This temple
is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) devoted to Sri
Kethu Bhagavan. There is a separate shrine for Kethu Bhagavan on the southern
side of the sanctum. Special Poojas and Homams are performed to Sri Kethu
Bhagavan during Raahu Kethu Peyarchi. This is also a Parihaara Sthalam for
people having ill effects in their lives because of Kethus position in their
Horoscope.
The main
deity Sri Neelakandeswarar is situated in a small and beautiful sanctum. The
Lord got His name Neelakandeswarar, as he swallowed the Aala Kaala Poison which
evolved during the churning of the ocean, after which His neck turned blue. In
Thamizh Neela means blue and Kanda means neck.
It is said
that the Nandhi in front of the Lord is so powerful, as he absorbs the
poisonous breath of the Lord after He consumed poison.
Sri Aadhi
Kamakshi is present just outside the main sanctum, facing south. Sri Aadhi
Kamakshi is tall and looks very beautiful. She is said to be the first among 5
forms of Kamakshi.
Navagraham
is present at the north east side corner of the temple. There are carvings of
image of snake on the ceiling of Navagraha shrine, which indicates that this
temple is a Parihaara Sthalam.
There is an
old and vast temple pond adjacent to the temple, which definitely requires
attention.
The entire
temple itself is now in a poor condition with lack of funds. It is said that
when the temple was being constructed during the Chozha period, it was kept on
hold due to some foreign invasion. So, the temple looks semi finished.
Recently,
Tamilnadu Tourism has made arrangements to organize package tour to all 9
Navagraha Sthalams around Chennai and hence the turnout of people is gradually
increasing here. This lovely
temple amidst a calm village has more to be uncovered.
Gerugambaakkam
is located about 20 kms west of Chennai. While going from Porur towards
Kunrathur, one should take left to reach Gerugambaakkam.
Gerugambaakkam
has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva, which belongs to Chozha period.
The main
deity is Sri Neelakandeswarar and Goddess Sri Aadhi Kamakshi Temple
Temple Timings - Monday to Sunday: 7.00 AM - 12.00 PM & 4.00 PM - 8.00 PM
Sri
Neelakandeswarar Temple, Gerugambakkam, Mangadu, Chennai 602101.
Do:
- Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to Temple.
- Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
- Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
- Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
- Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
- Do maintain silence and recite Om Namahsivaya or your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
- Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
- Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
- Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.
Dont's:
- Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess.
- Do not smoke at Temple.
- Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
- Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
- Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
- Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
- Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
- Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
- Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
- Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
- Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
- Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.