Thiruveteeswarar, facing east
Thiruveteeswarar, facing east
Shenbagavalli, facing south
Nagar, Ganesha, Arumuga, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara, Navagraha, Kasi Viswanadar, 63 Nayanmars.
Thiruvetteeswarar Triplicane is an ancient temple and the Nawabs of Arcot have contributed to its development.
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.
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.
Triplicane has many excellent restaurants, particularly the Rathna Cafe in Pycrofts Road.