Kathra Sundareswarar Temple, Kanjanagaram, Mayiladuthurai
Kathra Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanjanagaram Village near Mayiladuthurai Town in Tharangambadi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kathra Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Thunga Bala Sthanambigai. This temple is considered as parihara sthalam for people born in Karthigai star. The temple is situated on the northern bank of Cauvery river.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
The Temple is believed to be built in 10th century CE by Cholas. Kanjanagaram was called as Kanjaru during ancient period. Kanjaru is considered as the birthplace of Manakanchara Nayanar.
The
Temple
This temple is facing towards west with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar flanked by Murugan and Vinayaga. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found in the prakaram facing towards the sanctum. Kodimara Vinayagar can be seen in front of the Balipeedam. Presiding Deity is called as Kathra Sundareswarar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy (self-manifested).
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There is a shrine for Sattainathar above the sanctum. The shrine can be accessed through flight of steps from outside the sanctum. Special prayers are offered to Sattainathar on Fridays. Vinayaga, Medha Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Thunga Bala Sthanambigai.
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She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated on the left side of the sanctum. She is holding a parrot in her left hand and Neelotpala flower, conch and disc in her other hands. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself is in the form of parrot on her left shoulder. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found facing towards her shrine. Shrines of Selva Vinayaka, Subramanya and Navagrahas can be found in the temple premises.
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Temple
Opening Time
The
temple remains open from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 04.00 p.m. to 05.00 p.m.
Prayers
This temple
is considered the parihara sthalam for those born under Kruthika star. It is
believed that the Kruthika starrers will have a problem-free life if they visit
and worship in this temple on the star days and light lamps on the Pradosham
day (13th day either from new moon or full moon days). Women of
this star awaiting marriage are advised to perform abishek to Mother with water
fetched from holy rivers.
It is
believed that having darshan of Mother Goddess and her parrot on Fridays will remove
obstacles in marriage alliances. The temple is also famous for conducting
Sumangali Pooja for longevity of their husbands. People pray here to get relief
from planetary doshas, for child boon, to get relief from property disputes and
seeking unity in family.
Contact
Kathra
Sundareswarar Temple,
Kanjanagaram
Post – 609 304
Tharangampadi
Taluk, Via Keezhayur,
Mayiladuthurai
District
Phone: +91 4364 282 853
Mobile: +91 94874 43351
Connectivity
The
temple is located at about 500 metres from Kanjanagaram Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Sembanarkoil,
7 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 7 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Old Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Mayiladuthurai
New Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, 11 Kms from
Vaitheeswarankovil, 17 Kms from Thiruvengadu, 18 Kms from Sirkazhi, 18 Kms from
Poompuhar, 24 Kms from Tharangambadi and 132 Kms from Trichy Airport. The
temple is situated on Mayiladuthurai to Poompuhar route.