Sri Chintamaneeswarar Temple / Chinthamaneeswarar Temple at Karungali / Pulicat - A Travel to Chozha period Temples and and Dutch Heritage Sites

 15^th, March 2016.

Once during usual conversation  in our  office, one of my colleague told me that he studied his Plus 2 at Ponneri and his mother’s sister is working at Pazhaverkadu Light house.  So I asked him to take me to Pazhaverkadu to see the light house and some of the Shiva temples in and around Pazhaverkadu.  Thought of visiting the Shiva and Vishnu temple, which once came in the  media  about the reconstruction and our R.E.A.C.H Foundation and Temple revival team also associated with that. It happened long back.  During the beginning of this month once again I reminded my Colleague.  He accepted to take me on 13^th March 2016. I was little thrilled  to see the light house and Pazhaverkadu Dutch cemetery and some of the Shiva temples in and around Pazhaverkadu. Since he is staying at Kathivakkam, a part of North Chennai and asked me to come to Kathivakkam railway station.

Started around 04.30 Hrs from Home at West of Velachery via Guindy, Park and central  reached Kathivakkam  through Nellore Passenger train around 07.30 Hrs.  My friend Mr Boominathan was waiting since 06.00 hrs and  took me to all the places through a loaned  Bullet Motor cycle  from his brother. While starting he asked me to ride, politely said ‘No’ and preferred  as a billion rider, since I am only  accustomed to the old Bullets which has brake on the left and gears on the right ( after the leg injury  both of my old bullets are idle at home and a bullet lover, is a different story  ).

We went through Kamarajar Port, North Madras Thermal Power station ( ETPP), L&T Ship building Yard / Port, Kattupalli, ABENGOA Sea water desalination Plant, Kalanji, Karungali and finally reached Pazhaverkadu. The route is along sea shore and the road was too bad to ride.  The road went through forest in some areas with  out any human habitations. On the way about 5 KM before  Pazhaverkadu  ( Karungali ) we could see the  reconstructed  Shiva temple  on the banks of River Kosasthalaiyar River ( Some people mention this as river Arani?. )

SRI CHINTAMANEEWSWARAR TEMPLE  

( CHINTHAMANEESWARAR TEMPLE ) AT KARUNGALI.

During our visit the temple was closed and few Devotees were  waiting for the monthly / annual rituals to their ancestors.   And do not know, when the Gurukkal will arrive for the pooja. This Part was written as a combined post along with other temples and please click this link for the details of my earlier post. 

Moolavar    : Sri Chintamaneeswarar

Consort      : Sri Sivakamavalli

Some of the important features of this temple are…

The temple occupies between the river Kosasthalaiyar river  and Sea  with out any human habitation  2 KM around the temple on the sand. The temple is facing east  with out even compound wall with old temple pillars are used as fence posts. 

Sannadhi for Kalabhairavar, Navagrahas   are out side the sanctum sanctorum  and Vinayagar, Subramaniyar are named after Chinthamani.

  

Lord Shiva is with five faces  and they are Isanam, That Purusham, Vamadevan, Sathyojaatham and Agoram.  This temple represents the Agoram. All the five temples are are on the banks of this river Kosasthalaiyar River (Brahmarayanya) and this temple is on the place where the river merges with sea.

HISTORY 

The original temple  is very  old and it was told that the temple was built during Chozha’s reign. The temple has been reconstructed recently  with concrete completely altered the old structure. The sanctum vimanam is of Gajabirushtam type. The Locals discovered this temple, when  the kalasam was protruding through sands. It is believed that the temple was created by Sattaimuni and latter constructed by the Chozha Kings about 1000 years before.

LEGENDS

It is believed that the temple is equivalent to Kasi and Rameswaram.  And it is a best place to  give rites to the ancestors on full moon day and no moon day.

This temple Shiva is a Kula deivam for the local fishermen community and Chitra Pournami is celebrated in a grand manner.

THE TEMPLE TIMINGS :

The temple  timings are not known and one kala pooja is conducted.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Gurukkal Shanmugam may be contacted through his mobile 98402 14130 for further details.

HOW TO REACH :

This temple can be reached through road ( many parts  are not motorable ) via, Ennore Port, L & T Ship Building Yard/ Port, Kattupalli.

Alternatively up to Kattur by bus and from Kattur by boat to cross the river.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA:---

………….To be continued ( Pazhaverkadu Light House ).