Last saturday I had been to a place Tirukkachur in the outskirts of chennai. There is a very old Sivan temple there(The priest said, the temple is around 1000 years old). Only after going there, my brother told me that there were 3 Sivan temples and not just 1!
1. Thyagaraja Swamy Temple.
The first thing that struck me was, that there was no Raja gopuram in the main entrance. There is this Sivan temple in Medavaakam. I forgot its name. There also, there is no raja gopuram in the main entrance. This temple is in the footstep of the hill. The village got the name after this temple, and this is the main temple.
It seems the temple was in a very bad shape and recently restoration works started happening.
This is a temple, where Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Siva in the form of a turtle. It is depicted in the extreme left pillar of the natchathira mandapam. In case you are not able to find it, ask the priest. He will guide you 
2. Irandhitteeshwarar temple
Its not actually a temple. There is a single Siva Linga near a water tank. According to mythology(which the priest told us), Sundaramurthy Naayanaar had been to Tirukazhukundram. After that he wanted to worship Marundeeshwarar temple atop the hill in Tirukkachchur. When he reached this place, he got very tired and was hungry. He sat down. At that time, Lord Siva appeared as a brahmin and went to the village asking everyone for biksha. After that, he gave that food to Sundaramurthy Naayanaar. A Siva Linga is there at the place where Lord Siva fed Sundaramurthy Naayanaar.
There are high chances of you missing this temple. Whilst going from Thyagaraja Swamy temple to Marundeeshwarar temple keep looking towards the right. There will be a water tank. Right opposite that water tank is this Siva Linga
Since Lord Siva’s footsteps are spread over the village it is considered to be very holy.
3.Marundeeshwarar Temple
Similar to Thyagaraja Swamy temple, There is no Rajagopuram in this temple as well. I checked out with the priest and this is what he told me. ‘These temples were built by Kulothunga chozhan I. And during those days, there was no concept of Rajagopuram. The concept of Rajagopuram was introduced by Rajaraja Chozhan’ According to mythology, if you worship here, you will be cured of all ailments(if any). And this temple is atop a small hill. And People do Girivalam here as well. And very popular during Pournami days.
By the way, this temple is open only in the mornings. But if you reach there in the evening around 4.30 or 5 and request the priest, he will do the pooja. The Girivalam took us just 45 minutes, since it is a small hill. And the path is very simple.
I liked this temple of all the 3. It was very rustic and had that old look. Try to be here when the sun is setting. Its really a beautiful sight, which no camera can do justice
Location:
Tirukkachur is 4 kms from Maraimalai Nagar railway station. When you are coming from Chennai, go all the way till ford factory, take a U turn and then turn at the second left. You will reach a railway gate adjacent to Maraimalai Nagar railway station. Keep going straight for another 4 kms and you will reach the Thygaraja Swamy Temple.
I didnt see any buses there. So either go by car or bike. And call the priest Mr Nataraja Iyer before going. His number is +91-44-27463514. Do mention you want to visit the marundeeshwarar temple as well, since it is not open always!
It was a very pleasant evening. The place is very peaceful, and the temple is very beautiful. Do visit atleast once. You will really relish that experience
Its one of the 275 Padal petra sthalams. As Sivan collected alms and fed Sundarar he is also called Virundhitta Easwarar. Beautiful photographs, lovely
photography sooper.
oru weekend polaam nu iruken.
ferro, have u been to thalakkad in karnataka?
another interesting place
Amazing pics and nice depiction….
Is this Marundeeshwarar the same as the one in Thiruvanmiyur?
Prabhu,
Thanks for the pics. Will visit this temple soon!
Cheers,
Ravi
I have to review the pics in detail. Looks good though. Neat temples. Siva bakthan aa nee?
Ferrari,
Nice one.:-)Pics looks good.Will check out the place in a week or two.
I differ with the priest’s logic of Rajagopuram. As far as I know Kulothunga I is the great grandson of Rajendra Cholan I.Also Raja Raja Chozhan was famous for introducing those kind of pillar structures.May be he is right with the king who built it, but is certainly not with Rajagopuram logic.For more info on pillar architecture check this article.
http://www.varalaaru.com/Default.asp?articleid=145
Girivalam. That should be great for ppl who cant go to Tiruvannamalai. Thennadudaya Sivanae Potri
Photos semaiya irukku…ippo neengalum ‘bhakthi’ editor maadhiri ezhudha aarambichiteengala…hehe..:)
The photos are amazing! Photography is one of my hobbies….those photos are amazing…u got a talent in photography….seriouslyyyy!!!!
Ferro, all photos are very good esp the Ul-pragaaram and kenaru…neat description…way to go!
isnt there a Marundeeshwarar temple in thriruvanmiyur?
Prabhu, thanks for the excellent writeup.
I have visited Marundeeshwarar Temple only once, hopefully when I goto Madras nextime, will try to visit this one again.
Thanks Ferrari.
Would check out that place. Seems like a beautiful place.
marundheeshwarar kovil.. en veetu pakkathula irukkae, adhuva?
WA,
ya ya. Paadal petra sthalam. Forgot to mention that
pk,
Thalakaadu innum ponadhu illai sir. Kalyanathukku appuram poikaren!
Swapna,
Marundeeshwarar temple is at tiruvanmiyur as well
Ravi,
Most welcome sir
Rubic_Cube,
Anbe Sivam
Srivat,
Thanks for the info sir 
I didnt know that
Mani,
Poatri Poatri
Subha,
Bhakthi editor? Appadina?
Janani,
Place was good, and my camera is good. Thats all
Sundaresan,
Thanks
vijay,
Yes its there in tiruvanmiyur also
Ganesh and curses,
This marundeeshwarar temple is not the one in tiruvanmiyur
Balaji,
Kandippa visit pannunga. Bikeable distance dhaan. Worth a visit
kalakareenga prabhu sir !!
As an ardent devotee of Shiva,I have been visiting this temple with friends for the past 30 years to conduct Mahashivarathri,
Ardhra abhishekam & Adi swathi(Gurupuja of Sundarar)Moreover,our sabha has carried out many renovation work in Thyagaraja temple & Marundeeswarar temple.We have literally built a new temple for Karukkadi Vinayakar (Sthala Ganapathi)- close to Marundeeswarar temple(which you have failed to mention.)We have taken the entire renovation work of Kachapeswarar shrine(Moolavar)in liew of Maha Kumbabishekam.Happy to see that the temple is coming to limelight now and our prayers being answered.
Sivapadhasekaran (Sekar)
Secretary,ThiruvadhirayanThiruvarutsabai,
Chennai.
Ive been to the thyagaraja swamy temple down south and the marudeswarar in thiruvanmuyir – which is one of my fav temples – interesting to here about these
It is a great effort by people like SekarV. In Tamilnadu if someone wants to go to a temple, it is invariably navagraha stalam, aarupadai veedu, few divyadeshams, samayapuram…and few others. These are no doubt great places. But not many realise there is so much more to see.
For people who are keen to learn more about shivasthalam I have few recommendations:
1. 2 great books by Pu.Ma.Jeyasenthilnaathan, Varthamaanan padhippagam – Thirumurai thiruththalangal and Devara vaippu thalangal.
2. Shivaperumaan vazhipaadu – Balaji padhippagam. This goes beyond temple visits.
3.templenet.org
4.shaivam.org.
Vikatan has two books – Shakti dharishanam.
Lifco’s famous book 108 divya desham.
Few others I have, will provide the details if interested.
How to visit temples? I have a few sugestions. First one should be relaxed. Allow sufficient time. Next try to learn as much about the temple before one starts the visit. Once there never let human (yours or otehrs) imperfections take away the glory of your time with divine. People are people and even in temple they can be money minded. Don’t get put off by that. Priests are also human beings and have stomachs to fill, families to look after. If they hanker after money, check if you are any different. However don’t get put off by their behaviour. If someone jumps Q, relax. If someone messes the premise, it is not your problem to fret and fume and spoil a good visit.If you can fix a problem, work on it. If you can’t do anything other than fretting and fuming, remember you are only ruining your peace of mind.
On practical side, go with enough small change. If you are going to a way off temple, not crowded like the one mentioned, take the extra effort to buy something like ghee or rice or some such item which they can use for daily puja. Carry paper bits to have vibhuti etc. Bring home the prasadam and give it to different people telling about the temple. It will motivate others. Each temple portrays an unique divine form. There is a mythological background for them and and an underlying philosophical meaning. Exploring those are an interllectual journey by itself and that is the real purpose of temple visit. And capture as much details as possible – Ferrari, you have done a good job to start with!! Om Shanti Shanti Shanti!
Prabhu,
Ninga sonna temple medavakkam la illa.. its in MADAMBAKKAM. 800-1000yrs old shivan temple. Koil name – Dhenupureeshwarar. endha temple ku ennoru name eruku.. Rahukala temple… every sunday 4.30-6 more than 1000 per varuva…..
just 5-6km from madambakkam. try panni parunga.. excellent temple…
Very good coverage and beautiful photographs.
Near to tirukkachur temple one more temple also worth to visit. That is in hill called Aushadagiri (hill of medicinial herbs). This hill is situated near village Appur which is just 5 KM from Tirukkachur towards Sriperumbudur.
By climbing 500 steps you can reach the top of the hill and can see the beauty of nityakalyana perumal as well as beauty of the Nature.
Excellent pics.
Did any of you know about the Otteeswarar temple in Medavakkam? Its a small temple but I guess is pretty old and the Siva Linga there is one of the biggest in Chennai. Its not popular though, but I would love to hear more about it.
really nice one and inspiring me to visit the place…. surely will make it…
keep going
manoj
Hi
Nice coverage and nice photos too…btb do you know of any Ramar temple near Maraimalinagar that has only Rama and Sita, without Lakshmana? If you do pl let me know the whereabouts.
Pingback: The meat safe and the study desk » Blog Archive » Temple Travails - Part 1, Thirukkachur
Dear friends
Wwe have started an organisation by name called ” PAZHAM THIRUKOILGAL THIRUPANI SANGAM” through which we wanted to Perform Pooja for those temples which do not have even a single day vazhibadu.
WE DO SERVICE TO ONLY THOSE TEMPLES WHICH ARE MORE THAN 500 YEARS OLD AND DO NOT HAVE FUNDS FOR DAILY ROUTINE ( MANDATORY) NEEDS.
We are also trying to register more Members for the development of the above organisation.
RIGHTNOW WE ARE ABLE TO PERFORM/CONTRIBUTE THE FOLLOWING :
One day expenses for old temples ( which do not have financial backup )
Electricity charges by way of Reimbursement
Archakar Monthly Salary…
MONTHLY RATION ETC…
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IN MY EMAIL ID IF YOU HAPPEN TO FIND OUT SUCH TEMPLES.
REGARDS
S.T.RAJMOHAN
OK.This is good
Good
please visit http://www.pazhamthirukoilgal.com
Mr.Rajmohan ,
your email id please, i think your site is still in early stages, nothing is there except a vinayagar photo
Dear All
Namaskaram to everybody.
It was a great experience going thro this site.
I was actually worrying how to get the info regarding Thirukacchur , thanks to Ferrari for his noble deed.
I too wish to appreciate Mr.S.T.Rajmohan and give him a great praise for his devotion of conducting atleast Irandu Kaala Poojai at such old temples where the Vibration may be felt more.
Fortunately we too have started a Sangam wherein I am a member, and the sangam is in an infant stage. We have started with Thiru Idai Suram(presently known as Thiruvadisoolam which is on Thiruporur to Chengleput via.
From Thiruporur take a bus to Chengleput and get down at Thiruvadisoolam just 15 kms from Thiruporur, bus journey will take 30-45 mins.
Presently Oru Kaala Poojai is only performed.
This is a Paadal Petra Sthalam (Thirugnana Sambandar)also the Lingam is very powerful.
I humbly request all the Sivan Adiyars to visit the temple and get His blessings.
Om Namashivaya!!!
Shivaya Nama OM
1) Nice posting and pictures Ferrari.
2) Fantastic piece of information and advice from Big brother
3) Be careful about the people and sites seeking funds for temple renovation. My first look at ‘pazhamthirukoilgal.com’ creates a doubt. They claim they are there for the past 6-7 years but no piece of information on how much they have collected and what they have done so far. I know a more relaible group called REACH foundation, where you can join as a Yahoo group member, watch the activities and then contribute if you like.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/temple_cleaners/
Hello Bigbrother,
I am unable to get the details of the book Shivaperumaan vazhipaadu – Balaji padhippagam. There is a balaji publication in chennai but they have not published it. It seems there is a publisher in the same name at Kumbakonam, the details of which are not available in internet. any help?
Also the other two books by ‘Pu.Ma.Jeyasenthilnaathan’ are also out of print now and so not available.
A great disappointment indeed, any help?
Regards,
Pingback: Temples around Chennai « Raju’s Temple Visits
Dear Mr.Raju
I refer to your mail dated 03 Sep 2007 at 5:43 pm above.
I have seen your reply just now, since i am not regularly visitng this page.
I am pleased to provide all necessary details ( As you Expect). Please let me know your expectations.
Sorry to inform we cannot put every thing in web.
KINDLY NOTE WE DO NOT EXPECT MONEY FROM ANYBODY.
WE ARE INFACT EXPECTING PEOPLE ONLY TO ATTEND OUR POOJA.
I am providing my Mobile Number (094444 46232) and email id ( strajmohan@yahoo.co.in ).so thay if you are really interested please get in touch with me immediately to whatever the doubts you have on us.
I also expect you to attend my next month Temple program,
provided if it is convenient for you. so that it would become self explanatory for you to understand what we do and you can find whether we are doing this commercially.
Thanks to Mr. Raju and others in this web page
Regards
S.T.RAJMOHAN
dear you have taken so much of pain to share this information………..
it is great!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow… Wonderful temple coverage with wonderful photos…
A hole on a red carpet? Wow it was a wonderful sunset.. you are blessed to capture… Wonderful travelogue…
Awaiting to see more…
Pingback: tiruvannamalai girivalam photos
today I intend visiting marundheseswarar temple . I find your info very useful. thanx.
k.siva
sells Designer Handbags and has a pretty good selection. I have not seen the quality of the merchandise myself but I know that they are legit
gucci bags
.