Pazhanthandalam Iravateeswarar Temple

Not only its history but even its existence remains unknown to the citizens of Chennai. Located in Pazhanthandalam, not far away from the famous Tiruneermalai, this apsidal (Gajaprshtha) temple of Iravateeswarar might be a later Chola temple. Else, it might be an original Pallava-era temple reconstructed by the Cholas. Unfortunately, we can only keep guessing. There is no inscription found in this mostly renovated concrete structure.

Although there are three entrances to the temple in the south, east and north directions, none of them has a tower. The southern entrance alone is used by the public now. 

The moderate-sized Shiva Linga called Iravateeswarar in the east-facing sanctum, and Nandi outside are the only old icons of the temple. All other images are new. Some are entirely new, made during the temple renovation work in 2011 CE.

Although the antarala and ardha mandapa are renovated with modern-day concrete, the Maha mandapa remains intact to some extent. However, as per the style of short pillars and their sculptures, this hall cannot be more than 300/400 years old. 

A short image of Anandavalli, the Goddess, is found in a separate south-facing shrine.

One pair of Ganesha and Kartikeya are found at the sanctum entrance, and another pair of the same deities are at the entrance of Maha mandapa.

Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta deities. Surya, Chandra, Navagraha, Chandikeshwara, Veerabhadra, Brahmi and Bhairava are the other deities of the temple. A newly made marble icon of Sai Baba is too found. 

In the prakara, there are subsidiary shrines of Ganesha, Subramanya-Valli-Devasena, and Kasi Vishwanatha-Vishalakshi.

Although renovated, the apsidal style of the original structure is retained, and hence the vimana looks elegant.

There are carvings of fish, snakes and other creatures found on the ceilings.

As per the legend, the white elephant of Indra Iravata worshiped Shiva Linga on this site. Hence, the stucco image of Iravata worshiping Iravateesvara Linga is found on the vimana. A stucco image of Kamadhenu, the divine cow, pouring its milk on Shiva Linga, is also noteworthy. I am not sure if this too has connection with any legend related to this site.

Happy travelling.