Porur Sri Ramanaadheswarar
This ancient temple is dedicated to Sri Ramanaadheswarar. This ancient temple is connected with the Ramayana period. According to history, Sri Rama on His way to Sri Lanka rested here in this place which was then a forest. While resting under an Amla tree (‘Nelli’ in Thamizh), He realized that there was a Shiva Lingam under ground and his feet had touched the head of the Lingam unknowingly.
Sri Rama acquired a Dhosham since His feet came in contact with the Lingam. Hence, he undertook a penance to Lord Shiva for 48 days with just one Amla fruit as his food, to recover from the Dhosham and to bring out the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva pleased with Sri Rama’s penance came out from the earth and gave Viswaroopa Dharshan to Sri Rama. Sri Rama overwhelmed by the Lord’s mercy named the Shiva Lingam as Sri Ramanaadheswarar and worshipped Him. Goddess Parvathi too appeared and gave Dharshan to Sri Rama as Sri Sivakaama Sundhari. Sri Rama with sincere prayers worshipped Lord Shiva as His Guru and got to know the directions to reach the place where Sri Sita was kept under custody of Raavana and headed towards Sri Lanka. As Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva as His Guru, this place became a Guru Sthalam among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). Here Lord Shiva Himself is worshipped as Sri Guru Bhagavan.
Also this place is called Uthara Raameswaram, as Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here, similar to Raameswaram. Also according to temple sources, it is said that Porur was called as Uthara Raameswaram in ancient days. It is also said that, this temple is equivalent to Raameswaram and those who are not able to undertake pilgrimage to Raameswaram could visit this place and be blessed by the Lord. The main deity Sri Ramanaadheswarar is gigantic and beautifully decorated, facing east. This huge deity is a Swayambhu Lingam (self evolved). Goddess Sivakaama Sundhari has a separate shrine in the temple.
The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape or Thoongaanai Maadam type which is a unique feature of Chozha temple architecture. Sri Vinayagar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy and other Koshta Murthies are found around the sanctum. This temple does not have Rajagopuram at the entrance and Vimanam above the sanctum. Nandhigeswarar is found on the outer praakaaram facing the sanctum. Here Sri Sandigeswarar is seen in a peculiar position near Nandhi facing south.
The practice of offering Theertham and Sadaari are generally seen only in Vishnu temples. But, this is probably the only Shiva temple, where Theertham and Sadaari are offered to the devotees. The Sthala Viruksham is Vembu (Neem tree) which is seen on the southern side of the praakaaram. Lord Brahma is seen under the tree facing north. A small Shiva Lingam is kept facing east with Nandhi, adjacent to Lord Brahma. The Neem tree is dressed up in a nice saree and this looks like a beautiful woman. Pournami, Pradhosham, Sivarathri and Guru Peyarchi are celebrated well in this temple. One can’t stop admiring the beauty of Sri Ramanaadheswarar and His magnificence at this temple.
How to Reach[edit]
Porur is a suburb of Chennai city.The Arcot road starting from Gemini fly over passes through the Porur junction off Kunrathur Road.It is about 12 KM from the city center.
