Pozhichaleeswarar Temple - Agaram Then, Chennai

Let me introduce you to a lesser-known Hoysala-period temple near Chennai. Agaram Then is a village around 10 km from Tambaram (outskirts of South Chennai). A small Shiva temple called Pozhichaleeswarar temple is located in this village.

The east-facing temple does not have a tower. The sanctum enshrines a small Shiv Linga called Pozhichaleeswarar. The Goddess Anandavalli is found in a separate south-facing shrine.

Nandi is found facing toward the sanctum.

Nardana Ganapati, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are found as the niche images. In Ardha Mandapa, the beautiful bronze images of Somaskanda are located.

Bhairava, Navagrahas, Chandikeshwara and Hanuman are also found in this temple.

A big shrine on the right side of the sanctum enshrines the big icon of Sharbeshwara holding Narasimha on his lap.

The holy trees of Arasu and Bilva are found together with a few images of Nagas and Ganesha installed in front of them.

The icons of Ganesha and Subramanya are located at the entrance of the sanctum.

The temple has inscriptions from the 13th-century Hoysala period. Except for a few Hoysala period pillars with sculptures, no other ancient sculptures are found in the temple now. The temple is completely renovated. Though the vimana appears of the original period, it is also painted in vibrant colors.

Happy travelling.