Mangadu Shiva Temple

Chennai Mangadu Sri Velleswarar Temple

Velleswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Mangadu, a suburb of Chennai, India.  It is situated about 1 kilometers from Sree Kamakshi Temple in Mangadu. Maangadu Sri Velleeswarar temple is a very ancient and beautiful temple for Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Sri Velleeswarar. There is no Ambaal in this temple, as Sri Kamakshi Amman is present nearby.

The main deity of Sri Velleeswarar is huge and looks very grand, facing east. Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga are seen at either side of the entrance of the sanctum. Lord Ganesha here is holding a Mango fruit in His hand and is called ‘Maangani Vinayagar’. The place Maangaadu itself had got its name as it was once a vast Mango forest. Lingothbavar is seen on the outer wall behind the sanctum. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu are present on either side of Lingothbavar worshipping Him. There is a separate shrine for Sri Veerabadhrar behind the sanctum. Sri Veerabadhrar is said to have been created from the sweat of Lord Shiva in order to defeat Dhakshan who was the father in law of Lord Shiva.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and derives its name being as the Lord was worshiped here by Sukra (Vellee) - The Planet Venus as per Hindu mythology. Lord Sukra is the guru of Asuras. Special poojas are hence offered by devotees on Fridays - the day dedicated to Mercury. This temple forms part of the Navagraha temples around Chennai. Devotees offer white field beans (Mochai)as a special offering signifying the cereal in relation to Sree Sukra (Planet Venus).

According to the legend, when Goddess Sri Kamakshi performed Thapas here in Maangaadu, Lord Shiva came down to earth to give dharshan to Her and then marry Her. It is said that, Sri Sukran (Venus) worshipped Lord Shiva here. When Sri Kamakshi came here to have dharshan of Lord Shiva, she saw Sri Sukran worshipping the Lord. The Goddess went back as She did not want to disturb the penance of Sukran.

Chennai Mangadu  - Sri Velleeswarar Temple சென்னை மாங்காடு வெள்ளீஸ்வரர் திருக்கோவில்
Main Deity	Lord Shiva
Name	Sri Velleeswarar / Bargaveswarar
Goddess Name	Sri  Kamakshi Amman - Separate Temple
Location	Mangadu Near Kundrathur
Significance	Chennai Navagraha Sthalam for Sukran - Venus,
Ancient	1000 Years Old
Travel Base	Chennai

Later, Lord Shiva directed the Goddess to come to Kanchipuram and married her there. As Sri Sukran (Velli in Thamizh) worshipped Lord Shiva here, the Lord came to be known as Sri Velleeswarar and also known as Sri Bhaargaveswarar. This temple is Sukra Sthalam among the Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). Sri Sukran blesses people with wealth, prosperity, good family, vehicles, fame and social status.

A Sukran (Venus) Sthalam: The famous Navagraha Sthalam of Sukran (Venus) in South India is the Agneeswarar Temple at Kanjanur near Kumbakonam. In Chennai the Mangadu Velleeswarar Temple is the Sukran Sthalam.

It is said that people visiting Sri Kamakshi Amman temple should also have dharshan at Sri Velleeswarar temple and Sri Vaikunda Perumaal temple in Maangaadu, as all these three temples are interconnected with the history of Sri Kamakshi Amman.

How To Reach : The Maangaadu Siva temple is around one and a half km from the Mangadu bus stop, and is located in Velleeswarar Koil Street (behind the Kamakshi Amman temple). While going towards Poonamallee from Porur, Mangadu can be reached by taking the left turn at Kumananchavadi (before Poonamallee) and going around 3-4 km towards Kundrathur. Frequent Bus services available from Poonamallee, Porur, Tambaram, and Pallavaram.

Address: Mangadu Shiva Temple, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Mangadu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600056, India.

Chennai Navagraha Temples : There are 9 temples at the outskirts of Chennai dedicated to the Navagrahams. Similar to Kumbakonam navagraha temples.

Navagraha Temples in Chennai
Location	Planet	Temple Name
Kolapakkkam	Suryan	Agatheeswarar Temple
Somangalam	Chandran	Somanaadheeswarar Temple
Poondhamalli	Angaragan	Vaidheeswaran Temple
Kovur	Budhan	Sundareswarar Temple
Porur	Guru	Ramanaadheeswarar Temple
Mangadu	Sukran	Velleeswarar Temple
Pozhichalur	Shaneeswaran	Agatheeswarar Temple
Gerugambakkam	Kethu	Neelakandeswarar Temple
Kundrathur	Rahu	Nageshwarar Temple