Gerugambaakkam Sri Neelakandeswarar
Gerugambaakkam has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva, which belongs to the Chozha period. The main deity consecrated here is Sri Neelakandeswarar and Goddess Sri Aadhi Kamakshi.
This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) devoted to Sri Kethu Bhagavan. There is a separate shrine for Kethu Bhagavan on the southern side of the sanctum. Special Poojas and Homams are performed to Sri Kethu Bhagavan during Raahu Kethu Peyarchi. This is also a Parihaara Sthalam for people having ill effects in their lives because of Kethu’s position in their Horoscope.
The main deity Sri Neelakandeswarar is placed in a small but beautiful sanctum. The Lord got His name Neelakandeswarar, as he swallowed the Aala Kaala Poison which evolved during the churning of the ocean, after which His neck turned blue. In Thamizh ‘Neela’ means blue and ‘Kanda’ means neck. It is said that the Nandhi in front of the Lord is so powerful, since he absorbs the poisonous breath of the Lord after He had consumed the poison.
Sri Aadhi Kamakshi is present just outside the main sanctum, facing south. Sri Aadhi Kamakshi is tall and looks very beautiful. She is said to be the first among 5 forms of Kamakshi. Navagraham is present at the north east corner of the temple. There are image carvings of of snake on the ceiling of Navagraha shrine, which indicates that this temple is a Parihaara Sthalam.
There is an old and vast temple pond adjacent to the temple, which definitely requires attention. The entire temple itself is now in a poor condition due to lack of funds. It is said that when the temple was being constructed during the Chozha period, it was kept on hold due to some foreign invasion. Hence, the temple looks semi finished. Recently, Tamilnadu Tourism has made arrangements to organize package tour to all 9 Navagraha Sthalams around Chennai and hence the turnout of people is gradually increasing here. This lovely temple amidst a calm village has much to be uncovered.
How to Reach[edit]
Gerugambaakkam is located about 20 kms west of Chennai city. While going from Porur towards Kunrathur, one should take a left side road to reach Gerugambaakkam.Bus, taxi and autos can be used to reach here.
