Velichai Pasupatheeswarar Temple

This article is about a Shiva temple where Vishnu is enshrined in a separate shrine. 

"What is the big deal?" - I can hear what you think. :-)

Well! Let me try putting it this way...you can find Buddha also in this Shiva temple. 

Not surprised yet? 

Fine.....let me make a last attempt. This is perhaps the only Hindu temple on the globe that enshrines Jesus Christ!

Yes, you read it correctly! Jesus Christ is worshiped as a deity. Daily food offering called "naivedyam" is made to him.

The name of the temple is Pasupatheeswarar. It is located in Velichai village. The distance is around 3 km from the famous Anjaneya temple in Vandalur-Kelambakkm Roam in Pudupakkam.

The route from Kelampakkam-Vandalur High Road to this temple is secluded, and except for 2-3 factories, nothing else is found. Public transport is unavailable, and the villagers reside a little away from the temple. Due to these reasons, the temple remains little known. 

History:


Pasupatheeswarar temple is a private temple. Initially, it was built for the purpose of private worship for a saint called Gnanacheri Gnanigal


Sadashiva Brahmendra was an Advaita philosopher who lived in the late 17th century and the early 18the century. He was also a Carnatic music composer. In the earlier births, he was born as Dattatreya, Ugra Pandya, Aanaya Nayanar, Vilvamangala Swamigal, and Abirami Bhattar (as per the belief). In the later part of his life, Swamiji became a Mouna Guru and never spoke.



It is believed that Swamiji took rebirth in the 20th century in Tamil Nadu. He started a religious organization called Gnanacheri in 1979 CE, and hence the devotees called him Gnanacheri Gnanigal.


Pasupatheeswarar temple and the subsidiary shrines were built on the site owned by Swamiji. The kumbabhisheka (consecration) of the temple was done in 1999 CE.





Temple Layout


The temple, adorned with a five-tiered Raja gopuram at the entrance, is situated in a vast complex. It can be divided into multiple sections. Let me provide detailed views on all the sections of the temple.


Pasupatheeswarar 


The east-facing sanctum enshrines Shiva Linga called Pasupatheeswarar. The Goddess Simha Priya is enshrined in the south-facing shrine located in Maha Mandapa.


At the sanctum entrance, small icons of Ganesha and Kartikeya are found.



In the Maha Mandapa, there is a shrine for the small utsava images of Nataraja and Shivakami.


The flagstaff, bali peetha and Nandi Mandapa face the sanctum.



Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Vishnu Durga are found as the Koshta deities on the outer walls. Chandikeshwara is found in his usual location.



In the prakara, the sub-shrines of Ganesha and Murugan with his two consorts are situated. Dattatreya, Adigalar, Surya, Chandra, Bhairava and Navagraha are other deities found in this section of the temple. 


A small stucco image of Hanuman in a tall pillar is also situated.






Sundara Varadaraja Perumal 


In the prakara, a separate east-facing shrine with a front side mandapa is dedicated to Varadaraja Perumal. Perumal is found along with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. A small north-facing sub-shrine has Kanaka Valli in Maha mandapa. The hall also has the small images of Garuda and Hanuman, both in Anjali mudra facing Perumal.  


Krishna playing the flute is found as the Koshta deity.


Viswaroopa Anjaneya 


Adjacent to Pasupatheeswarar temple, there is a separate temple for  Viswaroopa Anjaneya. On the opposite direction of the massive image of Anjaneya, his master Rama flanked by Sita and Lakshmana is enshrined. 

Pratyangira 

Near the temple tower, there is a north-facing shrine for Pratyangira Devi. The lion-faced Goddess is seated on a lion. Kali is found adjacent to her. 

The mural paintings depict some of the ferocious forms of Goddesses such as Varahi and Kali.

Samadhi


Outside the temple tower, there is a vast open space. The samadhi of Gnanacheriy Gnanigal is found under the holy Vilva tree in a corner. A Shiva Linga is installed above the samadhi. The photographs of a few deities, including Jesus Christ, are found here.

Ganesha is found seated under the holy combination of neem and peepul trees near the main gate.

Other Deities


In a corner in the prakara of Pasupatheeswarara shrine, a group of deities is situated in a single shrine. The list of those Murtis who were initially worshiped by Swamiji include:


  • Panduranga and Ragumayee
  • Pasupatheeswarara (Shiv Linga) and Simha Priya
  • Sundara Varadaraja Perumal with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi
  • Durga
  • Murugan with Valli and Devasena
  • Siddhi Vinayaka


Importantly, two images are kept separately under the trees near this shrine. One is Lord Buddha, and the other icon is...believe me...it's Jesus Christ. Probably, no other Hindu temple enshrines Christ. To depict that Gnanacheri Gnanigal did not differentiate the religions, the sculptures of Buddha and Jesus are kept in this temple.


Happy travelling.





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





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