Suruttuppalli Sri Pallikondeeswarar
Suruttappalli is a small village located approximately 60 kilometers north of Chennai and (or 8 kilometers from Puthur if you are en route to Thirupathi). If you are traveling from Chennai, once you cross Oothukkottai (after Poondi) and enter Andhrapradesh, you can reach the temple within 1-2 kilometers by road.
Pallikondeeswarar temple is rare and perhaps even the only temple where Lord Shiva is in a reclining position similar to Sri Ranganathar of Sri Rangam or Trivandrum. The temple is believed to have been built during the Vijayanagara period.
According to ancient mythology, when the Devas and Asuras churned the mighty ocean (Paarkadal), Alakala Poison was created by the ocean. To save the universe from the poison, Lord Shiva Himself drank the entire poison. After consuming the poison, as He was feeling a bit dizzy with the power of Alakala, it is said that He rested in Suruttuppalli. Once he woke up the following day, he saw all Devas, Rishis, and other Parivars surrounding him with happiness and relief. That day is now celebrated as Pradhosham by His devotees. It is also said Pradhosham worship originated from this temple. Pradhosham is celebrated in a big way in Suruttuppalli. Hundreds of people from various places gather here for the Pradhosham festival. However, during the rest of the year, this temple is in a state of neglect.
Suruttuppalli is the only place where one can get dharshan of Lord Shiva in human form (around 6 feet) and that too reclining in the Anantha Sayana position on the lap of Goddess Parvathi. He is holding his Conch and Deer in his hands and is surrounded by Rishis (such as Markandeya and Sanakathi Rishis), Lord Muruga, Lord Ganesha, and Nandhikeswara playing Veena. The Goddess here is known as Madhuravalli
Though situated in Andhrapradesh, this unique temple is very close to Chennai and can be accessible by road through car, bus, or even 2-wheeler. Suruttappalli, an ancient and rare temple, is a boon to visit for devotees.