Kovur Sundareswarar Temple

Kovur, a tranquil haven near Chennai city, holds a rich historical secret. Nestled between the well-known areas of Porur and Kundrathur, this village is home to the magnificent Sundareswarar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the wonders of this sacred site.

Highlights:

• God - Sundareswarar or Tirumeneeswarar
• Goddess - Soundarambikai or Tiruvudai Nayaki
• Teerth (Holy Water) - Shiva Ganga Teerth
• Sthala Vruksha (Holy Tree) - Bilva
• It is a Budha sthalam and one of Navagraha sthalams of Chennai
• Sri Tyagaiyar had sung hymns on the presiding deity of this temple, which is very rare as he had sung mainly about Lord Ram

Legend:

Legend has it that Goddess Kamakshi embarked on a rigorous penance, standing amidst the Panchagni's scorching flames. The intense heat tormented the surrounding areas, causing immense suffering to the people. In response to the pleas of the Devas, who sought relief from the blaze, Lord Shiva was approached. However, He remained deeply immersed in meditation.

At this critical juncture, Vishnu advised his consort, Lakshmi, to descend to the site that would later become Kovur. Lakshmi assumed the form of a cow and fervently prayed to the Shiva Linga at this location. Her divine intervention stirred Lord Shiva from His meditation, instantly cooling the overheated surroundings. In honor of Lakshmi's transformation into a cow (the word "Go" meaning cow), the place came to be known as Gopuri, eventually evolving into Kovur.

Another captivating legend connects Kovur to the renowned saint, Sri Tyagaiyar, who was passing through the village in a palanquin on his way to Tirupati. Initially, he bypassed the temple without halting or paying it a visit. However, as fate would have it, a gang of robbers set their sights on Tyagaiyar's palanquin.

In a moment of dire need, two mysterious individuals suddenly materialized and hurled stones at the assailants, driving them away. Tyagaiyar firmly believed that Lord Rama and Lakshmana had personally come to his aid. Touched by this divine intervention, he retraced his steps to Kovur, where he visited the temple of Lord Shiva. Overwhelmed by gratitude, Tyagaiyar composed five songs dedicated to Sundareswarar, an exceptional departure from his usual focus on Lord Rama.

It is also believed that Sekkizhar, a revered figure from the nearby Kundrathur locality, commenced writing the Periya Puranam, an ancient Tamil hagiography, within the premises of this temple.

History:

This temple, a relic from the Chola period, is a testament to its historical significance. It is believed to have been built during the reign of Kulotunga Chola II.

Sri Tyagaraja Swamigal, a prominent saint, composed the Kovur Pancharatnam, a collection of songs dedicated to Sundareswarar. This is a rare instance where the renowned saint deviated from his usual focus on Lord Rama to sing praises of another deity.

Temple Layout:

The temple is nestled in a serene street, flanked by lush trees. Its grand tower boasts seven tiers and faces the southern direction, while the entrance showcases idols of Ganesha and Kartikeya.

Within the east-facing sanctum lies the tall and resplendent Shiv Linga, Sundareswarar, or Tirumeneeswarar. The main shrine is graced by Dwarapalas and small Naga Skanda images at its entrance.

The Vimana, in the Gaja prshtha style, is adorned with niche icons of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma, and Durga. Chandikeshwara maintains his usual position.

Facing the main shrine, you'll find the flagstaff, bali peetha, and Nandi.

In a separate south-facing shrine resides the beautiful Goddess Soundarambikai, also known as Tiruvudai Nayaki. The shrine's walls feature niche images of Indrani, Maheswari, Maha Lakshmi, Brahmi, and Durga. Interestingly, Chandikeshwari replaces Chandikeshwara in this shrine.

The temple complex also houses a separate shrine for Karunakara Perumal, accompanied by his two consorts, and another dedicated to the utsav images of Sekkizhar and Thogai Adiyars.

Within the inner prakara, you'll encounter icons of Ganesha, Surya, Sekkizhar, Nalvar, Kali, Veerabhadra, and Bhairava. The outer prakara is home to shrines of Ganesha, Murugan-Valli-Devasena, Shaneeswar, and the Navagrahas.

Additional shrines in the temple encompass Netra Vinayaka, Somaskanda, Sukravara Amman, Subramanya-Valli-Devasena, and the utsav images of Murugan with his two consorts, Natraja-Shivakami, the utsav images of 63 Nayanmars, Muthumari, and Ponni Amman. A separate shrine houses the beautiful utsav icons, including Ganesha and Chandrasekhar.

As you embark on this journey of exploration, may you find peace and enlightenment within the sacred precincts of Kovur's Sundareswarar temple. 

Happy travelling!