Sri Somnatheswarar -Kamakshi Amman & Chandran Temple
Sri Somnatheswarar -Kamakshi Amman & Chandran Temple
Sri Somnatheswarar -Kamakshi Amman & Chandran Temple is at Somangalam which is about 35 kms south west of Chennai city.
Somangalam is a Chathurvedimangalam, a village donated by the Kings to the Pandits of the four vedas to conduct various yagnas and regular poojas.
This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of (or Thondai Mandalam) devoted to Sri Chandra Bhagavan (Moon God).
This temple is said to have been built by Kulothunga Chozha in 1073 AD during his 3rd year of reign.
This temple is a Parihara Sthalam for those having any Dosha related to Chandra Bhagavan. Sri Chandra Bhagavan has a separate shrine in the temple, facing west.
The central sanctum has an apsidal shape known in technical parlance by the Sanskrit term gaja-prishta meaning ‘back of an elephant’ due to its structural design.
According to legend, once, Sri Chandra Bhagavan (also called Soman) is said to have got cursed by Dhakshan. As a result, he lost his divine charm and forgot all 16 form of arts he acquired. To come out of this, He is said to have created a pond here called Soma Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva here. After this, he got back his beauty and wisdom. As Sri Soman (Sri Chandra Bhagavan) worshipped the Lord here, Lord Shiva here is called Somanaadheeswarar and the place came to be known as Somangalam.
Another legend states that there was an invasion when the Chola army was busy in temple building activity. As per the request from the Chola King, Lord Shiva ordered his vahana (mount) Nandi to face the enemies. Nandi turned towards the temple entrance and blew down everyone on the opposite side. Hence, the image of Nandi remains permanently facing the gate and not facing Shiva in this temple.
People with Chandra and water related doshas and water related problems like Cold, Asthma, mental sickness etc. worship Somnatheswarar and Chandra here to come out of their problems. Also it is believed that Lord Somanatheeswarar blesses people with timely marriage, progeny, peaceful and healthy life.