Kumarakottam Temple, Kanchipuram – Religious Significance
The
temple legend in the Kandapuranam – the Tamil version of the Skanda
Purana which is mainly
devoted to Murugan (also known as Skanda or Kanda) – states that Murugan had
imprisoned the creator – Brahma here for the
latter's ignorance of Om, the Sanskrit single syllable mantra which is sacred in Hinduism and himself assumed
the role of the creator in this place. However, Murugan's father Shiva had
ordered him to release Brahma.
When
Murugan realized his mistake in not obeying his father’s instruction, he did
penance before a Linga (the aniconic symbol of Shiva), which subsequently was
worshipped by the name of Devasenapatisar, literally, the Lord who was
worshipped by Devasenpathi (an epithet of Murugan as the commander-in-chief of
the gods).
In
another version it is said that the penitent Brahma is said to have been
released by Shiva after he worshipped Murugan after learning his lessons in
humility. The temple is one of the 21 major temples in Kanchipuram and is an
important pilgrimage centre. Saint Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of the Murugan icon of
the temple.