Thiruvetteeswarar Triplicane

Thiruvetteeswarar Triplicane

Saivite Temples, Chennai District

God

Thiruveteeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Shenbagavalli, facing south

Other Gods

Nagar, Ganesha, Arumuga, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara, Navagraha, Kasi Viswanadar, 63 Nayanmars.

Thiruvetteeswarar Triplicane is an old east facing temple a with 5 tier Rajagopuram. The Nawabs of Arcot have contributed to the upliftment of the temple during the past. Even today the milk for the Naivedyam is provided by the Muslims. The Utsavar has a separate shrine and the Koshta (Niche) deities are found around this shrine, which is not a common feature. There is a large outer Prakaram and a covered inner Prakaram. The sacred trees which are attributed to the different stars are planted here behind in the western side. There is a large temple tank on the northern side of the temple. Thiruvetteeswarar Triplicane has 3 flagstaffs, one each for the Lord, Goddess and Muruga. A carving of Mahalakshmi performing pooja to Lord Shiva is seen on a pillar here. A separate shrine has Goddesses Mahalakshmi and Saraswathi in it. A depiction of Rahu and Ketu swallowing the sun and moon is found on the Mantap here. Lord Muruga is seen sitting on his peacock mount and special poojas with 6 each of flowers, nivedhana, fruits and priests is conducted on the 6th day of either new moon or full moon.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Shenbaga Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Shenbagam, Champaka (Michelia champaka)

History

Thiruvetteeswarar Triplicane is an ancient temple and the Nawabs of Arcot have contributed to its development.

History

Thiruvetteeswarar Triplicane is an ancient temple and the Nawabs of Arcot have contributed to its development.

Legend

Arjuna on a pilgrimage to secure the Pasupathastra (Divine arrow with extraordinary powers) killed a pig which was also struck by an arrow simultaneously from Lord Shiva’s (in the guise of a hunter) bow. In the ensuing war for claim Arjuna’s arrow hit the lord who appeared in his true form smiling and bleeding. Arjuna fell at his feet and the pleased Lord offered him the Pasupathastra. Arjuna also found a swayambulinga (self occuring lingam) here, installed and worshipped it at Thiruvetteeswarar Triplicane. As he appeared in the guise of a hunter the lord is called Parthaprakara and Tiruvetteeswarar. It is believed that Kannappa, one of the 63 Nayanmars, is a rebirth of Arjuna and his idol is taken on a procession in the tamil month of Thai (January-February) here at Thiruvetteeswarar Triplicane. Goddess Parvati is said to have performed penance here. Parashurama is said to have prayed to the lord here to offset the sin he attained by killing his mother. A cow was found shedding milk over a mound and the shiva linga was discovered below, which was then enshrined here. Mahalakshmi is believed to have performed penance here to marry Mahavishnu.

Directions

Thiruvetteeswarar Triplicane is just left after the Triplicane post office in the Triplicane high road as you travel from the south side. Turn left at pillayar koil street and right immediately to reach the temple.

Stay and Food

Triplicane has many excellent restaurants, particularly the Rathna Cafe in Pycrofts Road.

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