Sri Dharmalingeswarar Temple is adorning the southern tip of the temples-map of Nanganallur, a flourishing calm cultural southern suburb of Chennai. The temple is at a distance of about 2 kilometers from the market area, and is very easily accessible.
This temple was known in ancient times as Dhanmisar Semponkoil, as inferred from a stone inscription found in the temple. The inscription dates this temple's existence to the sixth year of rule of the Great King Raja Raja Chola (991 A.D.).
The granite sanctum sanctorum of this temple along with the moolavar came up from an earthern mound covered with shrubs, only during late 1960s. Since then, the name and fame of the deities of this temple have grown from strength to strength and travelled to far-off regions.
The temple is undergoing steady expansion, strictly according to aagama saastras right from the day the Lord Dhanmisar revealed Himself in this place - thanks to the devotees who have been regularly contributing small amounts for the improvement and upkeep of the temple, in the absence of any major property or resources or endowments or big-donations. Perhaps, the Lord here is in constant communion more with the ordinary devotees and blessing them, rather than a chosen few! Recently, a new 3-tier East Rajagopuram was constructed, and kumbhabhishekham (the third during this century), was performed on 10th September, 2000. Another new 5-tier Rajagopuram was constructed at the Southern Entrance, and kumbhabhishekham (the first during 21st century), was performed on 4th September, 2009. A new Yagasalai Mantapam has been constructed on the Northern Prakaram. A new Chariot has also been made to facilitate the Tiru-Veedhi-Ula of Utsava Moorthies on prescribed days.
The devotees thronging the temple on Pradosham and other festival days is steadily increasing, bearing testimony to the ever-increasing grace of Lord Dharmalingeswara who has blessed us all by making this temple one of His specially chosen abodes. One could frequently hear instances of miracles occuring and wishes getting fullfilled in their lives, from His devotees who have absolutely surrendered to Him.
Those who are interested can get a copy of the history (in tamil) of this temple by contacting us. There are many auspicious days that are celebrated with devotion and religious fervour in the Temple. Annual Brahmotsavam has been scheduled to coincide on the final day with Panguni Uthiram Tirukkalyanam. The first Year Brahmotsavam takes place from 14 March 2016 to 23 March 2016. The Second, D.W., is scheduled from 31 March 2017 to 9 April 2017. An annual purification ceremony prescribed in Aagamas and also mentioned in many ancient Tamil and Sanskrit scriptures, called Vaarshika Pavithrotsavam, is being celebrated on Avani Arudra day every year. Apart from that, annual events include (i) Chandi Homam during Sarada Navaratri, (ii) four Kala Abhishekam and Pooja on MahaSivaratri day, (iii) Sankabhishekam on a Karthikai Somavaram, (iv) Vaikasi Visakam and Skanda Shashti celebrations for Subrahmanya, (v) Hanumath Jayanthi (vi) Vinayaka Chaturthi etc.. Regular Poojas are, of course, being performed on Pradosham day, Monthly Sivaratri, Monthly second Sunday (Ekadasa Rudrabishekam), Sankatahara Chatuthi day, Six Natarajar Abhishekam days (annually), Paurnami days (Abhishekam for Ambal), Sukhla Shashti days (Abhishekam for Subrahmanya), Krishna Ashtami days (Abhishekam for Veerabhadra and Bhairava), First Sundays of the Month (Rahukala Abhishekam for Durga), Third Thursday of the month (Sahasranamarchani for Dakshinamurthi) etc..