Tirumudivakkam Tiruveneeswarar Temple

Tiruneermalai, having twin Vishnu temples, is a popular outskirt of Chennai. Its lesser-known neighboring locality Tirumudivakkam has an old Shiva temple, which remains unknown.

Originally a fertile village that turned into an industrial area, the temple of Tiruveneeswarar is located in a lane near the Tirumudivakkam bus stop. Based on the iconography, the icons of the temple could be dated to the 17th or 18th century CE. 

A four feet tall and broad Shiva Linga named Tiruveneeswarar is the presiding deity. Tripurasundari is the presiding Goddess. 

Raja Ganapati and Subramanya, accompanied by his two consorts, are found in sub-shrines in the prakara.

Vishnu Durga is the only Koshta deity. Except for this icon, all other sculptures were present in the original temple. The current structure was built entirely in 2006. 

Nandi facing the Shiva Linga, Bhairava and Chandikeshwara are other murtis of the temple.

Navagraha mandapa was constructed in 1938, as per the date inscribed. This is the only surviving old building on the temple premises.

The icons from a dilapidated Vishnu temple in the village were brought and installed here in 2006. Thus, this Shaivite temple has technically become a Shiva-Vishnu temple. Vishnu is seated with his right leg folded and left leg hanging down. Sri Devi and Bhu Devi are seen seated on either side. An elegant sculpture of Garuda is found on the opposite side. As per the iconographic features, all these images appear to be from the Vijayanagara period.

The temple pond is located 500 meters away on the other side of the High Road. The areas between the current temple and pond are evidently encroached.  

Happy travelling.