the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

Aarani is a small, beautiful village located about 70 kms north western side of Chennai near Gummidipoondi. To reach Aarani, one has to cross Red Hills from Chennai and take the road towards Gummidipoondi. The place Aarani got its name as it lies on the banks of Aarani river which was known as Brahmaranya River in ancient days.

This temple for Sri Sampangi Pitchaaleeswarar is believed to be very ancient and is said to be over 2000 years old. The Rajagopuram is so elegant and antique which invites us towards the temple. This temple has an interesting legend attached to it. It is said that this village had lots of Sampangi (flower) plants all over. A man who owned many cows in this village, saw one of his cows going alone in the bushes and pouring milk by its own. Surprised by this act of his cow, the man and few villagers curiously went and cut the bushes off including a Sampangi plant to see what�s under bush. To his surprise, he saw a beautiful Shiva Lingam in the ground which was bleeding as the Axe had hit while cutting off the Sampangi plants. Guilty of his act, the man cut his own hand off as he felt he had done an irreversible sin. The man�s wife pleaded to Lord Shiva and with His blessings the man got back his hand. Since the Lord evolved from the Sampangi bush and gave the man�s hand as biksha (alm), He came to be known as Sri Sampangi Pitchaaleeswarar. The temple is so big looking grand and strong. As we enter the temple, there is a spacious �Thirukkalyaana Mandapam� on the right hand side, where the God�s wedding is performed. Lord Sri Sampangi Pitchaaleeswar is present inside the sanctum, facing east. The inner praakaarams are too nice with pillars and carvings. Goddess Sri Sivakaamavalli is present adjacent to the sanctum. A beautiful Sri Natarajar is present just outside the sanctum, facing south. There is also a small peetam outside the sanctum, where Sri Ambaal�s Paadham (Goddess� feet) is present, which is very rare. Beautifully sculpted Sri Rahu and Sri Kethu combined have a separate shrine too. Also there is a shrine for Sri Sani Bhagawan on the eastern side, facing west.