The original temple, where the Thevara hymn was performed, was situated on the banks of the Kuchasthalai River in Tiruvilamputhur, also referred to as Badrikaranyam. It was here that Sundarar received a walking stick, and the temple, which dates back to the 11th century, featured numerous stone inscriptions. In 1942, a government initiative aimed at constructing a dam on the Kuchasthalai River led to the creation of a reservoir in Poondi to address Chennai's increasing drinking water demands. This project necessitated the acquisition of land in Tiruvilamputhur, resulting in the temple's dismantling. However, through the efforts of Mr. Bhaktavatsalam, the then Minister of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, and Commissioner Mr. Uthanda Rama Pillai, the temple was reconstructed in Tiruvenpakkam (Poondi) and consecrated on July 5, 1968, with a stone tablet outside the female deity's shrine documenting this history. In 2000, a "kumbabishekam" ceremony was conducted, and the new temple integrated idols, sculptures, and pillars from the original structure, thereby preserving its cultural legacy.
Sundara Moorthy Nayanar wed Sangili Naachiyar beneath a bakula tree in Tiruvotriyur, with Lord Shiva as a witness, pledging to never forsake her. However, he ultimately broke this vow and departed for Tiruvarur, resulting in the loss of his sight. After leaving Tirumullaivayil, Sundarar journeyed to this location, where he earnestly composed a pathikam, seeking divine assistance to restore his vision. In response, Lord Shiva granted him a club, referred to as 'oondru-koal' in Tamil, intended as a support. Despite this gift, Sundarar remained disheartened as his sight did not improve, leading him to question Shiva's presence in the temple, to which Shiva confirmed His existence. In a moment of frustration, Sundarar cast aside the club, accidentally damaging the horn of the sacred bull, Nandi, which is now depicted with a broken horn as a lasting reminder of the event. Ultimately, Sundarar regained his sight at Ekambareswarar temple, Tirukachchi Ekambam (Kancheepuram).
Temple Layout - The Thiruvenpakkam Oonreeswarar Temple is managed by the Thiruverkadu Karumariyamman Temple. The primary entrance is located on the southern side, facing the main road, while an eastern entrance remains inaccessible due to overgrown bushes obstructing the path. Upon entering through the southern gate, visitors will find a small sannidhi dedicated to Lord Ganesha on the left within the outer prakaram. Directly opposite the southern entrance is the sannidhi of the goddess Minnoli Ammai, whose name means 'lightning mother,' reflecting her miraculous appearance to guide the blind saint Sundarar. As one progresses deeper into the temple, a slightly raised platform in the eastern outer prakaram features the Nandi and balipeetam. The sanctum of the main deity, Oondreeswarar, is situated directly across from the eastern gate, with the main and other deities housed in a slightly elevated hall. Designated pathways allow for circumambulation around both the male and female deities, and along the route encircling the sanctum, there are sannidhis dedicated to Vinayaka, Arumukha with his consorts Valli Deivanai and Mahalakshmi. The Goshta Images include Ganapati, Lingotbhavar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, and Durgai, while Sundarar is depicted with crutches beside the Nandi in front of the sanctum. Additional deities within the hall include Bhairavar, Nalvar, Saint Arunagirinathar, Surya, and the Navagraha, all positioned on the eastern side.
The pathikam composed by Sundarar is in the 7'th Tirumurai.
Southern Entrance
Dwarapalaka
Bhairavar
Subramanya with His consorts Valli and Deivanai
Mahalakshmi
Minnoli Ammai
Ondreeswarar sannidhi
Sundarar with his clutch along Nandhi
Oondreeswarar
Nandhi with broken horn
Nandi in eastern entrance
Eastern Entrance