai, is home to many ancient and sacred temples. While Kapaleeswarar and Madhava Perumal Temples often attract large crowds, there’s a lesser-known spiritual landmark that deserves attention — the Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, a rare shrine where Veerabhadra is worshipped as the presiding deity.

Unlike most South Indian temples where Veerabhadra appears as a secondary figure, this temple is dedicated entirely to him, making it one of the rarest Shiva temples in Mylapore.

The Divine Origin of Veerabhadra

Veerabhadra is regarded as a fierce manifestation of Shiva, created in response to the injustice faced by Sati during Daksha’s sacred ritual. As a divine protector and enforcer of dharma, he holds a special place in the Shaiva tradition. The temple in Mylapore reveres this form not just as an aspect, but as the main focus of worship.

Temple Layout and Features

This north-facing temple is modest in appearance. It does not have a towering gopuram like other temples in the area. Instead, a simple arch marks the entrance.

• Inside, the sanctum houses a large and expressive image of Veerabhadra, accompanied by a smaller representation of goat-headed Daksha, symbolizing the origin story.

• The Maha Mandapam includes a shorter flag staff (dwajasthambam), bali peetha, and Nandi, all aligned towards the sanctum.

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Sub-shrines and Associated Deities

The temple features several small shrines placed on either side of the sanctum, adding depth to its sacred landscape:

• Abhayambikai, the divine consort of Veerabhadra, is enshrined in a separate sanctum adjacent to the main one.

• Other deities represented include:

  • Virupaksha and Vishalakshi

  • Sivasundara Vinayak

  • Sharbeshwara

  • Murugan with Valli and Devasena

  • Perumal (Vishnu)

  • Adi Shankaracharya

At the entrance of the Maha Mandapam, you’ll find Bala Vinayak and Bala Murugan, depicted in their child forms.

Sacred Corridor and Additional Shrines

The prakara, or outer corridor, around the sanctum includes several smaller shrines:

• Dhyana Anjaneya

• Shaneeswara

• Navagraha

• Vishnu Durga and Shiva Durga

• Chandikeshwara

• Dakshinamurti

Each space contributes to the temple’s spiritual and iconographic richness.

Unique Depictions in the Temple Premises

This temple is also known for a few uncommon visual representations:

1. Ganesha, Shiva Lingam, and Nandi under a sacred tree

2. Palani Murugan and Mariamman placed together beneath another tree

3. Ganesha shown reading a book – a rare portrayal that signifies learning and wisdom

4. Ganesha in a relaxed posture – an unusual and serene representation rarely seen in other temples

Visit Note

For those exploring the spiritual side of Chennai, especially lesser-known temples in Mylapore, the Veerabhadra Swamy Temple is a must-visit. Just a short walk from the Madhava Perumal Temple, it offers a unique blend of calm, history, and spiritual depth. The lack of crowds only enhances its meditative charm.

Have you visited this rare shrine in Mylapore? Share your experience in the comments below.

Happy travelling!

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