Moolavar: Sri Kailasanathar
Amman: Sri Akhilandeswari
A 1500-year-old temple popularly known as Govindavadi Dhakshinamoorthy Temple is a significant pilgrimage, especially for those seeking relief from the adverse effects of Jupiter or Guru bagawan amongst the 9 planets. Lord Shiva is present here as Guru and huge shivalingam with the name Kailasanathar.
Swamy Kailasanathar is facing east and Akhilandeswari is in a separate Sannidhi facing south.
According to the Puranas, Lord Vishnu, despite being the preserver of the universe, felt the need to seek knowledge and guidance from Lord Shiva. He approached Lord Shiva along with his 2 wives with the name Govidaraja, who, in the form of Dakshinamurthy, imparted wisdom and taught him the Shiva Mantras and rituals.
Once Lord Vishnu’s Sudharshana chakra accidentally slipped down and fell on Maharshi Thatheesi. In the process it injured the sage and lost its sharpness. Lord Vishnu then visited this temple, worshipped Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva assured him that the discus would come back to him fully powered at an appropriate time.
With the blessings of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu got his damaged discus repaired,
Another legend has it that Lord Govinda Swamy Perumal (Lord Vishnu again) along with his two wives Sridevi and Bhudevi was tutored the Vedas by Dakshinamoorthy. As Lord Shiva appeared before Vishnu in the form Guru, he is worshipped here as Lord Dakshinamurthy. The legend emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, humility, and devotion, and the temple is revered as a symbol of these values.
Also, Dakshinamoorthy is said to have appeared before one of his ardent devotees, Thandavarayar, a resident of Govindavadi and bestowed on him his grace and the `scared ash.' Thandavarayar established a religious math at Govindavadi and observed Visaka nakshatram in the Tamil month of Chithirai as Guru Puja day by taking out Viboothi Kavadi from his math and performing special pujas to Dakshinamoorthy. This practice is continued by his descendants.
Lord Dakshinamoorthy is usually depicted resting his right foot on Muyalagan. Here he is shown resting it on a tortoise known as Koormam in Sanskrit.
The temple features exquisite carvings, including representations of lions, serpents, elephants, and celestial deities. Lord Dakshinamurthy is the presiding deity, depicted with an eye on the forehead and a crescent moon.
Contact: Daily 4 Kala pujai happens and Guru pariharam pujai happens here every Sunday and the Kurukal Sri Krishnamurthy can be reached on 9445269466
Location: Sri Kailasanathar (Dhakshinamoorthy) Temple, Govindavadi , Kanchipuram
