Forgotten Splendor - The Chennai Temple named after Sembian Mahadevi

Sembian Mahadevi, a revered figure from the Chola dynasty, dedicated herself to the construction and renovation of numerous temples over a span of sixty years. She generously bestowed magnificent gifts, including bronzes and jewelry, upon many temples, making her one of the most esteemed contributors to the Chola empire.

Surprisingly, the ancient temple in Chennai that bears her name remains relatively unknown. Located in Korattur, the temple is presently known as Jambukeshwarar. It is believed to have been built in the 10th century CE, possibly by Rajaraja Chola I, and displays an apsidal (Gajaprshtha) architectural style. The temple walls feature two inscriptions attributed to Rajaraja Chola I. Korattur was originally called Parantaka Chaturvedi Mangalam, also known as Kurattur, and it formed part of Puzhal Kottam, which was itself a part of Ambattur Nadu. The deity worshipped in this temple was known as Sembian Maadevi Pothalvar, and the temple itself was called Sembian Maadevi Ishwaram.

Unfortunately, the temple has not received adequate maintenance. The outer walls have been completely painted over, obscuring the inscriptions, and there is a possibility that other inscriptions may have already been lost.

The temple has entrances facing east and south, but neither of them is adorned with a gopuram. Within the east-facing sanctum, there is a four-feet high and wide Shiva Linga, now known as Jambukeshwara. Adjacent to the Linga is a four-armed standing Goddess.

Except for a few pillars in the ardha mandapa, most other pillars in the ardha and maha mandapas appear to have been constructed within the last 300 to 400 years.

In the south-facing shrine of the maha mandapa, the deity worshipped is Akhilandeswari, the Goddess. Additionally, there are icons of Ganesha, Subramanya-Valli-Devasena, Chandra, Nalvar (four saints), and Bhairava. While one of the Ganesha icons appears to be from the Chola era, the others are from a later period. The sculptures of the Nalvar saints seem to be more recent additions.

The niches (Koshtas) within the temple are empty, and there is no superstructure above the apsidal base. Notably, a stucco image of Kagapujandar is present, believed by locals to be the Jeeva Samadi (final resting place) of this Siddha.

Other notable icons in the temple include Chandikeshwara, the Navagrahas (nine celestial deities), and Nandi, situated near the bali peetha (sacrificial platform).

Adjacent to the temples, there is a sacred lotus pond, presently known as the Sivan Temple Pond, but originally named Lakshmi Pushkarani. This pond was shared by both this temple and the nearby Vishnu temple, serving as a source of drinking water for the villagers in the past.

During the Arudra festival, the processional icon of Nataraja from this temple would be placed in front of the Lakshmi Narayana temple. The metal icon of Vishnu would also be brought out, and the priests from both groups would exchange offerings of flowers and fruits as a gesture of respect to each other's deities. Once Vishnu returned to his temple, Nataraja would commence his procession around the village.

Thus, this temple complex stands as a testament to the unity among the devotees of Shiva and Vishnu, showcasing their harmonious coexistence.

Happy travelling.