Shri Teerthapaleeshwarar temple at Mylapore

This is the second temple to be visited in the Sapta sthana temple yatra of Mylapore. This is located at Triplicane near Mylapore in Tamil Nadu. The present structure is about 500 years old but according to Purana and records, the old structure which existed before the sixth century must have been destroyed by the sea. 

Moolvar: Shri Teerthapaleeshwarar, Shri Agasthishwarar, Shri Sarveshwarar

Devi: Shri Mahatripurasundari

Kshretra Vruksha: Shami

Sacred Teertha: Sea water (bay of bengal)

Puranik Name: Thiruvellikeni

Kshetra Purana:

Large number of Sages, devas and others assembled at Kailash for the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This tilted the balance so that the southern part was raised. Lord Shiva directed Sage Agastya to go south to balance the tilt. On his way Sage Agastya reached this place. He was tired and exhausted and became ill. He felt that he could regain his strength by resting under the shami tree. He meditated on Lord Shiva under the shami tree. Lord Shiva manifested in front of him and advised him to take bath in the sea and worship him by doing abhishek with sea water. He assured him that he will become fit to travel further. Sage Agastya followed the instructions and got refreshed. Since Sage Agastya was cured of the illness by doing abhishek with sea water he is known as Shri Teerthapaleeshwarar.

Those who worshiped at this place: Sage Agastya and Sage Atri.

Special features. 

1. The idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are only two feet tall. 

2. The shiva linga is leaning on one side and cucumber shaped.

3. Abhishek of Lord Shiva is done only with sea water. 

4. Lord Ganesha is known as god who gives success in exam.

5. Unique feature is the presence of Lord Dakshinamurti under a tree and Lord Ganesha under a shami tree.

6. The presence of Shiva Linga and Naga idols under a peeple tree.

7. Rays of the Sun fall on the shiva linga on Mahashivaratri day.

About the temple:

There is no Rajagopuram but there is an arch at the entrance. There are stucco images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on Rishabha vahan, Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramanya on the arch on the entrance. The temple has one inner and one outer prakaram. The idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva are about 2 feet tall. Lord Shiva seems to be leaning on one side and gives the appearance of a cucumber. According to Kshetra Purana, the lord leaned on one side so that Sage Agastya could perform abhishek. 

Koshta murtis - Nardana Vinayaka, Lord Dakshinamurti, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Durga. Devi Tripurasundari is housed in a separate shrine. Lord Ganesha is in a separate shrine and is addressed as Pass granting Ganapati. In the Mahamandapa we come across Lord Narayana with Goddess Mahalakshmi on his lap and a shrine for Lord Surya. The kshetra vruksha in front of Ganesha shrine. There is a tree in front of Lord Dakshinamurti. The students pray for success to the two gods of wisdom in this temple namely God Vinayaka and Lord Dakshinamurti. There is a shivalinga and an idol of Naga under a peeple tree. In the front mandapa we come across the stucco images which describe the Purana connected with sapta sthana shiva temples of Mylapore. In the outer parikrama we come across shrines of Chandikeshwarar, Lord Subramanya with his consorts, Lord Anjaneya, Lord Shanishwar and Navagrahas. It is stated in Purana that there were sixty four sacred teerthas from here to the sea along the path. 

Prayers: 

1. Devotees worship here for removal of marriage obstacles, for good health and prosperity in life. 

2. Students worship Lord Ganesha for success in exams. 

3. Devotees worship Lord Dakshinamurti for wisdom and knowledge. They offer sweet rice pongal as Naivedya. 

Puja: 

Daily pujas, pradosha pujas, weekly and fortnightly pujas are performed. 

Some important festivals: 

Aadi (July-August): A special festival on the Nakshatra puram in the month of Aadi. 

Masi (Feb-March): 1. On Mahashivaratri day a special Surya puja is performed when the Sun’s rays fall on Shiva linga. 2. Teerthawari festival on Magha nakshatra. On this day the utsav murti of Lord Shiva is taken to the sea for Mangala snan. The other utsava murtis of these six temples also follow him. 

Besides this all the festivals associated with Lord Shiva are performed regularly. 

Address: Shri Teerthapaleeshwarar temple, in Triplicane in Chennai

Telephone: 91-4428444054/5322

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs