Lord Dakshinamurthy temple is located in Koyambedu, Chennai.The Dakshinamurthy shrine is part of the ancient Kurungaleeswarar Temple. Lord Dakshinamurthy is positioned on the southern koshta wall of the main sanctum, facing south — the traditional direction for Lord Dakshinamurthy, the divine Guru.
The temple is believed to have been constructed during the Chola period, making it over 400–500 years old. Over centuries, devotees have maintained and renovated the temple while keeping the sanctity of the Dakshinamurthy shrine intact.
Lord Dakshinamurthy, here is depicted seated under a banyan tree in deep meditation, symbolizing knowledge, wisdom, and silent teaching. He holds Vedas (sacred scriptures) in one hand, a rosary (japa mala) in another, and makes abhaya (protection) and chinmudra (knowledge) gestures.
Disciples sit at his feet, representing the transmission of spiritual knowledge.
Devotees pray here to gain intelligence, clarity, guidance in studies, and spiritual wisdom.
The Dakshinamurthy shrine follows traditional Chola-style South Indian architecture. The deity is enshrined in a stone sanctum (koshta) with intricately carved walls
Mandapams provide space for devotees to sit and meditateSculptures depict Lord Dakshinamurthy teaching his disciples.
According to the local Sthalapurana, during the Chola period, a great king and his scholars observed that people in Koyambedu lacked a proper place to seek guidance and knowledge. The king invited sages to create a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kurungaleeswarar, and the sages emphasized that the presence of Lord Dakshinamurthy — the ultimate teacher — should be established here.
The sages and scholars prayed earnestly for divine guidance, and it is believed that Lord Dakshinamurthy chose to manifest here under a banyan tree on the southern wall of the sanctum, blessing the place as a centre of learning and wisdom. A popular legend tells of a young student who struggled greatly in his studies. With sincere devotion, he came here and prayed to the Lord. By the Lord’s grace, the boy not only succeeded but later became a great scholar. This miraculous transformation made the shrine very famous among students and teachers.
Devotees believe that Dakshinamurthy teaches through silence, removing ignorance, confusion, and fear from the mind. As the planetary Guru (Jupiter) in astrology, he also blesses devotees who come here to reduce Guru dosha, seek success in education, gain wisdom, and progress in life. It is said that simply sitting in silence before him with faith can bring inner peace, clarity, and spiritual awakening.
Although Sri Dakshinamurthy is worshipped daily, Thursdays (Guruvaar) are considered especially sacred for him. Many devotees visit on Thursdays to perform archana and offer yellow flowers. Guru Peyarchi (Jupiter Transit) is also observed with special prayers, as Dakshinamurthy is closely connected with the planet Guru (Jupiter). During these times, the shrine receives a large number of devotees who come to seek blessings for education, wisdom, and a smooth life journey.
