ADHAMBAKKAM SHIVA TEMPLE

1. NANDHEESWARAR TEMPLE

Aadhambaakkam is a place in St. Thomas Mount near Guindy in Chennai. Sage Bringi stayed in a hilly region and worshipped lord Shiva. He performed thavam there. Lord Shiva appeared before the sage in the form of Nandhi. Since Sage Bringi stayed in that hill that place was called Bringimalai now known as Parangimalai. Since Shiva appeared in the form of Nandhi He is called Nandheeswarar. This temple was built by king Aadhani therefore that place was called Aadhambaakkam. Some say that Aadhambaakkam was a place where cows and buffalos lived in plenty. (‘Aa’ means cow) therefore this place must have been called as Aadhambaakkam. The moolavar Nandheeswarar faces east. The name of Ambaal is Aavudainaayaki. She wears Shreechakra Haaram. This is a speciality. The Koshta Sannidhis are similar to that of other temples. Chandikeswara is 4ft tall. The naagar, Raghu, Kedhu and Kaalahastheeswarar Sannidhis are found in this temple. There is no Dwajasthambam for this temple. Rajaraja Chola the first has done Thirupani to this temple. Kulothunga Chola have also contributed to this temple.