Arulmigu Kurungkaleeswarar - Vaikundavasap Perumal Temple, popularly known as the Twin Temples of Koyambedu, are situated at
Koyambedu, in the outskirts of
Chennai. As the popular name implies the temple complex actually holds two temples situated adjacent to each other – the Arulmigu Kurungkaleeswarar dedicated to
Lord Shiva and the Vaikundavasap Perumal Temple dedicated to
Lord Vishnu.
Legend has it that Maharshi Valmiki lived here and both the temples existed during his time. It is said that Lord Shiva, known here as Kurungaleeswarar, was worshipped by Lava and Kusha.
Arulmigu Kurungkaleeswarar faces north and has a three-tier Rajagopuram. Arulmigu Aramvalartha Nayagi, also known as Goddess Dharmasamvardhini, (consort of Kurungaleeswarar), is worshipped in a separate shrine and a feature of the idol is that her left foot is projected forward. The temple has separate shrines dedicated to Lord Brahma, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Chandigeswarar and Vishnu Durgai. Enshrined in the outer Prakaram are the images of Lord Ganesh, Gnana Saraswathi, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Muruga and Lord Ayyappa.
Kurungkaleeswarar Temple has 14 inscriptions, which date back to the period of Kulothunga Chozhan III and the Vijayanagar kings. The temple boasts exquisite sculptures and carvings.
Vaikundavasap Perumal Temple enshrines Vaikundavasa Perumal as the presiding deity. The deity is installed in a standing posture along with his consorts. The temple is renowned for its beautiful images of Lord Ram and Sita. The main entrance of the temple features several beautiful Dashavatar images. The temple has separate shrines dedicated to Kanakavalli Thayar and Andal. It is believed that the deity was worshipped by Sage Valmiki, Lava and Kusha.
Arulmigu Kurungkaleeswarar - Vaikundavasap Perumal Temple also boasts a unique Panchavarna Navagraha shrine. All the Navagraha idols are enshrined with their respective Vahanas. Another feature is that Lord Surya is seen here his consorts Saaya and Usha.
Brahmotsavam is the major festival celebrated in the Kurungkaleeswarar Temple. It is celebrated for 10 days during the Tamil month of Chithirai. Thaipusam, Vaikasi Visakam, Janmashtami and Diwali are the major festivals celebrated in the Vaikundavasap Perumal Temple. Thousands of devotees visit the Twin Temples of Koyambedu in every year, especially during the festive occasion.
Arulmigu Kurungkaleeswarar Vaikundavasap Perumal Temple is just a kilometer from the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus. Chennai Egmore Railway Station (10 km) and Chennai Central Railway Station (11 km) are the nearest railheads.
