Friday, September 30, 2016

Panangateeswarar Temple, Thirupankottore, Kanchipuram

Panangateeswarar Temple, Thirupankottore, Kanchipuram
Panangateeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirupankottore in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. It is located at a distance of about 10 Kms from Kanchipuram. It is one of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns. Main deity is Swayambu linga known as Panangateeswarar and Mother is known as Amirtha valli Ammai. The place was full of panai (palm) trees and hence the name Panangattore.
Legends
When Sundarar visited this place Shiva appeared before him in the form of an old man and offered food. Sundarar laughed at him and said when there is no water what is the use of food. The old man scratched the land under his leg and water started flowing. The old man disappeared and Sundarar was surprised and sighted out the temple and visited it. He sang hymns on Siva of this place.
The Temple
There are two deities one worshipped by Sage Agasthiar and the other by Saint Pulasthiar known as Thalapureeswarar and Krupadeeswarar with Ambal Krupagambikai. The temple is constructed in Gajabrushta form (elephant back).

Theertham is Jada Gangai and Sundara Theertham. People say that the level at Sundara theertham is just 3 feet even today. Sthala vruksha is Panai tree.

Connectivity
It is located at a distance of about 10 Kms from Kanchipuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kanchipuram and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai.