Adhipureeswarar temple, Tiruvotriyur (Chennai)
Location: Tiruvotriyur (Chennai)
Deity known as: Adipureeswarar, Padampakka Nathar, Thyagarajar
Female Deity: Vadivudaiamman, Thripurasundari
Pathikam: Thirunavukarasar - 5, Sundarar - 2, Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Adhipureeswarar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located at Tiruvottiyur, which is now a part of Chennai city. The temple is well connected by bus services from all parts of the city. There is also a suburban railway station called Tiruvottiyur railway station on the Chennai Central–Gummidipoondi line, and the temple lies a short distance to the east of the station. Devotees can also reach the temple easily as it is within walking distance from Theradi Metro Station.
Temple Address
Tiruvottriyur
Chennai
PIN 600019
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Temple Legend
Sage Agasthya and Kalyana Sundarar
During the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati at Mount Kailash, the presence of countless gods and sages gathered in the north caused the earth to tilt slightly. To restore balance, Shiva asked the revered sage Agastya to travel to the southern regions. Agastya felt sorrowful at leaving, as he wished to witness the divine marriage. Understanding the sage’s devotion, Shiva granted him a boon that he would be able to behold the sacred wedding from wherever he was and whenever he desired.
Places visited by Sage Agasthya in his journey to south -
- Tiru-Kodunkundram
- Kutralam
- Tiru-Panankattur
- Tiru-Kallil
- Tiru-Votriyur
- Tiru-Verkaadu
- Tiru-Vaanmiyur
- Achirupakkam.
- Tiru-Nallur
- Tiru-Nani-Palli
- TiruAakkur
When Agastya later desired to witness the divine wedding at Tiruvotriyur, Shiva fulfilled his promise by appearing before him in the graceful form of Kalyana Sundarar (the divine bridegroom form of Shiva with Parvati), allowing the sage to experience the celestial wedding vision there itself. This sacred episode is remembered as one of the important spiritual traditions associated with the temple at Tiruvotriyur.
Significant Events at Tiruvotriyur
- The marriage of Sundarar and Sangili Nachiyar took place beneath the sacred Magizha tree at this temple.
- The Tamil epic Ramayana was composed here by the poet Kambar, who began his work only after worshipping Vattaparai Amman, who is believed to have assisted him in the guise of a common torchbearer.
- Sage Agasthya witnessed the celestial marriage of Shiva and Parvati here, where Shiva manifested as Kalyana Sundarar.
- Kaliya Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars (Shaivite saints), attained salvation at >Tiruvotriyur.
- The saint Pattinathar attained salvation here.
- It was here that Devi Vadivambikai fed the saint Ramalinga Adigalar (Vallalar).
Temple Layout
Gopuram and Outer Prakaram
The temple features a majestic five-tiered Rajagopuram facing east. The gateway opens into a spacious outer prakaram. The sannidhi of the presiding goddess Vadivudai Amman is located to the right in the eastern prakaram. Further along are east-facing sannidhis of Kuzhandai Eeshwar, Vinayaka, Navagraha, and Balasubramanya. Annamalayar and Otreesar occupy the north-western and south-western corners of the prakaram. Between these corner sannidhis stand Jambulingeshwar, Nagalingeshwar, Kalathinathar, and Meenakshi Sundareshwar
Northern Prakaram and Special Shrines
In the northern prakaram are the sannidhis of Bhairavar and Sundarar in his form as Kalyana Sundarar. The sannidhi of Bhairavar faces north and is distinctive because the deity is depicted without his usual vahana, the dog. Also located in this prakaram is the sacred Magizha tree, the sthala vruksham, revered as the very spot where Sundarar married Sangili Nachiyar.
Sanctum and Southern Prakaram
Access to the sanctum of the presiding deity Adipureeshwar is from the southern prakaram, with the sannidhi of Thyagaraja situated beside this entrance. Within the circumambulatory path around the sanctum lies the shrine of Vattaparai Amman, and an exit opposite this sannidhi opens into the northern prakaram. The southern outer prakaram is adorned with 27 Nakshatra Lingams, each representing one of the 27 star constellations and believed to bestow their blessings on devotees who worship here.
Thyagaraja
Tiruvotriyur is one of the seven temples in Thondai Naadu that houses a sannidhi for Thyagaraja. At this sacred site, Thyagaraja is believed to have performed his Ananda Thandavam (the dance of bliss) and is worshipped here in the revered form known as Ananda Thyagesar.
Vadivudai Amman
In Chennai, there are three sacred temples dedicated to different aspects of the goddess Shakti: Thiruvudai Amman (Iccha Shakti), Vadivudai Amman (Gnana Shakti), and Kodiyudai Amman (Kriya Shakti). It is considered especially auspicious for devotees to visit all three temples on the same day, particularly on a full moon day, and even more so when the full moon falls on a Friday. Tradition also holds that these three goddesses were sculpted by the same artisan and therefore share a similar divine appearance. Among them, the goddess Vadivudai Amman at Tiruvotriyur is revered as Gnana Shakti, the bestower of wisdom and knowledge.
Sundarar and Sangili Nachiyar
Sundaramurthi Nayanar had earlier married Paravai Nachiyar in Tiruvaroor. Later, he set out on a pilgrimage to several temples dedicated to Shiva. When he arrived at Tiruvotriyur, he met Sangili Nachiyar, and the two decided to marry. Before agreeing to the marriage, Sangili Nachiyar asked Sundarar to promise that he would never leave her, and only after he gave this assurance did she consent. Their wedding was then arranged to be solemnised with God Shiva Himself as the divine witness.
However, knowing that he would not be able to keep his promise—as he intended to continue his pilgrimage—Sundaramurthi Nayanar prayed to Shiva to move away from the main sannidhi so that He would not witness the marriage vow. But Shiva appeared in the dream of Sangili Nachiyar and instructed her to ask Sundarar to take his vow near the sacred Magizha tree. In this way, Sundarar was compelled to make his promise before the tree, where the divine presence of Shiva remained. As a result of breaking his marital vow in the presence of the Deity at Tiruvotriyur, Sundarar lost the sight in both his eyes when he left the temple. He later regained his vision at Kanchipuram. See also Tiruvenpakkam Temple, where Sundarar sang a pathikam and was blessed with a supporting staff.
Sculptures, Inscriptions & Festivals
The sculpture of Ekapathamurthy on the southern wall surrounding the sanctum is a striking feature of the temple, admired for its intricate detail and exceptional craftsmanship. The temple mandapam is also supported by pillars bearing inscriptions from the reigns of the Chola kings Parakrama Chola I and Uttama Chola, which provide important historical insights and add to the temple’s cultural and historical significance.
A notable feature of the temple at Tiruvotriyur is the presence of 108 Sivalingams carefully arranged within the complex, which hold deep spiritual significance for devotees who worship here. Among the many festivals observed at the temple, the celebration held during the Tamil month of Masi (mid-February to mid-March) is regarded as the most important event in the temple’s annual calendar.
Tiruvotriyur is one of the 44 Shiva temples where pathikams were sung by all three members of the revered Saivite trio—Thirunavukkarasar, Thirugnanasambandar, and Sundarar. In total, eight pathikams are associated with this temple: five were composed by Thirunavukkarasar, one by Thirugnanasambandar, and two by Sundarar.
To know more about Adhipureeswarar Temple, Tiruvotriyur and its festivals, visit the Temple's official website.
Gallery - Adhipureeswarar Temple
