Mathaleswarar Temple, Melachery, Villupuram

Mathaleswarar Temple, Melachery, Villupuram

Mathaleswarar Temple is a Hindu Cave Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Melachery Village near Gingee Town in Gingee Taluk in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple was called as Shikari Pallaveswaram in ancient times. Presiding Deity is called as Mathaleswarar and Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

The temple was called as Sri Shikarai Pallaveswaram as per the inscription on the northern wall of the cave temple. Though the name of the temple has Pallava in it, the cave temple did not follow any of the Pallava architectural style. The inscription mentions a king named Chandraditya. This King is not identified with any Pallava Kings. He might be the vassal of Pallava King. Shikari mentioned in the inscription might be the wife of the Pallava Vassal, Chandraditya. She would have excavated this cave temple named after his Pallava Overlord.

The Temple

This cave temple is excavated in the western face of a small granite boulder, located to the north of the village. The Temple is popularly known as Mathaleswarar Temple by locals. This cave temple is facing towards west. A stone Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be found outside facing the sanctum. The rock cut cave shrine is hidden by a newly built Mandapam from the ruins of an earlier Mandapam.

The Sanctum Sanctorum (Cave Temple) consists of Sanctum and Mukha Mandapam. The Mukha Mandapam consists of two pillars and two pilasters. The pillars and pilasters are square in shape. This arrangement divides the cave into three partitions of equal size. Presiding deity is called as Mathaleswarar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

The Lingam and Avudaiyar are carved from the living rock, a feature never seen in Pallava Cave temples. There is a lotus carved on the ceiling just above this Lingam. There are no Dvarapalas guarding the sanctum. Mother is called as Brihan Nayagi and is facing south. She is carved on the northern wall of the cave and housed inside a niche. This carving looks like later addition.

There is a carving of Lord Ganesha in the southern wall of the cave temple. There are few shrines built opposite near to this cave temple. There are shrines for Lord Murugan, Ganesha and few other gods facing the cave temple. There is a huge pond in front of the cave temple. A newly built Murugan temple can be seen in the nearby hill top.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Singavaram, 6 Kms from Gingee, 6 Kms from Gingee Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Malaiyanur, 34 Kms from Thindivanam, 35 Kms from Thindivanam Railway Station, 41 Kms from Thiruvannamalai, 47 Kms from Villupuram and 139 Kms from Chennai Airport. The temple is situated on Gingee to Malaiyanur route.

Location

Paranjothi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram – Connectivity

Paranjothi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Kanchipuram East Railway Station, 1 Km from Kanchipuram Bus Stand, and 2 Kms from Kanchipuram Railway Station. The temple is situated on the Railway Station Road in Periya Kanchipuram close to Vaikunda Perumal Temple. Kanchipuram is located at about 18 Kms from Walajabad, 31 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 40 Kms from Chengalpattu, 60 Kms from Chennai Airport, 67 Kms from Mahabalipuram and 72 Kms from Chennai.

By Road:

Kanchipuram is most easily accessible by road. The Chennai – Bangalore National Highway, NH 4 passes the outskirts of the city. Daily bus services are provided by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Villupuram, Salem, Tirupati, Thiruthani, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Coimbatore, Tindivanam and Pondicherry. There are two major bus routes to Chennai, one connecting via Poonamallee and the other via Tambaram.

The Tamil Nadu state government operated transport corporation runs buses from Kanchipuram to most major towns in Tamil Nadu. Buses from Chennai leave for Kanchipuram every fifteen minutes from the Koyambedu interstate bus terminal. There is also an air-conditioned bus service numbered Z576 from 5.00 AM to 6.00 PM, which departs from the T-Nagar bus terminal every hour. Buses from Bangalore leave for Kanchipuram seven times a day.

By Train:

The city is also connected to the railway network through the Kanchipuram railway station. The Chengalpattu – Arakkonam railway line passes through Kanchipuram and travellers can access services to those destinations. Daily trains are provided to Pondicherry and Tirupati, and there is a weekly express train to Madurai and a bi-weekly express train to Nagercoil. Two passenger trains from both sides of Chengalpattu and Arakkonam pass via Kanchipuram.

By Air:

Nearest domestic as well as international airport is Chennai International Airport.

Paranjothi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram

Paranjothi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram

Paranjothi Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Draupadi located in Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is Draupadi Amman and Paranjothi Amman along with Pandaveswarar & Dharmeswarar. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam. The Temple is also called as Pandavesam, Pandaveswarar Temple and Dharmeswarar Temple. 

Legends

As per legend, Pandavas along with Draupadi during their exile, reached Kanchipuram. Pandavas installed Shiva Lingas in their respective names and worshipped them.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. Stucco image of Paranjothi Amman flanked by Lions can be seen on top of the entrance arch. Shrines of Paranjothi Amman, Pandaveswarar and Lord Krishna with his consorts Bhama & Rukmini can be seen in a row immediately after the entrance arch. All these three shrines are facing east. Pandaveswarar is housed in the shrine along with Vinayaga. Kanthu can be seen in front of Shiva Shrine.

Stucco images of  Rishabaroodar, Paranjothi Amman and Lord Krishna with his consorts Bhama & Rukmini can be seen on top of their respective shrines. Presiding deity of this temple is Draupadi Amman. She is housed in a separate shrine adjacent to the Krishna Shrine. Balipeedam and Dhwaja Sthambam can be seen facing the Sanctum. Stucco image of Draupadi can be seen on top of the entrance of her shrine.

There are shrines for Siddhi Vinayagar,  Saptha Kannigais, Botha Raja, Dharmaraja, Sikandeeswarar and Dharmeshwarar in the temple premises. It is said that both Dharmeshwarar and Pandaveswarar Shiva Lingas were the remains from an ancient Shiva temple from Pallava era and they were found near the Railway track in 19^th Century CE. Idols of Nagas can be found below the Peepal tree.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.30 am to 11.30 am and 04.00 pm to 08.00 pm.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/07/paranjothi-amman-temple-kanchipuram-connectivity.html

Location

Sounageswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Connectivity

Sounageswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Kanchipuram Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Kanchipuram Railway Station and 2 Kms from Kanchipuram East Railway Station. The Temple is situated in a small lane branching out from Thanappan Nayagar Street in big Kanchipuram (Periya Kanchipuram). Kanchipuram is located at about 18 Kms from Walajabad, 31 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 40 Kms from Chengalpattu, 60 Kms from Chennai Airport, 67 Kms from Mahabalipuram and 72 Kms from Chennai.

By Road:

Kanchipuram is most easily accessible by road. The Chennai – Bangalore National Highway, NH 4 passes the outskirts of the city. Daily bus services are provided by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Villupuram, Salem, Tirupati, Thiruthani, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Coimbatore, Tindivanam and Pondicherry. There are two major bus routes to Chennai, one connecting via Poonamallee and the other via Tambaram.

The Tamil Nadu state government operated transport corporation runs buses from Kanchipuram to most major towns in Tamil Nadu. Buses from Chennai leave for Kanchipuram every fifteen minutes from the Koyambedu interstate bus terminal. There is also an air-conditioned bus service numbered Z576 from 5.00 AM to 6.00 PM, which departs from the T-Nagar bus terminal every hour. Buses from Bangalore leave for Kanchipuram seven times a day.

By Train:

The city is also connected to the railway network through the Kanchipuram railway station. The Chengalpattu – Arakkonam railway line passes through Kanchipuram and travellers can access services to those destinations. Daily trains are provided to Pondicherry and Tirupati, and there is a weekly express train to Madurai and a bi-weekly express train to Nagercoil. Two passenger trains from both sides of Chengalpattu and Arakkonam pass via Kanchipuram.

By Air:

Nearest domestic as well as international airport is Chennai International Airport.

Sounageswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Sounageswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Sounageswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Sounageswarar / Thiru Kancheeswarar and Mother is called as Kamakshi. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam. The Temple is also called Sounagesam. The Temple is situated in a small lane branching out from Thanappan Nayagar Street in big Kanchipuram (Periya Kanchipuram).

Legends

Sounageswarar:

As per legend, it is believed that Sounaga Rishi installed the Shiva Linga and worshipped Lord Shiva to get relief from a disease. Also, he attained salvation here. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Sounageswarar.

Sakothara Theertham:

It is believed that Lord Agni hid in this Theertham when Lord Varuna visited this Theertham. Lord Varuna found Agni hidden in the Theertham. Lord Agni pleaded Lord Varuna that Varuna was like brother to him and asked Varuna not to disclose his location to anyone. Hence, the Theertham came to be called as Sakothara Theertham.

The Temple

This Temple is facing  towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the entrance facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Sounageswarar / Thiru Kancheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. As in other temples in Kanchipuram, there is no separate shrine of Parvathi as it is believed that Kamakshi of Kanchipuram Kamakshi Temple is the common Parvathi shrine for all Shiva temples. Theertham associated with this temple is called as Sakothara Theertham.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/07/sounageswarar-temple-kanchipuram-connectivity.html

Location

Panamuneeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Connectivity

Panamuneeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Kanchipuram Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Kanchipuram East Railway Station and 4 Kms from Kanchipuram Railway Station. The temple is situated in Thiruvalluvar Street in Chinna Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is located at about 18 Kms from Walajabad, 31 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 40 Kms from Chengalpattu, 60 Kms from Chennai Airport, 67 Kms from Mahabalipuram and 72 Kms from Chennai.

By Road:

Kanchipuram is most easily accessible by road. The Chennai – Bangalore National Highway, NH 4 passes the outskirts of the city. Daily bus services are provided by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Villupuram, Salem, Tirupati, Thiruthani, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Coimbatore, Tindivanam and Pondicherry. There are two major bus routes to Chennai, one connecting via Poonamallee and the other via Tambaram.

The Tamil Nadu state government operated transport corporation runs buses from Kanchipuram to most major towns in Tamil Nadu. Buses from Chennai leave for Kanchipuram every fifteen minutes from the Koyambedu interstate bus terminal. There is also an air-conditioned bus service numbered Z576 from 5.00 AM to 6.00 PM, which departs from the T-Nagar bus terminal every hour. Buses from Bangalore leave for Kanchipuram seven times a day.

By Train:

The city is also connected to the railway network through the Kanchipuram railway station. The Chengalpattu – Arakkonam railway line passes through Kanchipuram and travellers can access services to those destinations. Daily trains are provided to Pondicherry and Tirupati, and there is a weekly express train to Madurai and a bi-weekly express train to Nagercoil. Two passenger trains from both sides of Chengalpattu and Arakkonam pass via Kanchipuram.

By Air:

Nearest domestic as well as international airport is Chennai International Airport.

Panamuneeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Legends

Panamuneeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Legends

Panamanneeswarar:

During the churning of the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthana), Mount Mandara was used as the churning rod, and Vasuki, a Nagaraja who abides on Lord Shiva's neck, became the churning rope. During the churning process, the Halahala poison escaped from the mouth of the serpent king Vasuki. This terrified the gods and demons because the poison was so powerful that it could destroy all of creation. Despite this, the Devas and the Asuras pulled back and forth on the snake's body alternately, causing the mountain to rotate, which in turn churned the ocean.

The Devas then approached Lord Shiva for protection. Lord Shiva consumed the poison. Lord Shiva was suffering intense pain. Mother Parvati immediately places a hand on his throat, stopping the poison to flow any further, and by her Maya stopped it forever. As a result, his throat turned blue and he was henceforth called Neelakantha (the blue-throated one; Neela – blue, Kantha – throat in Sanskrit).

Vasuki was afflicted with sin for spitting the Halahala poison. To get relief from the sin, Vasuki came to Kanchipuram, created a tank called Anandha Theertham and installed a Shiva Linga. Vasuki offered precious Rathna to Lord Shiva. Vasuki got relief from the sin and Vasuki was granted the boon of decorating the body of Lord Shiva. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Panamanneeswarar.

Mother Kali tore her stomach to clear Vasuki doubts:

As per local folklore, Vasuki used to worship Lord Shiva with 108 flowers. Vasuki found everyday two flowers were short for 108 flowers. Vasuki suspected foul play by Mother Parvathy. Lord instructed Mother Parvathy to clear the doubts of Vasuki. Mother Parvathy took the form of Kali, tore her abdomen and showed nothing was there inside her stomach. There is a temple dedicated Mother Kali situated on the northern side of this temple confirming this legend.

Sivavakkiyar Siddhar attained salvation here:

It is believed that Sivavakkiyar Siddhar, one of the famous 18 Siddhars, worshipped Lord Shiva here and attained salvation here.

Panamuneeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Panamuneeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Panamuneeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Panamanneeswarar / Panamuneeswarar and Mother is called as Kamakshi. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam. The temple is believed to be built by Pallavas. The Temple is also called as Panaamaneesam. The temple is situated in Thiruvalluvar Street in Chinna Kanchipuram.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/07/panamuneeswarar-temple-kanchipuram-legends.html

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar flanked by Nandis. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found immediately after the entrance arch facing the sanctum through window. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Mukha Mandapam is located on the southern side.

Mukha Mandapam consists of four pillars and four pilasters. The Sanctum can be accessed through Mukha Mandapam. Utsava Idol of Mother Parvathy, Vinayaga and Vasuki can be seen in Ardha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Panamanneeswarar / Panamuneeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.

There are shrines for Vinayaga, Kalahastheeswarar, Bhairava, Navagrahas, Suryan, Saneeswarar, Chandran and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena in the temple premises. Theertham associated with this temple is Anandha Theertham. This temple is sharing a common arch with Maha Kali Amman temple on the road leading to these temples.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 07.00 am to 11.00 am and 05.00 pm to 08.30 pm.

Contact

Panamuneeswarar Temple,

Kanchipuram – 631 501

Kanchipuram District

Mobile: +91 99943 16912 / 80725 77334 / 94452 07435

Mobile: +91 868189 00610 / 94425 20586

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/07/panamuneeswarar-temple-kanchipuram-connectivity.html

Location

Kadageswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Kadageswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Kadageswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kadageswarar and Mother is called as Kamakshi. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam. The Temple is also called as Kadagesam. The temple is situated in Big Kammala Street in Periya Kanchipuram.

Legends

As per legend, Goddess Parvathy installed a Shiva Linga and worshipped Lord Shiva here. She wore a bracelet (Kadagam in Tamil) after worshipping Lord Shiva. As per another legend, Goddess Parvathy worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of crab (Kadagam). Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Kadageswarar.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards amidst residential building. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum and Ardha Mandapam. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found facing the sanctum in the Ardha Mandapam. Idols of Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Presiding deity is called as Kadageswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam.

Stucco image of Lord Shiva with his consort Parvati can be on the back side wall of the Sanctum. The Vimana over the sanctum is of single tier and follows vesara style. As in other temples in Kanchipuram, there is no separate shrine of Parvathi as it is believed that Kamakshi of Kanchipuram is the common Parvathi shrine for all Shiva temples. Navagrahas can be seen in the Ardha Mandapam.

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/07/kadageswarar-temple-kanchipuram-connectivity.html

Location

Kadageswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Connectivity

Kadageswarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Kanchipuram Railway Station, 1.5 Kms from Kanchipuram Bus Stand and 1.5 Kms from Kanchipuram East Railway Station. The temple is situated in Big Kammala Street in Periya Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is located at about 18 Kms from Walajabad, 31 Kms from Sriperumbudur, 40 Kms from Chengalpattu, 60 Kms from Chennai Airport, 67 Kms from Mahabalipuram and 72 Kms from Chennai.

By Road:

Kanchipuram is most easily accessible by road. The Chennai – Bangalore National Highway, NH 4 passes the outskirts of the city. Daily bus services are provided by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Villupuram, Salem, Tirupati, Thiruthani, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Coimbatore, Tindivanam and Pondicherry. There are two major bus routes to Chennai, one connecting via Poonamallee and the other via Tambaram.

The Tamil Nadu state government operated transport corporation runs buses from Kanchipuram to most major towns in Tamil Nadu. Buses from Chennai leave for Kanchipuram every fifteen minutes from the Koyambedu interstate bus terminal. There is also an air-conditioned bus service numbered Z576 from 5.00 AM to 6.00 PM, which departs from the T-Nagar bus terminal every hour. Buses from Bangalore leave for Kanchipuram seven times a day.

By Train:

The city is also connected to the railway network through the Kanchipuram railway station. The Chengalpattu – Arakkonam railway line passes through Kanchipuram and travellers can access services to those destinations. Daily trains are provided to Pondicherry and Tirupati, and there is a weekly express train to Madurai and a bi-weekly express train to Nagercoil. Two passenger trains from both sides of Chengalpattu and Arakkonam pass via Kanchipuram.

By Air:

Nearest domestic as well as international airport is Chennai International Airport.