Aadhanippakkam Sri Nandheeswarar
This ancient temple, dating from the time of the Chola kingdom is located in Chennai. The main deity is Sri Nandheeswarar and the Goddess is Sri Aavudai Nayagi (Gomathi in Sanskrit). This ancient, yet small and beautiful temple has a very holy ambiance, ancient architecture and many sculptures. Other deities located here are Pillaiyar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Sri Durgai, Bairavar and Navagrahas.
Legend says there lived a Rishi named 'Bringi Munivar' in the nearby hill who was performing penance worshipping Lord Shiva. While 'Bringi' Rishi was residing there, the hill was referred to as 'Bringi Malai' which is today's 'Parangi Malai' or 'St. Thomas Mount'. Pleased by Bringi Rishi's worship, Lord Shiva gave him dharshan in the form of Nandhi in this holy place. Hence, the God here is known as Nandheeswarar.
During later days, a Chola king named "Aadhani Cholan", ordered this temple to be constructed. At that time, the area was known as "Aadhanippakkam" which was later renamed to "Aadhambakkam".
There was a wall between Nandhi and the Sanctum Sanctorum which according to the Sastras is not good for the temple. Sri Chandrasekara Saraswathy, who is also called "Paramacharya", once visited this place and arranged to remove the obstructing wall between Nandhi and the main Diety.
This temple attracts a huge crowd of devotees on Pradhosham days, as there are special poojas are promptly performed here. The Bairavar here is also believed to be more powerful and a blessing for which many men and women pray to for marriage or child birth. This temple gives people a feeling of bliss and provides peace of mind allowing them to de-stress from their demanding lives.
Temple Location[edit]
The temple is located in the midst of Chennai near the St. Thomas Mount Railway station.