“One with Three Eyes”. That’s the meaning of Virupaksheeswarar. We stand before the ancient Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple. It is a 1000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is in Mylapore near the Karaneeswara and Mundakkanni Amman temples.
Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple is one of Mylapore’s Saptha Sthana Sthalangal. These are the seven Lord Shiva temples here. The Shivalinga is bigger than the one in Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple. Sage Kutsa Rishi worshipped Lord Shiva here. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar saw Lord Nataraja’s dance here.
Sri Virupaksheeswarar temple was built in the 7th century. “Viroopam” means Contradicting Nature. “Akshi” means eyes. Lord Shiva has a third eye. He fulfills wishes with his vision. So, he is called Virupaksheeswarar. Goddess Vishalakshi wore Virupakshi flowers here.
Sri Sivanesa Chettiyar built this temple. He was the father of Shri Poompavai. She died young. Thirugnanasambandhar brought her back to life. He revived her from her burnt bones.
The temple has an official temple tank. It is called the Sivagangai. People believe its water cures illnesses. Inscriptions inside the temple are from the 11th century.
Lord Bhairava Sannidhi and Lord Suryanar Sannidhi are near Goddess Ambal’s Sannidhi. This temple gives spiritual strength. There are seven Shiva temples around Mylapore. They are the Saptha Vidanga Shiva Temples.
These seven temples are Sri Kaaraneeswarar Temple, Sri Theerthapaleeswarar Temple, Sri Velleeswarar Temple, Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple, Sri Valeeswarar Temple, Sri Malleeswarar Temple and Sri Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Visiting these temples in one day brings salvation. The seven temples are associated with Navagraha. Saptha Rishis worship these temples.
The Virupaksheeswarar temple is on Bazaar Road in Mylapore. The temple is open from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Entry is free.
Devotees believe union with God is possible here. It requires body, mind and heart together. The Virupakshi blossom shows this union. Mother Visalakshi wore a garland of Virupakshi flowers.
Remember Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple. It is a place of history and miracles. It is a place for spiritual strength.