This temple in Sarvamangala Nagar (Eswaran Colony) Nanganallur South, is almost thousand years old. A stone inscription found in the temple dates back to the sixth year of the rule of the great King, Raja Raja Chola, i.e, 991 AD. The Presiding deity is one of the Gods of Hindu Pantheon Lord Shiva called Dharmalingeswarar and his consort is Sarva Mangalambikai. The celestial congregation comprises of Lord Nataraja (Shiva), Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramani with his consorts Valli and Devasena, Lord Dakshinamurthi, Goddess Durga, Lord Maha Vishnu, Anjaneya and the Navagrahas. The temple has two entrances, and there are huge Banyan and Neem trees providing a leafy roof to the Gods.

In olden days, he was called 'Dharmeswaran and as 'Dharmisar Semponkoil'. Several kings worshipped this deity and it is believed that even pontiffs visited this temple. Ages back the temple was surrounded by cultivable lands and ruled by Kings and Princes.

According to puranic lore, an old man by name Sahasrakshar used to light lamps in the temple. On full moon days, he would clean the temple and since his ancestors used to visit the temple he followed suit.

As years passed by in 1969, a group of people heard about the presence of an 'Eshwaran Koil'. They unearthed the spot and found a 'Shiva Lingam' to the surprise of many. There were other icons of Gods and Goddesses. It is believed that there was a pond (kulam) near the temple. But at present no such temple tank exists. Some devotees joined together to renovate the temple. Dhanmeeswara devar came to be worshipped as Lord Dharmalingeswarar. A committee was formed to renovate the temple with the help of philanthropists the 'Kumbabishekam' was performed. Right from the beginning the Lord kept showing the world his presence. The temple follows Agama Sastras. An icon of Sarvamangala Devi consort of Dharmalingeswarar was installed next to the Lord in a separate Sanctum Sanctorum. The God started springing surprises to his devotees. 'Vilva tree' became the 'Sthala Vriksha' (tree of the temple). After a long time, some people found the growth of a Vilva tree in the temple presence. Probably, the Lord wanted the tree besides him.

The 'divine congregation' in the temple was finalized as per the Sastras. The temple is packed with festivals and spiritual events.

Temple timings : 6 a.m - 11 a.m.
                                5 p.m - 8.30 p.m.
               

Usha Raja