A unique temple where Shiva shares his abode with Vamana

Velleeswarar temple, Mylapore is the third Saptha Sthana Sthalam of the region. According to popular legend, when the King Mahabali was about to grant Vamana an incarnation of Vishnu, gifts of land as part of Yagna Dhana, Sukracharya, the Guru of the Asuras, tried to stop him as he suspected foul play. But Bali was insistent that he cannot stop Dhaanam to a young Brahmachari Brahmin.

Usually, the procedure for offering something is complete only after offering water from the kamandalam (Water Jug). Guru Sukracharyar, knowing that the boy was none other than Lord Vishnu, in order to prevent King Mahabali from offering Vamana His wishes, entered the kamandalam as a bee and prevented the water flow. Vamana immediately pierced the Jug with his dharbai, a dry grass blade and hurt the bee's (Guru Sukracharyar's) eyes and hence Sukracharyar lost his vision and fell out of the Jug. 

Vellee means Sukra, and Velleeswara is Lord of Sukracharya. Sukracharya worshipped the Lord here and got back the eyesight that he lost at the hands of Lord Vamana. The statue Sukracharya worshipping the Lord is seen in this temple.

The temple has a shrine dedicated to Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu as a reminder of the legend.