This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (known here as Somanatheswarar), dates back to approximately 1073 A.D., having been constructed during the reign of Kulothunga Chola I.
The temple is renowned for its unique architectural style, featuring a Gajaprishta Vimana—a sanctum designed to resemble the back of a reclining elephant. This distinctive structure is relatively rare among South Indian temples.
One of the temple’s notable legends involves Chandra, the Moon God, who was cursed by Daksha Prajapati, leading to a loss of his luster. Seeking redemption, Chandra is believed to have created a sacred pond, known as Soma Theertham, at this site and worshipped Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva restored Chandra’s brilliance. Consequently, the deity here is called Somanatheswarar, and the village derived its name, Somangalam, from this association.
An intriguing aspect of this temple is the position of Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull. Unlike the customary orientation facing the sanctum, Nandi here faces eastward, away from the deity. According to local lore, during the temple’s construction, an enemy king attempted an invasion. The reigning king prayed to Lord Shiva for protection, prompting Shiva to command Nandi to repel the adversaries. Nandi’s eastward stance is believed to symbolize his vigilant guardianship against potential threats.
The temple also houses a separate shrine for Goddess Kamakshi Amman, facing south. Additionally, there are dedicated shrines for deities such as Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Durga, and Chandikeswarar. A notable feature is the rare depiction of Lord Nataraja in the Chatura Tandava posture, which is uncommon in other temples.
Somangalam is part of a cluster of nine temples around Chennai, each associated with one of the Navagrahas (nine celestial bodies in Hindu astrology). This temple is specifically linked to Chandra (the Moon), making it a significant site for devotees seeking remedies for afflictions related to this celestial body.
For those interested in visiting, the temple is situated approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Chennai. It can be reached via multiple routes, including from Tambaram through Kishkinta or from Pallavaram towards Kunrathur. Public transportation options, such as buses from Porur, also service Somangalam.
The temple’s operating hours are typically from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. However, it is advisable to visit in the mornings, as evening timings can be variable.
Visiting the Sri Somanatheswarar Temple offers a serene experience, allowing devotees and visitors to appreciate its historical significance, unique architecture, and the rich tapestry of legends associated with it.