Hridayaleeswarar Temple

Hridayaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Shiva temple in Thiruninravur, Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, west of Chennai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Hridayaleeswarar and Goddess Maragathambigai, it is revered for the belief that worship alleviates heart ailments. The temple features Dravidian architecture with a gopuram, sanctum and pillared mandapas, and is historically associated with Pallava and Chola patronage, forming part of Thiruninravur's twin-temple heritage alongside the nearby Vishnu temple.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian Shiva temple complex with a gopuram, pillared mandapas, sanctum housing the Shiva lingam, and shrine for Goddess Maragathambigai. The temple is set within the town of Thiruninravur with paved courtyards and stone architecture. Visitors can observe daily pujas, explore sculpted pillars and vimana, and experience a quiet devotional atmosphere. The nearby temple tank and adjacent streets with small shops are also accessible.

The temple is traditionally associated with Pallava and later Chola patronage, reflecting early medieval Dravidian temple development in the Tondai region. It is part of the twin-temple tradition of Thiruninravur, where Shiva and Vishnu temples coexist in close proximity, illustrating the historical religious landscape of the area.

Dedicated to Shiva as Hridayaleeswarar (Lord of the Heart) and Goddess Maragathambigai, the temple is culturally significant for devotees who believe worship here alleviates heart-related ailments and fulfills vows. It is an active place of Shaivite worship with regular pujas, Pradosham and Maha Shivaratri celebrations, and is visited alongside the neighboring Bakthavatsala Perumal Temple.