Sri Velleeshwaran temple

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and derives its name from being worshiped here by Sukra (Vellee in Thamizh) - the planet Venus. Lord Sukra is the guru of the Asuras. Special poojas are hence offered by devotees on Fridays - the day dedicated to Venus. This temple forms part of the Navagraha temples around Chennai.

Good evening everyone ....

So I continued my exploration of chennai...

Sri Velleeshwaran temple, Mangadu, Chennai: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and derives its name from being worshiped here by Sukra (Vellee in Thamizh) - the planet Venus. Lord Sukra is the guru of the Asuras. Special poojas are hence offered by devotees on Fridays - the day dedicated to Venus. 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 Sri Sukra. According to the legend, when Goddess Sri Kamakshi performed tapas here in Mangadu, Lord Shiva came down to earth to give darshan to Her and then marry Her. It is said that Sri Sukra worshipped Lord Shiva here. When Sri Kamakshi came here to have darshan of Lord Shiva, she saw Sri Sukra worshiping the Lord. The Goddess went back as She did not want to disturb the penance of Sukra.

Later, Lord Shiva directed the Goddess to come to Kanchipuram and married her there. As Sri Sukra worshipped Lord Shiva here, the Lord came to be known as Sri Velleeswarar and also as Sri Bhargaveswarar. This temple is Sukra Sthalam among the Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). Sri Sukra blesses people with wealth, prosperity, good family, vehicles, fame and social status. Also there is another story stating that once when lord Shiva's where closed by Maa Parvati's hands, the whole world was in darkness which gave Lord Shiva a little discomfort. Hence, Maa Parvati was asked to do thapas in forest of mango trees(mangadu). Maa Parvati does a severe penance through which Lord Shiva gives darshan to Goddess Parvati. The architecture from which it belongs to can be described that it belonged to the pallava period which would have been renovated by Cholas, Vijayanagar kings. This temple is not much known to the outer world. It is almost 1500 - 2000 year old temple.