Weekend Darshan - 10

Thirumazhisai

Thirumazhisai is a small town, which is 5 kms from Poonamallee on the Chennai-Thiruthani highway. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and another to Lord Vishnu both dating to the Chola period.

Othaandeeswarar Temple
This temple comes on the right side of the highway when we go from Chennai. Lord Shiva here is known as Othaadeeswarar or Mano Anukuleswarar.

Sthalapuranam:
Once when King Kulothunga Chola was on his way, he found a creeper blocking his way and cut it with his sword. He saw bloodstains in his sword and when he removed the creeper, there was a siva lingam with blood oozing from it. The repentant king cut his arm, and then the Lord appeared before him and restored his hand. The king built a temple at that place and hailed the Lord as "Kai Thantha Piran"

Here are some of the pics






Jagannatha Perumal Temple
This temple is very close to Othandeeswarar temple. Thirumazhisai is the birth place of Thirumazhisai Azhwar and there is a separate sannidhi for Thirmazhisai Azhwar in this temple.

This temple is one of the three Jagannatha Kshetrams and is referred as Madhya Jagannatha Kshetram. Puri is the Uthra Jagannatha Kshetram and Thirupullani is the Dakshina Jagannatha Kshetram.






Although the temple clearly indicates Chola architecture, there is a mandapam in the traditional Pallava style.


I was able to gather some evidence to associate this temple to Rajendra Chola I.


Both the temples are very well maintained and the place is very calm and refreshing.