Pozhichalur Agatheeswarar Temple

Chennai Pozhichalur Sri Saneeswarar Temple

Pozhichalur is about 3 kms from Pallaavaram Railway station off the road towards Kundrathur. It has an ancient Shiva temple belonging to Chozha period. The main deity here is Sri Agatheeswarar and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli.

This ancient temple is one among the Navagraha temples in Chennai region (Thondai Mandalam) dedicated to Lord Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan. The main deity, Sri Agatheeswarar is seen facing the east and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli facing south. The temple is facing north and does not have Rajagopuram.

According to legend, Lord Shiva directed sage Agasthiyar to go towards south to balance the earth during his wedding at Mount Kailash. As per the God’s direction, Sage Agasthiyar came down to the southern part to balance the weight of the earth. While he was on his way to Podhigai hills, he stayed here for many years and worshipped Lord Shiva, a Swayambhu (self evolved) Lingam at this place. This temple had been renovated during Chozha period. The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape (also called Thoongaanai Maadam) shape. The style of construction with the gaja-brashta-vimana (resembling the shape of an elephant's behind). 

 Sage Agasthiyar had a boon that wherever he worships Lord Shiva, he will get the dharshan of the Lord’s marriage with Goddess Parvathi. Sage Agasthiyar is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here and got his dharshan in this place.

Chennai Pozhichalur Sri Agatheeswarar Temple சென்னை பொழிச்சலூர் அகஸ்தீஸ்வரர்  திருக்கோவில்
Main Deity	Lord Shiva
Name	Sri Agatheeswarar
Goddess Name	Sri  Aanandha valli Amman
Location	Polichalur Near Pallavaram
Significance	Sage Agasthiyar worshipped the Lord here One of the Navagraha Temples in Chennai Region Navagraha Temple for Saturn
Ancient	1000 Years Old
Travel Base	Chennai

Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. As Sri Saneeswara had been giving ill effects to people, he had gained Dhosham out of it. Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan, wanting to be relieved of his dhoshams, prayed Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva asked Sri Sani Bhagavan to come to this place and worship Him. As directed, Sri Sani Bhagavan came to this place, created a pond called ‘Sani Theertham’ and worshipped Lord Shiva and got relieved of his problems.

Hence, Sri Sani Bhagavan here is believed to be Mangala Saneeswarar with no dhoshams or ill effects. People having problems because of Sani (Saturn), worship here to reduce the ill effects. This place is also called ‘Vada Thirunallaaru’. Sri Sani Bhagavan is facing west towards the main deity in the sanctum. This temple is also a Parihaara Sthalam for Raahu and Kethu.

How To Reach :  Pozhichalur Shiva Temple is about 3 kms from Pallavaram Railway station towards Kundrathur.

Address: Sri Agatheeswarar Temple, Polichalur Main Road, Ramanathan Nagar, Pozhichalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600074, 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