Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple : One of the Saptha Sthana Sthalangal – Seven Lord Shiva Temples in Mylapore – Visit, Temple Timings, History, Travel Guide
– 1000 years old lord shiva temple
Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple is one of the ancient 1000 years old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mylapore, just close proximity to the popular Karaneeswara temple and Mundakkanni Amman temple in the same locality.
This temple is also listed as one of the Saptha Sthana Sthalangal – Seven Lord Shiva Temples located in Mylapore. The Shivalinga in Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple is bigger than the Sri Kapaleeswarar temple. The great sage Kutsa Rishi has worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple. Also, Sundaramoorthy Nayanar after worshipping the God here saw Lord Nataraja’s Thandavam – Dance. 
History of Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple, Mylapore
Sri Virupaksheeswarar temple was built in the 7th century. The name Virupakesheeswarar means the One with Three Eyes – “Viroopam” literally means Contradicting Nature, and “Akshi” means eyes. Since Lord Shiva possesses the divine third eye and one fulfills his devotee’s wishes just by his vision he is called the Lord Virupaksheeswarar. Goddess Vishalakshi in this temple wore a garland of Virupakshi flowers.
This temple is believed to be constructed by Sri Sivanesa Chettiyar, the father of the Shri Poompavai who unfortunately died at a young age. One of the most revered Nayanmars, Thirugnanasambandhar miraculously brought her daughter Shri Poompavai back alive from her burnt bones.
The temple grounds also have an attached official temple tank. People with illnesses are said to be cured by the holy water from this tank called the Sivagangai.
There are many inscriptions inside the sanctum sanatorium of the main temple. Inscriptions found in this temple are as old as the 11th Century.
Lord Bhairava Sannidhi and Lord Suryanar Sannidhi are adjacent to Goddess Ambal’s Sannidhi. This temple is a powerful temple that provides a gives spiritual strength.
There are seven Shiva temples around Mylapore, which are known as the Saptha Vidanga Shiva Temples.
List of Saptha Sthana Sthalangal – Seven Lord Shiva Temples in Mylapore
1. Sri Kaaraneeswarar Temple
2. Sri Theerthapaleeswarar Temple
3. Sri Velleeswarar Temple
4. Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple
5. Sri Valeeswarar Temple
6. Sri Malleeswarar Temple
7. Sri Kapaleeshwarar Temple
All these temples are just in and around Mylapore locality. If we visit these 7 temples in one day, we will get salvation, these seven temples are associated with Navagraha. These temples are also worshiped by Saptha Rishis.
Travel Tips for Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple, Mylapore :
Address of Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple, Mylapore:
Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple, No. 101, PV Koil Street, Thyagarajapuram, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004.
Entry Fee: Free
Temple Timings of Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple: 6:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
How to reach Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple, Mylapore :
The Virupaksheswarar temple is situated at Bazaar Road, in the Mylapore locality of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
On Road: Chennai is well connected to other major cities of the country through regular bus services.
Railways.
On Flight: Chennai International Airport (Code MAA).
By Train: Frequent and regular trains are available from many major cities of the country to Chennai, Capital city of Tamil Nadu. Chennai Central (Station Code MAS) and Chennai Egmore Railway station ( Station Code MS).
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