Porur Ramanatheeswarar Temple

Porur, a locality in Chennai city, has witnessed significant popularity over the past decade, owing to the city's rapid expansion. Nestled in this area lies an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Ramanatheeswarar, with its roots entwined in the legends of the Ramayana. Let's delve into the depths of this temple in this article.

Highlights:

• God - Ramanatheeswarar 
• Goddess - Sivakama Sundari
• Sthala Vruksha - Amla tree (Nelli/Gooseberry)
• It is a Guru sthalam and one of Navagraha sthalams of Chennai
• It is considered as equivalent to Rameswaram
• It is also called as Uttara Rameswaram

Legend:

In the era of the Ramayana, as Lord Rama fervently searched for his kidnapped wife, Sita, he passed through what is now known as Porur. Unintentionally, his feet touched the head of a Shiva Linga. Only a portion of the Shiva Linga was visible above the ground, and Rama, in his human form, may have mistaken it for an ordinary stone. However, realizing his misstep, he embarked on a 48-day penance dedicated to Lord Shiva, consuming only a single Amla fruit as sustenance. Pleased with Rama's devotion, Lord Shiva granted him darshan (divine appearance) and guided him toward Lanka, where Sita was held captive. As Shiva is revered as Rama's Guru (teacher), this sacred site is known as a Guru Sthalam. It is believed that the Shiva Linga emerged from the earth following Rama's prayers, eventually leading to the construction of the temple.

History:

The temple's origins trace back to the Chola period, likely built during the reign of Kulotunga Chola.

Temple Layout:

The temple, characterized by its east-facing orientation, does not currently possess a tower (although a new gopura is under construction as of 2016 CE).

This relatively small temple features a single prakara (circumambulatory path). Within the east-facing sanctum resides a colossal Shiv Linga  known as Ramanatheeswarar, with a prominent trident (Trishul) placed nearby.

Goddess Sivakama Sundari is housed in a separate south-facing shrine, located outside the maha mandapa (main hall). She stands in her typical four-armed form.

The sanctum entrance is adorned with imposing Dwarapalakas (guardian deities) and a Ganesha icon. Notably, there is no flag staff present. However, a bali peetha (sacrificial platform) and a Nandi image are situated within the Maha mandapa area. 

The Vimana (tower over the sanctum) follows the Gaja prshtha style. The prakara boasts the exquisite Koshta images of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga.

The icon of Chandikeshwara, strikingly beautiful, is located slightly apart from its customary position.

Within the prakara, you'll find sub-shrines dedicated to Sandana Vijaya Ganapati and Subramanya-Valli-Devasena. Additionally, images of Bhairava, Shani, and the Navagrahas are present. It's worth noting that, despite its status as a Guru Sthalam, there is no separate shrine for Guru in this temple. The Navagrahas are depicted alongside their respective consorts, a rather unique feature.

You'll also encounter a sacred Vembu tree, along with images of Shiv Linga and Rama padam (the footprint of Lord Rama), within the prakara.

While the tradition of placing Satari (a headdress) on devotees' heads and offering teertham (holy water) is common in Vishnu temples in South India, it is intriguingly observed in this Shiva temple.

Embark on your spiritual journey as you explore this sacred site.

Happy travelling.