Exploring Temples in and around Chennai

Part-1

Temples dedicated to Ichha Shakti, Jnana Shakti, and Kriya Shakti

In Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam, Verse #130 states "Ichha Shakti-Gnana Shakti-Kriya Shakti- Swaroopini.

The Divine Mother Shakti - Sri. Parvathi, Sri Lalitha Tripurasundari is portrayed as the Tri-Shakti.

Ichha Shakti represents Power of Will.

Gnana Shakti represents Power of Knowledge.

Kriya Shakti represents Power of Action.

The Tri-Shakti temples are located in and around Chennai. These temples are historic, traditional, and legendary and worthy of a visit and darshan.

Thiruvudai Amman represents Ichha Shakti.

Vadivudai Amman represents Jnana Shakti.

Kodiyidai Amman represents Kriya Shakti.

Temple dedicated to Ichha Shakti

Thiruvudai Amman Samedha Thirumanangeeswarar Swami (Lord Shiva - Swayambhu Lingam. Earlier known as Sugandavaneswarar and later on over time, Lord's name changed to Tamil name Thirumanangeeswarar.)

This temple is located at Melur Village, near Minjur, a suburb of Chennai. Ennore Port and Vallur Thermal Power Plant are nearby Melur. Minjur is the nearest town. Melur is well connected by good road. Container Trailers traffic is horrible on this road.

Temple dedicated to Jnana Shakti

Vadivudai Amman Samedha Thyagaraja Swami (aka) Adhipuriswarar Swami.

This temple is located at Thiruvottriyur, Chennai. The temple complex is quite sprawling and spread over a large area.

There are many interesting sannadhis here. Adhipuriswarar Sivalingam is very unique and is made of sand. They apply only a specific oil to this lingam and abhishekam is not performed. Thyagaraja Swami like Somaskandar is in a sitting posture and abhishekam is performed to this idol. Vadivudai Amman Sannadhi attracts huge crowd.

Tamil Saivaite Saint Pattinathaar attained Jeeva Samadhi in this temple. One of the big four Nayanmars and Tamil Saivaite Saint Sundarar married Sangili Nachiyar in this temple. This temple is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Temple dedicated to Kriya Shakti

Kodiyidai Amman Samedha Masilamaniswarar Swami (Lord Shiva - Swayambhu Lingam)

This temple is located at Thirumullaivoyal, Avadi, Chennai.

This temple is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar, Saint Vallalar (aka) Ramalinga Swamigal and Saint Arunagirinathar have sung hymns in praise of Lord.

Sandal paste is applied to the Shiva lingam on all days. The Sannadhis of Ambal and Swami are interchanged in this temple, which is an uncommon position of the deities. The Nandi in the outer prakaram, instead of facing the Lord, faces the eastern entrance, as ordained by the Lord, which is unique.