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Temples built by sages and seers are always of special importance. That too if 'yanthrams' are established in these temples then a unique effect can be felt in such temples. ('Yanthrams' are copper plates with mystical diagrams drawn on them)
About 300 hundred years ago Chidambaram Swamigal, an ascetic, pleaded to Lord Muruga for the well being of the entire world. All his prayers were compiled together and is called as the 'Thiruporur sannithi murai', which comprises the extract of the Vedas, scriptures and sastras. History states that he had built the Thiruporur Kandaswami temple about 300 years ago.
 Chidambaram Swamigal was actually a very proud person. He was tamed by a saint, Kumaradevar. When Swamigal was doing a penance in the Madurai Meenakshi temple, the Goddess came in his vision and ordered him to go to Thiruporur and build a temple for Muruga. Accordingly Swamigal went to Thiruporur and searched for an idol of Muruga, but his efforts were in vain. Later on when an old man pointed his finger in one particular spot, Swamigal was overwhelmed to see an idol of Lord Muruga along with His consorts, Valli and Devasena. He also had the vision of the temple's outline. He started building the temple for the seventh time, since the first six constructions got dilapidated when he was hunting for an idol.
He installed two chakras, one in the sanctum sanctorum and the next on a platform in an exclusive sanctum sanctorum. Daily poojas are conducted for these chakras. And in the second one images of Vinayaka. Muruga, Valli, Devasena and various other gods have been engraved. It is believed that any prayers to this chakra will be heard. A rare vibration can be felt while we are in the sannidhi, which is believed to be due to the power of the
chakra. Chidambaram Swamigal is believed to have stayed in this temple from the year 1645-1659 and involved himself in the temple activities.
This temple attracts lots of devotees during days of Visakam, Krithigai and Thiruvaathirai and on sashti. The 'Soorasamhara' festival, the day on which Lord Muruga slayed the asura Soorapadman, is celebrated with great fervor. Apart from this, the spring festival (from mid April to mid May) and the Navarathri festival (during September and October) are also celebrated with great pomp and splendor.
Worshipping Kandaswami of this place is believed to be as effective as worshipping Lord Muruga in
'aarupadai
veedu'. Once when daughter of Nawab of Arcot was suffering from severe stomachache the Nawab's friends prayed to Kandaswami of Thiruporur for her speedy recovery and she got relieved of her ailment. So the Nawab gifted some lands to the temple
 How did the place get the name
Porur?
Legend has it that Lord Muruga fought with Thaaraga in this place and slayed him. Hence the name Porur. 'Por' in Tamil means war. Stone inscriptions state the names as 'Samarapuri' and 'Yudhapuri', which are synonymous. When Lord Muruga's spear pierced the earth, water came gushing out and that is the 'Vallaiyaar odai', the holy tank.
Special Features
Lord Muruga is seen astride Irawath, the divine elephant gifted by Indra while He was fighting with Thaaragan. A number beautiful bronze idols can be seen in this temple.
Abishekams are not done for the tall deity and for the idol founded by Chidambaram Swamigal. All the offerings are made to the smaller idol. The daily pooja routine involves strict practices and only a few priests are permitted.
This shrine is indeed very special for Lord Shiva as He lives along with His family in this shrine. Lord Shiva is called as Vanmeega Nathar and the Goddess is Punniyakaarani. The holy tree of this place is the Vanni tree.
Pictures depicting the life of Chidambaram Swamigal can be seen in the temple. |
