Worship liberates one from the chain of births and re-births. Constructing a temple is like performing a Yagna. Even more so, renovating one is equivalent to performing "ASWAMEDHA YAGNA" by doing so, one's family is blessed for 21 generations, says the Scriptures. Our great Paramacharya of Kanchi always advise the devotees to renovate and perform Kumbabishekam of old temples rather than constructing new temples.

River Kusathalai originates from Tirutani, flows through Manavur and merges into Bay of Bengal. The great saint Agasthiar and his disciples did Shiva Pooja and installed various Sivalingams along the bank of kusasthalai river. In most of these temples sivalingam was installed facing east and Ambal facing south.

An ancient shiva temple located at Elambakkam about 12 Kms on Sunguvarchatram to Mapedu route in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. The main deity of the temple is Lord Mrithunjayar facing east and Goddess Sribaalambigai facing south. Generally Aavudayar is in round shape whereas in this temple it is square shape which according to Agama is Rishi Pradhishtai. The temple’s vimana had been built in Gajaprashta shape.
 
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is a great mantra for conquering death, for it protects against all threats and at the time of death eases the process of release. It is one of the more potent ancient mantras, a call for enlightenment and a practice of purifying karmas of the soul at a deep level. It is beneficial for mental, emotional and physical health. It is also the moksha mantra which bestows longevity and immortality.

According to puranas, Mahamrityunjaya Mantra has been used by many Rishis as well as Sati during the time when Chandra suffered from the curse of Prajapati Daksha. By reciting this mantra, the effect of Daksha could make him die, slowed and Shiva then took Chandra and placed it upon his head.
 
This mantra is addressed to Lord Shiva for warding off untimely death. It is also chanted while smearing Vibhuti over various parts of the body and utilized in Japa or Homa to get desired results. While its energy protects and guides, the mantra re-links consciousness to its deeper and more abiding nature. Continuous chanting of this mantra constitutes Japa, the practice which develops concentration that leads to a transformation of awareness.

 Ambal balambigai means she is mother and also in the form of a child BALA THIRUPURSUNDARI. In this temple ambal has chathurpujam and in standing posture, with akasharamala in her right and lotus flower in her left hand.

Elambakkam is surrounded by following temples

a. Koovam
b. Pagasalai
c. Thakkolam
d. Thiruvalangadu
e. Mappedu
f. Kannur
g. Perambakkam
h. Kottaiyur

Pattam Shri Halasianatha Sivachariar, chief Priest of Lord Annamalaiar Temple, Tiruvannamalai has kindly accepted to perform Kumbhabheshegam on 2nd May 2013. Around 12 Sivachariar’s are going to perform yagasala pooja for 4 kalams spread across 3 days.

The work in connection with renovation of Elambakkam temple are in the final stages.

In koshtam 1. Nardhana Ganapathi, 2. Lord Dakshinamurthy, 3. Vishnu, 4. Brahma, 5. Vishnu Durgai are to be installed in north east. Navagraha Sannadhi, Nandi Mandapam and also Sannidhi for Kalabhairavar and Chandikeswarar are to be constructed.

We request devotees to help us in this noble cause of renovating the temple by donating whatever possible and get the blessings of the Lord.


Thank You

S. Varadarajan
M.V. Vasu