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