Dhandeeswaram

Chennai Velacheri - Sri Dandeeswarar Temple

Dandeeswarar Temple is a Shiva temple situated in Velachery, a suburb of Chennai. The temple was built during the Pallava reign and was repaired and rebuilt during the Chola reign. The temple complex consists of a main temple complex and a tank, and is 2 kilometers towards the east from Guru Nanak College on the Velachery main road.

The Dhandeeswaram (Dhandeeswarar) Temple is dedicated to Sri Shiva as Dhandeeswarar and Divine Mother Shakti as Karunambika.

The Temple traces its mythology to that of Lord Yama (God of Death) who is said to have installed this Lingam and prayed to Lord Shiva for forgiveness and restoration of his strength after he was kicked on his chest by Lord Shiva in Thirukadavur at the behest of saving the life of Sage Markandeya. Lord Yama having lost his strength is said to have created a Tank (Yama Theertham) and installed this Lingam and had fervently prayed to Lord Shiva for forgiveness and restoration of his strength so that he can carry out his duties in full measure. Pleased by his prayers Lord Shiva is said to have granted a Staff (Dhandam) to Lord Yama in this place and restored his strength and hence the name Dandeeswarar - or bestowed of mythical staff. The Lords Consort is Goddess Karunambika (Merciful Mother).

The other important incident associated here is that the 4 Vedas came and prayed to this Lord and regained their strength after they were taken by Somugasuran and were kept immersed in Sea before being rescued by Lord Vishnu in Matsya avatar. Thus this place is an apt one for anyone wishing to regain their lost strength and vitality. The name Velachery is said to be corruption of Veda Shreni (Vedhasreny) (Place of Vedas).

Velachery - Sri Dhandeeswarar Temple வேளச்சேரி - தண்டீஸ்வரர் திருக்கோவில்
Main Deity	Lord Shiva
Name	Sri Dandeeswarar
Goddess Name	Sri Karunambikai
Location	Velacheri
Historical Name	Vedasreni, Dhandeeswaram
Significance	Lord Shiva purified the 4 Vedas with their original glory
Ancient	500 - 1000 years old
Travel Base	Chennai

How to Reach :   Lot of Town buses available from various parts of  Chennai City to Velachery and the bus stop is Gandhi nagar or Dhandeeswaram bus stop between Gurunanak College and Vijaya nagar bus terminus (Velachery Bus Stand). 

Another Temple Yoga Narasimha Temple  is also located very near the Dhandeeswarar bus stop, Velachery.

Dhandeeswaram Temple, Velachery,

Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042, India.

Check this link for more temples in and around Chennai - Temples Around Chennai