Mampakkam Muruganatheeswarar Temple

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Nestled near Vandalur-Kelampakkam High Road, Mampakkam is a village approximately 18 km away from Tambaram Railway Station, boasting a little-known ancient temple dedicated to Muruganatheeswarar.


Retaining its original charm, the temple stands as a testament to antiquity, untouched by recent renovations or vibrant paint. Built in the Chola era, it deviates from the typical use of granite, employing bricks and limestone in its construction.

Facing east, the sanctum houses the small Shiv Linga, Muruganatheeswarar, with Ganesha and Kartikeya at its entrance. A sole inscription on the southern wall of the central shrine, dating back to 1011 CE during Rajaraja Chola I's reign, credits Murugan Kaliyan for the temple's construction. Interestingly, the deity Muruga Isvarattu Alvar is named after the builder, not the God Murugan.

Additionally, a south-facing shrine is dedicated to the Goddess Deivanayaki, featuring a small-sized icon. The prakara hosts sub-shrines of Ganesha, Kartikeya with his consorts, and niche images of Dakshinamurti and Durga, with other niches left vacant.

The temple also accommodates Bhairava, Chandikeshwara, Navagrahas and Hanuman. The Vimanas of all shrines radiate an ancient beauty, although the absence of a gopuram contributes to the temple's unique character.

While Shiva Linga, Chandikeshwara, and Bhairava remain ancient icons dating back to the Chola period, other images belong to subsequent eras.

Happy travelling.






Location: Tamil Nadu 600048, India

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