Valishwarar Temple

Valishwarar Temple, also known as Bharadvajeshwarar Temple, is located at Kodambakkam in Chennai.

It is so named as sage Bharadwaja and the monkey king Vali are believed to have worshipped to Lord Shiva at this place. The main sanctum houses a Shivlinga which belongs to the Chola period. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Swarnambika in a standing posture, facing south.

The temple complex also has the images of Lord Ganesh, Lord Muruga and his consorts; Chandesha, Bhairava, Navagrahas and Lord Hanuman.

Outside the entrance of the main shrine is a beautiful stone sculpture of a standing Lord Ganesh, datable to the Chola period. A few Tamil inscriptions are found on its north and west walls. These belong to the 13th century. The outer walls are adorned by the carvings depicting beautiful miniature sculptures of a linga worshipped by a cow, another by a snake and one more by Vali.

Annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated here.