Sri Muktheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

 

Moolavar: Sri Muktheeswarar

Amman: Sri Kamakshi Ambal

A beautiful Pallava period temple on the main road of Kanchipuram and is associated with one of the 63 Nayanars called Thirukuripu Thondar he lived in Kanchipuram, a city revered for its spiritual significance. He was a washerman by profession but dedicated his life to serving Shiva devotees. His unique ability to understand the needs of others just by looking at their facial expressions earned him the name "Thirukurippu Thondar," meaning "one who serves based on facial expressions".

He spent his days washing the clothes of Shiva devotees, believing that this act would cleanse his mind of ego and arrogance. One day, Lord Shiva appeared before him as an old man wearing tattered clothes, requesting Thirukurippu Thondar to wash his garment and return it before sunset. Despite the scorching sun, Thirukurippu Thondar agreed, but fate had other plans. Dark clouds gathered, and heavy rain poured down, making it impossible for Thirukurippu Thondar to fulfill his promise. Overwhelmed with grief and guilt, he hit his head on a stone, ready to take the blame for failing to keep his word.

Lord Shiva intervened, stopping Thirukurippu Thondar from harming himself. The Lord's hand emerged from the washing stone, and Thirukurippu Thondar was blessed with a vision of Lord Shiva and his consort and gave him Mukti at this place and hence this moolavar is call Muktheeswarar. 

You can see this events depicted in the recently renovated temple premise. There a beautiful 16 pillar Mandapam in front and moolavar is facing east. You can also see a beautiful temple pond

Also this temple is associated with another history associated with Garuda who became the Vahanam of lord Vishnu. And the Garudeshwara lingam in the outer praharam is believed to be installed and worshiped by him.

The Navagraha placements in this temple is also very unique where in you can see the Sun facing the west instead of east and seen with his consorts.

A very peaceful and blissful temple and a must visit for all the shiva devotees.

Location: Sri Muktheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Kattankulam Village, Kanchipuram

 

Moolavar: Sri Agastheeswarar

Amman: Sri Akhilandeswari Ambal

A beautiful 1000 plus years old Pallava period temple. It’s currently in a dilapidated condition but still standing strong showing the architectural marvel of those years. Outside there seems to have been a big Mandapam, but now only pillars are standing tall.

The moolavar is Swayambhu and has been worshiped by Sage Agasthiar on the way to south from north. You can see his vigraham at the entrance of the Arthamandapam. Also there is a beautiful perumal with the thayar on his lap. 

Ambal Akhilandeswari is facing south and within the maha Mandapam. The inner praharam has no Ghoshta murthies. 

Right behind the moolavar Sannidhi in the inner praharam, there is a beautiful shivalingam inna separate sannidhi. The inner praharam has many inner Sannidhies but there are no vigraham in any and the walls are all in very bad condition.

The temple is opened only during Pradhosham and hardly anyone visits the temple. Even the local villagers are not taking care. 

A lady named Srividhya has the key to the temple and be reached on 78716 72100

Location: Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, Kattankulam Village,  Kanchipuram

Sri Manigandeeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

 

Moolavar: Sri Manigandeeswarar

Amman: Sri Kamakshi Ambal

The original temple may belong to the 8th to 9th Century, Pallava period and was completely reconstructed with stone during the Chozha period. The mandapa walls are built with sandstone or might have retained the Pallava structure. There is no inscription found to prove its antiquity.

As per Kanchi Purana, Lord Shiva drank the poison which came from Vasuki during the process of churning the milk ocean. Due to this Lord Shiva became in blue colour and called as Neela kaNdan or Neelamanimidatran. Devas realized that Lord Shiva drank the poison, for them, So they came to earth installed a Shiva Linga at this place, and worshiped. Hence Lord Shiva is called Manikandeeswarar. Also, Vasuki created a pond (Vasuki Theertham) and worshiped Lord Shiva with gems and diamonds.

In praharam Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Nagars with Vinayagar, Markandeyar, Bhairavar, Padavettamman, Sundrambal, Panamanneeswarar and Kanikandeeswarar sandhi can b seen. The Dhakshinamoorthy in ghostam looks straight to the Navagraha Sannidhi here.

It is known to be a sani parihara sthalam. Daily one Kala Puja is performed.

Location: Sri Manigandeeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Sri Kalyana Vikirtheeswarar temple, Venjamamkoodalur, Karur

Moolavar: Sri Kalyana Vikirtheeswarar

Amman: Sri Pannermozhi ammai

This is the 263rd Devara Padal Petra Shiva sthalam and 5th sthalam in Kongu Nadu. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. The temple is located at the confluence of rivers a branch river of Amaravathy joins with Amaravathy  and Kudakanaru.

Arunagirinathar also praised Lord Muruga of this Venjamangudalur temple also in his Thiruppugazh.

As per Kongu Mandala Sathakam, Sthala purana, Lord Shiva took the form of old man and pledged his sons Vinayagar and Subramaniyar to get gold from an old lady of this place. The gold thus obtained was given to saint Sundarar. 

As per the Kongu Mandala Sathagam sthalapurana the place was ruled by a Vettuva king named Venjaman, hence this place is called as Venjamangudalur.

Apart from regular poojas, 10 days Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month Masi, Margazhi thiruvathirai, Aippasi Annabhishekam, Karthigai Deepam and Mahashivaratri are celebrated in a grand manner.

Location: Sri Kalyana Vikirtheeswarar temple, Venjamamkoodalur, Karur