Dhenupureeswarar Temple, Hindu temple in Madambakkam, Chennai, India
The Dhenupureeswarar Temple is a Hindu sanctuary in Madambakkam with a main chamber holding a Shiva linga statue oriented to the east. A separate shrine dedicated to the goddess Dhenukambal faces south.
This sanctuary was built between 957 and 970 CE during the reign of Chola king Parantaka II, a ruler who came before Raja Raja Chola I. The construction took place during a period of significant artistic activity in the Chola dynasty.
The temple takes its name from a legend about a sage who received divine grace after being reborn as a cow, connecting this place to spiritual teachings that locals still share with visitors. This story gives the sanctuary a deeper meaning beyond its physical structure.
This sanctuary is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and undergoes regular restoration work. Visitors should know that ongoing preservation efforts may occasionally affect access to certain areas of the site.
This sanctuary stands out for having an unusual curved inner chamber that resembles the back of a sleeping elephant rather than the square design found in most other Hindu temples. This distinctive shape is something few visitors expect when they first enter.
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