அகத்தீசுவரர் திருக்கோயில், பொழிச்சலூர், சென்னை
This ancient Chola Sivan temple is one the nine temples around Chennai which are known as the Navagraha temples of Chennai. It is dedicated to Lord Saneeswarar or Saturn. It is also called the Pozhichalur Saneeswarar temple and is popular for this reason. It is also sometimes referred to as Vada Thirunallar, Thirunallar being the most famous Saneeswarar temple. That temple is in the Kaveri Delta, near Kumbakonam.
Despite its significance, today this temple is a shadow of it former glory. It is in a poor neighbourhood and has been heavily encroached upon on all sides as is common at various minor temples in Chennai. Renovated without archeological supervision, a lot of the historical features such as inscriptions have been lost. Gaudily repainted, it looks nice in a way, but certainly could be maintained better. One feature that stands out nicely is the Gajaprishta Vimanam or Thoonganai Maadam and the apsidal walls of the sanctum which are clearly visible here. The sanctum looks like original Chola construction. The vimanam likely has been rebuilt in modern times, retaining the original style. It lacks a rajagopuram and has a mottaigopuram. The temple was initially built in the 12th century.
It is controlled by the HR and CE and is an example of how a historically important temple should not be maintained. It indeed makes you sad.
It is located in Chennai very close to the airport. We visited in May 2023.
Credits: Google Maps
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