Kolapakkam Agasteeswarar Temple

Kolapakkam, a relatively obscure locality in the vicinity of Chennai city, is flanked by better-known areas such as Nandampakkam and Porur. Amidst the multitude of Agasteeswarar temples in and around Chennai, the one situated in Kolapakkam holds a distinct significance. This article aims to delve into the unique attributes of this ancient temple.

Highlights:

• God - Agasteeswarar 
• Goddess - Anandavalli
• Teerth (Holy Water) - Amrudha Pushkarani
• Sthala Vruksha (Holy Tree) - Peepul
• It is a Surya sthalam and one of Navagraha sthalams of Chennai

Legend:

According to local legend, the revered sage Agastya not only worshipped the Shiv Linga  within this temple but also personally installed it. This divine association is the reason for the deity's name, Agasteeswarar.

Another significant belief is that the Sun God, Surya, engaged in worship at this very temple, thus bestowing upon it the status of a Surya Sthalam.

Additionally, the temple has a historical connection to a sage named Vageesa, who is believed to have conducted profound worship here.

History:

This temple, like many others in the Porur vicinity of Chennai, has its roots in the Chola dynasty. The temple underwent significant renovations during the reign of Aditya Chola I in the 9th century CE. Notable contributions and patronage were also extended by monarchs such as Rajaraja Chola I, Rajaraja Chola II, Kulotunga Chola III, Sundara Pandya, Vijayakanda Gopala (of the Telugu Chola lineage), and even a king from Sri Vijaya in the Sumatra Islands, as evidenced by inscriptions discovered within the temple.

Temple Layout:

The temple, originally an exquisite relic of the Chola era, has undergone modern renovations and embellishments, resulting in a diminishment of its ancient grandeur. Despite its historical significance, it stands relatively small and lacks the traditional gopura (tower).

Within the temple, an east-facing shrine houses a modest Shiv Linga known as Agasteeswarar. A separate south-facing shrine accommodates a small image of Goddess Anandavalli. Nandi Mandapa faces the sanctum, and although there is no flag staff, the temple features niche images of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma, and Durga around the sanctum. Chandikeshwara maintains his customary position, while the small icons of Ganesha and Subramanya are situated at the entrance of the sanctum.

Within the temple's prakara (enclosure), one encounters sub-shrines dedicated to Vishwanatha-Vishalakshi, Ganesha, Subramanya-Valli-Devasena, Kruna Vimochana Linga, Bhairava, and Surya. The Surya shrine is of particular importance due to the temple's Surya sthalam status. Bhairava also garners special attention, with specific rituals conducted in his honor on Sundays.

Happy travelling.