Oondreeswarar temple, Tiru-Venpaakam
Location: Tiru-Venpaakam
Deity known as: Oondreeswarar
Female Deity: Minnoli Ammai
Pathikam: Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Oondreeswarar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located in Poondi, about 13 kilometres from Tiruvallur. From the Tiruvallur bus stand, bus routes T-41 and T-52 operate towards Poondi via the Neyveli Koot Road. Another travel option is the route passing through Othukottai. Visitors should get down at the Neyveli Koot Road stop, from where the temple is located approximately 2 km away and can be reached easily by local transport or a short walk.
Temple Address
Poondi Reservoir Post
Via Tiruvallur
Tiruvallur Taluk
Tiruvallur District
PIN 602023
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tiruvalangadu - 24 kms | |
| 2 | Tirupachur - 10 kms |
Temple Location Map
Temple History
Original Temple at Tiruvilamputhur
The original temple where the Thevara hymn was sung was located on the banks of the Kuchasthalai River at Tiruvilamputhur, a place that was also known as Badrikaranyam. It was here that Sundarar received a divine walking stick (oondru kol/Dhandam) as a blessing. The temple is believed to date back to around the 11th century and once contained numerous stone inscriptions, which served as important historical records reflecting the temple’s antiquity and its significance in the Shaivite devotional tradition.
Relocation to Poondi
IIn 1942, a government initiative to construct a dam across the Kuchasthalai River led to the formation of the Poondi Reservoir, created to meet the increasing drinking water needs of Chennai. As part of this project, land in Tiruvilamputhur had to be acquired, which resulted in the dismantling of the original temple located there. Later, through the dedicated efforts of M. Bhaktavatsalam, who was then serving as the Minister for the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, along with Commissioner Uthanda Rama Pillai, the temple was reconstructed at Tiruvenpakkam (Poondi). The rebuilt temple was consecrated on July 5, 1968. This significant historical event is recorded on a stone tablet placed outside the shrine of the female deity in the temple.
Kumbabishekam and Legacy
In 2000, a Kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) was performed at the newly reconstructed temple. During the rebuilding process, many of the idols, sculptures, and pillars from the original temple were carefully preserved and installed in the new structure. This thoughtful incorporation helped retain the temple’s historical character while ensuring that its rich cultural and spiritual legacy continues to be passed on to future generations.
Sundarar's Legend
Loss of Sight and the Walking Stick
Sundarar, also known as Sundara Moorthy Nayanar, married Sangili Naachiyar beneath a bakula tree in Tiruvotriyur, with Shiva serving as the divine witness to his promise that he would never leave her. However, he later broke this vow and set out for Tiruvarur, which led to the loss of his eyesight. After departing from Tirumullaivayil, Sundarar arrived here and fervently sang a pathikam, praying to the deity to grant him the grace of restored vision.
Shiva's Gift and Nandi's Broken Horn
In response to his heartfelt prayers, Shiva bestowed upon Sundarar a club, known in Tamil as “oondru-koal,” to serve as a support while walking. However, even after receiving this divine aid, Sundarar remained saddened because his eyesight had not yet been restored. In his anguish, he questioned whether the deity was truly present in the temple, to which Shiva affirmed His presence. Overcome with frustration at that moment, Sundarar threw aside the club. In doing so, it accidentally struck and damaged the horn of the sacred bull Nandi. Even today, the Nandi at this temple is depicted with a broken horn, preserving the memory of this remarkable episode in the temple’s tradition.
Restoration of Vision
Sundarar ultimately regained his eyesight at the Ekambareswarar Temple, Tirukachchi Ekambam (Kancheepuram). The pathikam that Sundarar composed at this temple is preserved in the revered Tirumurai, specifically in its 7th volume.
Temple Layout
Entrances and Outer Prakaram
The Thiruvenpakkam Oondreeswarar Temple is administered by the Thiruverkadu Karumariyamman Temple. The main entrance to the temple is located on the southern side, facing the main road, while the eastern entrance is currently not accessible due to dense overgrown vegetation. After entering through the southern gateway, devotees can see a small sannishi dedicated to Ganesha on the left within the outer prakaram. Directly opposite the southern entrance stands the sannidhi of the goddess Minnoli Ammai. Her name, meaning “Lightning Mother,” commemorates the belief that she miraculously appeared in the form of a flash of light to guide the blind saint Sundarar.
Inner Sanctum and Circumambulation
A slightly raised platform in the eastern outer prakaram houses the Nandi and the balipeetam. Directly opposite the eastern entrance stands the sanctum of the presiding deity, Oondreeswarar, with the main sanctum and associated shrines arranged within a slightly elevated hall. The temple layout includes designated pathways that enable devotees to perform circumambulation around both the male and female deities. Along the path that encircles the sanctum are sannidhis dedicated to Vinayaka and Arumugha, who is worshipped here along with his consorts Valli, Deivanai, and Mahalakshmi.
Goshta Images and Other Deities
The goshta images that adorn the outer walls of the sanctum include Ganapati, Lingodbhava, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, and Durga. In front of the sanctum, beside the Nandi, Sundarar is portrayed with crutches, commemorating the episode associated with his visit to this temple. Within the hall, several other revered deities and saints are present. These include Bhairavar, the Nalvar, Arunagirinathar, Surya, and the Navagraha, all arranged along the eastern side of the hall.
Gallery - Oondreeswarar Temple
