Description
Thenupureeswarar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is called Thenupureeswarar in local language. The name is given to Lord Shiva in this region is because he had once given Moksha to a cow. The temple is more than 500 years old and has immense importance in Chennai. Lord shiva and his consort Dhenukambal are worshipped in the temple. The temple boasts of beautiful sculptures of Lord Shiva and other deities in different postures. There are 18 more temples which are built around the temple forming Om shape. The temple is counted amongst the 163 notified megalithic areas in Tamil Nadu. The temple has an inscription from the period of Cholas and Pandya. The area where the temple is located is a residential area with a large population.
History
Thenupureeswarar temple is more than 500 years old and has a rich history associated with it. The temple is believed to be built during the reign of Parantaka Chola II in the year 956-973 AD. He was the father of Raja Raja Chola I. He constructed the famous Brihadeeshwarar temple of Thanjavur. The sanctum of the temple is apsidal in shape similar to other Chola temple in the state. The shape resembles the back of a sleeping elephant and is a popular design of temple in South India. During the reign of Kulothunga Chola I, the temple was consolidated with stones. You can find Chola sculpture which is kept in the temple in a well preserved condition. Carved pillars from the period of Chola are also found inside the temple. An archaeological survey of India has conducted many conservation and restoration task of the temple. The temple is also listed under monuments of national importance by ASI.
Importance/Significance
There is a cultural significance associated with the temple. First that it is temple that preserves the sculptures and artefacts of Chola dynasty and second that it is listed under National Monument authority notified sites. The temple finds mention in the 15th Century Tamil Poet Arunagirinathar's work. The temple also has religious significance as there is a self manifested Shivaling in the temple.
Facts/Mythology
According to the Hindu Mythology, at the site of the temple, Thenupureeshwarar had granted Moksha to a cow. The cow was no one but sage Kapil who was cursed to become a cow because he had performed worship of Shivalinga with left hand. The cow released milk on the site where there was a Shivling inside the ground. The cowherd reprimanded the cow for wasting the milk. After the shivalinga was unearthed by the villagers, Thenupureeshwarar blessed the cow and released it from the curse. The King Parantaka Chola II dreamt of this entire event and decided to build the temple at this site to commemorate the event and give respect to Thenupureeshwarar and his consort.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
Many festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva are celebrated in this ancient temple. Many people gather around the temple to commemorate and celebrate these festivals and events like Pradosha, Uttiram and Panguni. Also during Navaratri, many devotees pay a visit to the temple to perform Pooja.
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