Pozhichallur Agasteeswarar Temple

Pozhichalur, a lesser-known locality near Chennai city, lies approximately 5 kilometers away from Pallavaram railway station. Nestled within this village is the ancient Agasteeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this article, we will delve into the details of this revered temple.

Highlights:

• God - Agasteeswarar
• Goddess - Anandavalli
• Teerth (Holy Water) - Shani Teerth
• Sthala Vruksha (Holy Tree) - Mango
• It is a Shani sthalam and one of Navagraha sthalams of Chennai
• This temple is also called as 'Vada Tirunallaru'
• It is a Parihara sthalam for Rahu and Ketu

Legend:

According to legend, during the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati in the Himalayas, all celestial beings flocked to witness the grand event. However, this caused an imbalance on Earth. To restore equilibrium, Lord Shiva instructed the sage Agastya to travel southward. Due to the sage's immense spiritual stature, his mere presence in the southern direction was equivalent to the combined presence of all celestial beings, effectively stabilizing the Earth.

Despite his mission, Agastya did not want to miss the divine wedding. With Lord Shiva's grace, he was granted the divine sight, allowing him to witness the sacred marriage ceremony at various sites in South India. Pozhichalur was one such location where he witnessed the celestial nuptials. To commemorate this divine event, Agastya installed the Shiva Linga at this site, hence the name Agasteeswarar.

Another legend surrounding this temple is that of Lord Shani (Shaneeswar). It is said that Shani incurred sins due to the adverse effects he brought upon people's lives. In an effort to cleanse himself of these sins, he came to Pozhichalur and fervently worshipped the Shiv Linga here. Additionally, he is believed to have created the sacred pond known as Shani Teerth.

History:

The temple has its origins dating back to the Chola period.

Temple Layout:

This north-facing temple lacks a traditional gopura (tower) and has its sanctum facing eastward. Within the sanctum, a sizable Shiv Linga named Agasteeswarar is enshrined. Facing the sanctum, you'll find the flag staff, bali peetha (sacrificial platform), and the Nandi mandapa.

The Goddess Anandavalli has her own separate shrine facing southward. The temple's frontside mandapa is spacious and adorned with intricately carved pillars.

The vimana (tower) of the sanctum follows the Gaja prshtha style. On the exterior walls of the sanctum, you can spot niche images of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma, and Vishnu Durga.

Diagonally opposite to the sanctum, you'll discover icons of Agastya, Shani, and Surya. Nearby the shrine of Anandavalli, you'll find icons of Bhairava and the Navagraha (nine planetary deities). The mandapa also hosts images of Ganesha and Subramanya-Valli-Devasena.

Beneath the sacred trees on the temple grounds, you'll come across icons of Shiv Linga, Nandi, Nagas (serpent deities), and Ganesha.

Happy travelling.