Thirunindravur

Thirumangai Azhwar (8th Century CE) has rendered Mangalasasanam for the lord here at Thirunindravur. Vijayanagar Kings have contributed to the development of this temple.

The Lord and his consort did not recognize Thirumangai Azhwar when he visited Thirunindravur temple and he left without singing the Paasurams. Upon realizing their mistake the lord went after the Azhwar and located him in Mahabalipuram where he wrote one Paasuram and gave to the Lord which was disappointing to the Goddess. To satisfy her, the lord again went after the Azhwar and found him in Thirukannamangai where he obliged with another Paasruam, thus making the goddess happy!

Another story is that because of a debate between Mahalakshmi and Samudra Raja, king of the ocean of milk, the goddess is said to have left the Lords abode and come to the lake here. He along with the lord are said to have come, apologized and taken her back, Samudra Raja calling her Ennai Petra Thayaar (My Mother).

Two kings, Dharmadwajan, Purandhaan are believed to have taken a bath in the Theertham here and a worshiped the lord here to cleanse their sins, retrieve their lost wealth and kingdoms.

Thirunindravur is 29 kms from Chennai on the Chennai-Tiruvallur Road. The temple is on the south across the railway station. Cross the railway line, take left at a Mandapam on the road and then the first right to reach the temple.

Combine a few other temples on the way and reach Tiruvallur for breakfast or Lunch. After a rest one can go to a few more temples to the west and north of Tiruvallur. Thirunindravur has a few vegetarian hotels.