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 It
must have been a beautiful temple at one point of time because the
Lingam and the Ambal are stunning. The temple has gone to seed and is
crumbling in most parts. Though this would describe many old temples
in Tamil Nadu that have been neglected over the years, the temple we
are describing is the Srimukeswarar temple in Kannur Araivakkam, a
village that lies en route from Sunguvarchathiram to Mappedu, 60 km
from Chennai.
Kannur Araivakkam is surrounded by Narasingapuram
(Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple), Koovam, Maappedu, Elamaiankottur,
Mannur,
Nemili and Sriperumbudur.
 The
name of the Eswaran in Kannur is Srimukeswarar. The ‘face’ of Vishnu
‘appears’ on the Sivalingam after alankaram is done.
Also, experts have opined that every Lingam
normally consists of three parts: Shiva pagam, Vishnu pagam and
Brahma pagam. As there are no Vishnu and Brahma pagams in this
Lingam, it is considered to be a swayambu.
Another rare characteristic of this Lingam is
that it has a square Avudayar. Usually, Avudayars around a Lingam
(considered to denote Sakthi) are circular in shape. The square
Avudayar is referred to as ‘rishi prathishtai’. So, it can be
inferred that the Lingam was installed by a great rishi or saint.
The Ambal, known as Goddess Maragathambigai,
looks exquisite. The idol has been done as per the agama sastras.
The temple is being renovated and a
kumbabhishekam planned. Given the condition of the temple, it is
going to cost a neat packet to get the work done. The total cost of
renovation and kumbabhishekam is Rs 7 lakh.
The bhoomi pooja for the renovation of the temple
was performed on August 26, 2007.
The kumbabhishekam is slated for January 2008.
 “Small
trickles of water turn into a stream, lake, river and ocean. We
appeal to devotees and their friends to involve themselves in the
noble cause of renovating the temple and contribute their mite and
get the blessings of Lord Shiva,” says a note from the renovation
committee of the temple.
For more details on rushing your contributions
for the renovation, please contact:
S Varadarajan
No. 15/2, (Old No 18/2)
Sundareswarar Koil Street
Mylapore,
Chennai – 600004, India.
Phone: 24611244 (residence)
Mobile: 9941589311
Or please draw DD/cheque in favour of:
Shivalaya Vazipadu Mandram
and post it to the above address
R Chitra
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