The Chandra Choodeswarar Temple is an ancient Shiva shrine located at the hill-top town of Hosur, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu. Due to the variations present in the local languages (Tamil, Kannada, Telugu) and dialects, the shrine also happens to be referred to as ‘Chandira Choodeshwarar’, ‘Chandra Choodeshwara’, ‘Chandra Choodeshwar’, ‘Shri Choodeswarar’ or ‘Arulmigu Chandra Choodeshwarar’. The main deities of this shrine are Shiva, depicted in the form of the Shivalinga and the Goddess Parvati, depicted in the form of ‘Maragathambal’.
Shrine’s History
The precise history of the shrine is uncertain as it is believed to have been mentioned in a few ancient Hindu texts .The temple has grown during the reign of the Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara Emperors. The Chandra Choodeshwara Temple structure could have been built by the Hoysala king, “Thirupuvanamalla Barvatharaja Anthiyazhvar”, in the year 1260 based off of the 13th-century inscription found during Chandra Choodeshwara temple patronage. The Perumal Temple in Hosur and the Bangalore Shiva Temple inscriptions have documented the details regarding donations sent for the Chandra Choodeshwara temple. There also are inscriptions of “Rajendra Chola” in this ancient temple. The temple was renovated by Azhakiya Perumal Aathimoolam later on.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
According to ancient Hindu texts such as the ‘Padmagiri Mahathyamam’ and the ‘Brahmanda Puraanam’, a Shiva Shrine located in the region of Hosur was mentioned multiple times. It is believed by many that the Chandra Choodeswarar Temple is the temple these ancient texts have been referring to.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The rchitecture of the Chandra Choodeswarar Temple is a blend of ancient chola and hoysala architecture and hence it sets itself apart from many other ancinet Tamil temples.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The shrine is an hour and a half long drive away from Bangalore, the distance being around 45 km by road.
BY RAIL
The nearest railway station to this shrine happens to be the “Hosur Railway station”, which a mere 6 km away from the shrine itself.
BY AIR
The nearest airport is the “Bengaluru International Airport”, located in the city of Bangalore.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
All major celebrations related to the hindu deity Shiva are celebrated in this Shrine
Shrine Timings
The shrine is open from 6:30AM to 12:30PM in the monrnings and from 4:30PM to 8:00PM in the evenings every day.