Shanmughanathar Temple, Kunnakudi, Karaikudi,
Sivaganga
Kunnakudi
Shanmughanathar temple (also called Kunnakudi Temple or Kunnakudi
Murugan Temple) in Kundrakudi, a village in the outskirts of Karaikudi in Sivaganga district in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Murugan. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is located in the Tiruppattur - Karaikudi Road, around 14 km from Karaikudi.
There
are three caves located on the western side of the lower rock, that have
rock-cut shrines from the Pandyan Empire from the
8th century. The caves have the earliest sculptural representation of Dvarapalas, the guardian deities, for any South Indian temple. Sri
Thenattru Nathar graces as swayambumurthy. Lord Shanmuganathan is the presiding
deity here. Lord Shanmuganathan is also called ‘Muruga’, ‘Shanmuga’’ and
‘Skandha’.
It is a
cave temple. Marudhu Pandiyars Kings of Sivaganga renovated the Temple. On the
western side of the hill are three excavated cave shrines at the ground level.
These are in a line and are adjacent to one another. Later structures have been
added to these shrines in the front. All these cave shrines are dedicated to
Shiva. The first two shrines are embellished with very fine sculptural details,
with beautifully carved 'Dvarapalas', but the third one is very plain.
There
are a number of old inscriptions in this region which are found to be useful to
the research minded historians. Here Lord Shanmuganathan is mounted on his
peacock flanked by Valli and Deivayanai. Prayers in this temple bring relief
from diseases and mental worries. The Devotees are blessed with good Children.
Devotees bring their child after a year of birth and give its hair as offering
to Shanmuganathan.
It is
interesting to note that the appearance of the Kunnakudi hill resembles that of
a peacock at certain angles. The history of the temple dates back to more than
1200 years. It could have been constructed and maintained by the Pandya kings.
It is said that Pandavas, sage Agasthya have worshipped in this temple.
The
temple has a five-tiered gateway tower, the gopuram in the hill, leading to a pillared hall and the
sanctum. The temple is maintained and administered by the Kunnakudi Thiruvannamalai Mutt
Adikam, while the rock-cut caves
are maintained as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Legends
For
brief details, please refer below link;
The
Temple
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Culture
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Prayers
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Singers
This
temple has been revered by the Thirupugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar.
Contact
Sri
Shanmughanathar Temple,
Sri Thiruvannamalai
Adheenam,
Kundrakudi,
Sivaganga District
Phone: +91 – 4577 –
264227
Mobile: +91 – 97905 83820
Connectivity
Kundrakudi
is 10 km from Karaikudi and 12 km from Tirupathur. Plenty of buses are
available from Karaikudi, Thirupattur, Sivagangai, Madurai and Trichy. The
nearest airport is Trichy & Madurai. Rail head Karaikkudi is a major
station with trains from Chennai, Trichy, Madurai.
