Mappedu Sri Singeeswarar Temple

Sri Singeeswarar Temple at Mappedu in Tiruvallur District is an ancient and spiritually significant Shiva temple associated with Moola Nakshatra, the 19th among the 27 Nakshatras.

The presiding deity is Sri Singeeswarar, and the Goddess is Sri Pushpagujambal, also known as Poomulai Nayaki.

The temple is traditionally regarded as a Moola Nakshatra Parihara Sthalam. People born under Moola Nakshatra visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Singeeswarar, especially for removal of obstacles, improvement in education and speech, progress in arts and music, family welfare and relief from difficulties traditionally associated with their horoscope.

The temple's name itself has a beautiful connection with Nandi Devar, who is also known as Singhi. When Lord Shiva performed His Ananda Tandava at Thiruvalangadu, Nandi accompanied the divine dance by playing the mridangam. Because Nandi became completely absorbed in his musical service, he could not witness the dance properly. He then prayed to Lord Shiva to perform the dance again for him.

Lord Shiva, pleased with Nandi's devotion and dedication to his service, came to Mappedu and performed His divine dance here. Since Nandi, known as Singhi, worshipped Shiva at this place, the Lord came to be known as Singeeswarar.

Another remarkable feature of the temple is Veena Anjaneya, Hanuman depicted holding and playing the Veena. This is one of the unusual forms of Anjaneya worship and makes the temple particularly attractive to devotees connected with music, arts and learning.

The temple also contains the shrine of Sri Veerabaleeswarar, the unique Nava Vyakarana stone, Durga, Kala Bhairava, Adhikesava Perumal, Subramanya with Valli and Deivanai, Surya, Chandikeswara and other deities.

The temple has ancient Chola roots. Temple references place its construction in the reign of Aditya Karikalan II, around the 10th century, while later additions were made during the Vijayanagara period. The present temple complex therefore carries layers of Chola and later architectural history.

The temple can be visited year-round. Visiting on the Moolam Nakshatra day of any month yields the absolute best astrological benefits. The Tamil months of Aippasi (Oct-Nov for Annabishekam) and Masi (Feb-Mar for Shivaratri) are highly auspicious.

Mappedu Singeeswarar Temple is traditionally regarded as a Moola Nakshatra Parihara Sthalam.

Moola is the 19th Nakshatra among the 27 Nakshatras. Its planetary lord is Ketu, and its presiding deity is traditionally identified as Nirriti.

The deeper symbolism of Moola is connected with going to the root of matters, transformation, removing what has become unnecessary and beginning again with a stronger foundation.

The temple's connection with Nandi, Shiva's Ananda Tandava, Veena Anjaneya, Agastya and learning gives the temple a particularly rich spiritual character.

For Moolam Nakshatram: Moolam starrers should visit this temple on their star days. Performing Abhishekam to Lord Singeeswarar and offering prayers to Goddess Pushpakujambal brings immense success in education and speech.

For Bone & Joint Ailments: There is a unique sacred stone here called the Nava Vyakarna Stone. Devotees suffering from severe bone density issues, arthritis, and joint pains stand on this stone and pray to the Lord. It is a proven belief that this cures their ailments.

For Music & Arts: Aspiring musicians, singers, and artists pray specifically to the Veena Anjaneya idol to achieve excellence and fame in their respective fields.

Enter through the grand 5-tiered Rajagopuram. First, pay your respects to the two Ganesha idols at the sanctum entrance. Worship the massive Shiva Lingam (Singeeswarar) facing East. Then proceed to the separate, beautifully sculpted East-facing shrine of Goddess Pushpakujambal. You must spend time praying to the rare Veena Anjaneya idol situated opposite the Veerapaleeswarar sub-shrine. Do not forget to stand on the Nava Vyakarna stone to seek health blessings.

Mappedu is a quiet village located on the Chennai-Thakkolam road. While it is accessible, public transport frequency is moderate, so traveling by your own vehicle or hiring a cab from Poonamallee is advisable. As it is a village temple, it is highly recommended to carry specific pooja items (like flowers for Veena Anjaneya or specific offerings for the Lord) from the city itself.

Grand Abhishekams are performed on Pradosham days. Special poojas are offered to Veena Anjaneya on Moolam star days and Hanuman Jayanthi. The traditional Aippasi Annabishekam (where the Lingam is fully covered with cooked rice) is celebrated with immense grandeur.

Moola Nakshatra Worship

The monthly Moola Nakshatra is the most important period for devotees undertaking Nakshatra-related worship. Archana can be performed by giving the devotee's name, Rasi and Nakshatra.

Pradosham

Pradosham is one of the important recurring worship periods at the temple. Devotees can worship Singeeswarar and Nandi during Pradosham. The temple tradition gives special importance to the simultaneous darshan of the Lord and Nandi in connection with the Nava Vyakarana stone.

Karthikai Somavaram

Karthikai Mondays are traditionally considered auspicious for Shiva worship, and special worship at this temple is associated with these days.

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is one of the major annual festivals of the temple. Devotees remain in worship through the night and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

Durga Lamp Worship

A traditional practice associated with this temple is continuous lamp worship to Goddess Durga for 42 weeks for fulfilment of wishes.

Abhishekam

Devotees may perform or sponsor Abhishekam to Singeeswarar and offer vastram to the Lord and Goddess according to temple arrangements.

By Road: Mappedu is located about 50 km from Chennai, 20 km from Poonamallee, and 22 km from Tiruvallur. From Poonamallee, take the Chennai-Poonamallee-Perambakkam highway. Just beyond the main road, an arch guides you to the temple.

By Train: The nearest major railway station is Tiruvallur Railway Station (on the Chennai suburban line). From there, you can hire an auto or take a local bus.

By Air: Chennai International Airport is the nearest, located approximately 45 km away.