Madampakkam Siddhar Temple

It is not a regular or usual temple of a well-known deity. It's unique - it's one of its kind - a temple built for 18 Siddhars. Despite being located near the famous Dhenupureeswarar temple in Madampakkam, this unusual site remains lesser-known. So, who are those Siddhas and what is this temple all about? Let's explore!

Madampakkam is a suburban area in South Chennai. Here, the beautiful Chola period Dhenupureeswarar temple is situated. Right next to this popular temple, we find the temple of 18 Siddhars. 

Who are Siddhars?

As per the tradition followed in Tamil Nadu, those who attained spiritual power called Siddhi, are known as Siddhars. They were good at medicine, astrology and various other fields. Among the innumerable Siddhars, 18 were considered prominent. This temple in Madampakkam is dedicated to those 18 important Siddhars.

(The names of 18 prominent Siddhars differ as per different sources. Interestingly, Agastya, the well-known Siddha is not considered as a Siddhar here.)

Who built the temple?

Seshadri Swamigal was a saint who lived in Tiruvannamalai in the 20th century CE. As per his advice, his disciple KVLN Sharma constructed this holy site.

Temple Entrance

The temple premises is spread over a large area. The east-facing temple has no Gopuram (tower). Instead, it has the stucco images of all Siddhars and other deities of the temple on the lintel at the temple entrance.

Maha Meru

The sanctum (main shrine) faces the east direction. It enshrines Sri Chakra Maha Meru. It represents Lalita Tripurasundari in the form of a divine mountain.

Besides, Sadasiva is present in the invisible form in the sanctum, it is believed.

A big silver scepter (staff) representing sovereignty is too found here.

The bronze icon of Chitragupta Nayanar is a new addition to the shrine. (Chitragupta is the attendant of Yama, who keeps track of all the deeds of humans.) Nowhere else in Chennai, can we find Chitragupta.

The lion vahana is placed at the ardha mandapa. At the entrance, Sundara Vinayaka and Subramanya with his consorts are found.

At a faraway distance, Nandi mandapa is located facing towards the main shrine. (The lion vahana is for Tripurasundari and Nandi is the vahana for the invisible Sadasiva).

Seshadri

To the true right side of the main shrine, Seshadri Swamigal is enshrined in a separate shrine. He was a saint from Tiruvannamalai. It should be noted that the temple was built by his devotee. 

The bronze icon of Swamigal and Ganesha are also enshrined here.

Guruvayurappan

To the true left side of the main shrine, a beautiful icon of Guruvayurappan is enshrined. This shrine is built as per the traditional Kerala temple architectural style. The walls of the shrine are full of paintings and icons representing Krishna with Gopis. Some of them can be classified as mithuna icons.

On the front side of the shrine, the holy Tulsi plant is being worshiped in the name of Brinda.

18 Siddhars

On the prakara around the sanctum, there are 18 sub-shrines enshrining all the Siddhars. Each vimana is unique with the depiction of different figures that are related to the Siddhars. 

On the south side prakara, there are five sub-shrines.

1. Sivavakkiyar in the south-facing sub-shrine. He is in a sitting posture similar to Dakshinamurti. 

2. Kailaya Sattai Muni Siddhar in the south-facing sub-shrine.

3. Maha Bogar in the east-facing sub-shrine. 

4. Kagapujandar in the north-facing sub-shrine. He has four arms.

5. Pulipani Siddhar in the west-facing sub-shrine. He has a tiger's legs.

The backside prakara located in the west has eight sub-shrines for the below-mentioned Siddhars. All of them face east direction.

6. Sattaimuni Siddhar

7. Agappei Siddhar

8. Azhugani Siddhar

9. Kudambai Siddhar

10. Vallalar

11. Idaikadar

12. Pattinathar

13. Kaduveli Siddhar 

On the north side prakara, there are five sub-shrines.

14. Kanchamalai Siddhar in west-facing sub-shrine

15. Chennimalai Siddhar in south-facing sub-shrine

16. Kapilar in east-facing sub-shrine. He is an incarnation of Vishnu. Hence, he holds conch and discus in his arms. 

17. Karuvoorar in east-facing sub-shrine

18. Pampatti Siddhar in the south-facing sub-shrine.

Koshta Murtis

There are three Murtis on the niches (Koshta) - Dakshinamurti, Vishnu and Rajakali Amman, on the outer walls around the sanctum.

Other Shrines

On the prakara, the sub-shrines of Nalvar (the four prominent Saivite saints) and Ayyappa are located.

Near the entrance, at the southeast corner, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are enshrined and Hanuman in the opposite direction.

The northeast corner has the shrine of Nagaraja with his consorts. 

The five holy trees are found together near Nagaraja's shrine. It is called Panchavruksha Sthalam. 

The temple is vast in area and provides a serene atmosphere. It is definitely a must-visit for the devotees.

Happy travelling.

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