Velleswarar Temple, Mangadu

Velleswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Mangadu, a suburb of Chennai, India. This is a fairly mid size temple spread over 2 acres and is among the 3 principal temples in Mangadu - the other 2 being the Sree Kamakshi Temple and Sree Vaikunda perumal temple.The temple is managed by the HR & CE department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. It is situated about 2 kilometers from Sree Kamakshi Temple in Mangadu.

Mythology

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and derives its name being as the Lord was worshiped here by Sukra (Vellee) - The Planet Mercury as per Hindu mythology. Lord Sukra is the guru of Asuras. Special poojas are hence offered by devotees on Fridays - the day dedicated to Mercury.

The Temple

The Temple sports no raja gopuram as was the case with the other 2 temples of Sree Kamakshi and Vaikunda Perumal - both of which the Raja Gopurams have been erected recently. We come across the Bali Peeta or the sacrificial alter when we enter the temple and Nandi mantapa. As we further walk down the temple and enter the Artha Mantapa (Central Hall) we have idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramanya installed just on the sides of the entrances to the Garbagriha. Here Lord Ganesha sports a Mango fruit in his hands instead of the regular Modak which is significant to the fact that this area was a Mango Groove once. The Idol of Lord Subramanya is a steller piece of sculpture as the Lord and his consorts Valli and Devasena are carved out of s single stone.

As we cross this and enter the Maha Mantapa - we can have the Darshan of Lord Velleeswarar or Lord Sukreswara in the Linga form. The Lord himself is a 6 feet tall shivlinga sporting a square avudaiyar. This is the case with all Shiva temples where Sree Kamakshi is the presiding deity in the Town. Devotees offer white field beans (Mochai)as a special offering signifying the cereal in relation to Sukra (Planet Mercury).

As we circumbulate the Temple, we find the figurines of Lord Dakshinamoorthy and an exquisite Lingodhbhava and Sree Durga just after the Chandikeswara shrine. The temple also has separate shrines for Lord Ganesha,Lord Veerabhadra, Lord Subramanya besides shrines for Lord Kasi Viswanatha and Lord Sundaresa along with their consortsVisalakshi and Meenakshi respectively.

The temple has a separate shrine for the Navagrahas as well. Friday poojas are considered auspicious in this temple.

References

• "Sri Velleswarar Temple".