Kachabeswarar Temple, Thirukkachur Ala Temple

This beautiful temple is located in a calm place just 2 kms from Singaperumal Koil railway station. This is one among the Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam, Sundarar has sung a hymn.  This is also a Thirupugazh vaipu sthalam.

When Sundarar visited this temple, he was so tired and hungry; Lord Shiva out of His love to his ardent devotee, took the form of a mendicant and collected food from the nearby homes and provided food to him. Hence the lord is also known as Virunthittaeswarar (Virundhu in tamil means feast, hence Shiva is referred as one who offered the feast to Sundarar) 

There is another Shiva temple on the hillock nearby. The main deity is Oushadheewarar, also called Marundheeswarar (lord of medicine) and Goddess Irul Needi Ambal. This temple is referred as malai koil (hill temple) by the locals. Prayer at this temple will cure ailments.

This temple is open from 8:00 am to 11:30 am and from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm daily.

Lord Siva: Kachabeswarar, Virunthitta eswarar

Ambal (Goddess): Anjanatchi, Kanni Umayal

Sthala Vriksham : Ala maram (Banyan tree) – this corresponds to the star Magam, hence those who are born in this star will have better benefits by worshipping here.

Theertham : Koorma theertham

How to reach

There are frequent electric trains from Chennai Egmore to Singaperumal Koil. It is better to hire an auto from the railway station to cover both Kachabeswarar Temple and Marundeeswarar temple which is located in a hillock nearby. The auto charged Rs 200 from the railway station to cover both the temples and drop back to the station.

If travelling by road, take the Singaperumal level crossing on Chennai-Chengalpattu GST and after about 1 km take the right turn which will lead to the temple.

Temple Legend

As per the legend, Lord Vishnu worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of a Tortoise (Tortoise is referred as Kachabam in ancient tamil, hence the name Kachabeswarar). Devas and Asuras once decided to churn the Paarkadal (ocean of milk) in order to get the Amirta (divine nectar of immortal life), Meru mountain was made the axis of churning and Vasuki the giant serpent was used as the rope for churning. However, the entire weight of Meru mountain has to be held in place in the ocean for which Lord Vishnu graced to take the task. Before engaging, Lord Vishnu worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of Tortoise to make it a success. 

Gnanapureeswar - Shiva Temple, Thiruvadisoolam

This Paadal Petra Sthalam sung by Gnanasambandar is located in a place called Thiruvadisoolam about 9 kms from Chengalpattu railway station. The temple being located in a forest zone is quite scenic with surrounding hills. I visited in an evening and the glimpse of sunset from this location was awesome.

Thirugnanasambandar on this long yatra to Siva temples was once crossing this place. Because of the long walk in a hot sunny day he was very tired. Completely exhausted by weariness and hunger he took rest in the shade of a large tree. A shepherd boy herding his cattle nearby, saw Gnanasambandar, took pity on him and offered curd to satiate his hunger. Gnanasambandar gladly ate the curd, got rejuvenated and explained to the boy about his yatra. The boy mentioned to him about a Siva temple nearby and offered to guide the way. He accepted the suggestion and followed him, upon reaching the temple tank the boy suddenly vanished. Completed surprised by this event, Gnanasambandar prayed to the Lord and Shiva appeared before him, the boy was none other the supreme Lord himself.

The temple is open from 8 am to 12 noon and from 4pm to 7 pm daily.

  

Lord Siva: Gnanapureeswarar, Idaichuranathar

Ambal (Goddess): Govardhanambigai, Imaya madakodi ammai

Sthala Vriksham : Vilva tree

Theertham : Kaatchi kulam

How to reach

Thiruvadisoolam is about 60 kms from Chennai located on the Chengalpattu-Tiruporur road. There are regular electric trains from Chennai Egmore to Chengalpattu. Those travelling by train from other locations can alight at Chengalpattu railway station. From railway station, I hired an auto to visit this temple as well as nearby Karumariamman temple and drop back to the Chengalpattu railway station. The auto charged us INR 400 (total distance 20 kms). The other option is travel by bus from Chengalpattu bus stand (which is opposite to railway station), those buses bound for Tiruporur can be taken. The bus stop is Thiruvadisoolam and from there a walk of about 1 km to the temple. But the bus frequency is very limited and usually very crowded, hence I opted for the auto.

The other options are accessing by road from Tiruporur or Thirukazhukundram.

Temple Legend

 Ambal worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of cow and showered milk on the lingam.

Nearby attractions

 There is a Karumariamman temple nearby at about 2 kms from this temple, the statue of Amman is about 51 feet and extremely beautiful. Also there is a Perumal temple adjacent to the amman temple which is very good with Perumal looking like Thirupathi Perumal.

There is also a Bhairavar temple which is recently constructed near this temple.