Sirukalathur Ramanatheeswarar Temple

Do you happen to call Chennai your home? If so, you're likely well-acquainted with Chembarampakkam Lake, the city's vital water source. However, in this article, I'll introduce you to a lesser-known gem, a temple nestled near Chembarampakkam.

Sirukalathur village, a petite hamlet situated between Kundrathur and Chembarampakkam, just 3 kilometers from Kundrathur, was once known as Kaavanur. Within this village, a modest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva bears the name Ramanatheeswarar Temple.

Interestingly, the local residents aren't familiar with the formal name of this temple; they simply refer to it as "Kaattu Koil," signifying a temple nestled in the forest.

This temple, though currently in a state of disrepair, is believed to trace its origins back to the era of Sekkizhar, the 12th-century CE author of Periya Puranam, hailing from the nearby Kundrathur village.

While the temple no longer exhibits signs of its Chola-period roots, historical records suggest inscriptions on its walls dating back to the 13th century CE. It's highly likely that the temple underwent multiple reconstructions or renovations, with its present dilapidated structure bearing the hallmarks of Nayakka-style architecture.

The principal deity of the temple is a Shiv Linga, revered as Ramanatheeswarar, with his consort being Parvadavardhini.

As is often the case with temples that have evolved over time, new deities have been incorporated, and the names of deities altered according to local beliefs. Notably, a Goddess named Vaibhava Lakshmi is now worshipped in this temple and is considered one of its primary deities.

Originally, the temple housed sub-shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Shanmukha, along with icons of Sukravara Amman, Surya, Bhairava, and Sekkizhar.

Presently, the temple is undergoing renovations, allowing visitors to pay their respects to the Shiv Linga and the Goddess, placed in a nearby structure.

It's worth noting that the temple's processional deities were transferred to the Kovur temple following the theft of a niche image from this sanctuary.

Happy travelling.