Cherappanancheri Veemeeswarar Temple

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Around 20 km from Tambaram, the southern outskirts of Chennai, a small and lesser-known village called Cherappanancheri is located. An ancient Chola period temple called Veemeeswarar Temple is found in this village.

Temple Layout and Structure

Veemeeswarar is a 5.5 feet high Shiv Linga. The Goddess Swarnambikai is also found in the sanctum along with Shiv Linga. She faces the southern direction, whereas the Linga faces the eastern direction.


The temple is located on an elevated platform. Also, it is a Chola-style Gajaprshtha (apsidal) temple. Unfortunately, the temple is in ruins. A few years ago, the temple did not have a ceiling. The local villagers collected funds and put an asbestos sheet on top.


The walls around the sanctum are entirely damaged. No niche image or any other Parivara murti is found in this temple.

A comparatively new Ganesh temple is located near this ancient temple.

Two Nandis, one behind the other, are found facing toward the sanctum. It is said that the Nandi image seen behind is the original one.


Originally, the sub-shrine of Surya was part of the temple. A road is passing through the shrine and the sanctum now. Surya is found on the other side of the road and faces towards the sanctum.


This is the only image in this temple except for Shiv Linga, Nandi and Surya. Swarnambikai idol was made a few years ago and installed. It is not an original idol. In the inscriptions, the Goddess's name is mentioned as Swarnambikai. It is believed that the temple had Swarnambikai's icon originally.


The temple has (instead had) three Teerthams. Surya Pushkarani, Brahma Teertham and Vishnu Teertham, the first one on the true left side of the sanctum and the other two ponds behind the idol of Surya.


History

The temple is a Chola-period temple. Historically, the village was called Rajendra Chola Nallur, Kesari Nallur and Peruvanchur. As per the inscriptions on the temple walls, it is said that the temple was renovated by Kulotunga Chola III towards the end of the 12th century CE.

Legend

As per the legend, Surya came down to this village and worshiped Shiva during a Ratha Saptami day. All the 27 stars followed him, and they also worshiped Shiva on this site. Hence, Shiva was named Vinmeengal Ishwaran, which diluted as Veemeeswarar.

Happy travelling.









Location: Padapai, Tamil Nadu, India

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