Chandrasekhara Swamy Temple, Tiruchendurai, Trichy
Chandrasekhara Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva located at Tiruchendurai in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. Presiding
Deity is called as Chandrasekhara Swamy and Mother is called as Maanendiya
Valli / Mrigadharambika. This Temple is considered as one of the Thevara Vaippu
Sthalams. Tiruchendurai is known as Jeeyapuram nowadays.
Legends
Parantaka
Chola wanted to destroy the bandits who were residing in this region, which was
a forest full of jack trees in those days. He camped along with his army here.
However, he could not find any bandit here. But, he found a lot deer in the
forest. The King desired to hunt the deer. When he was chasing a deer, it went
inside a deep pit. The king released arrow towards the pit and blood oozed out
of the pit. He also heard an Asareeri voice which informed him that there was a
Shiva Linga idol inside the pit. The King wanted to lift Linga out of that land
and construct a temple. However, he could not do this in his lifetime. He had
mentioned about this incident in a copper inscription. In the future, his
daughter in law, Kunthavai, excavated the Shiva Linga and constructed this
temple.
History
The
temple is a Chola period temple. There are about 50 stone inscriptions found in
this temple. The inscriptions belong to the period of various Kings which
include Parantaka Chola, Rajendra Chola, Kulothunga Chola I, Rajadhiraja Chola,
Vikrama Chola, Rajaraja Chola II, Koneri Devaraya and Sri Ranga Deva Maharaya
of Vijayanagara. The temple must have been built using mortar or brick by
Aditya Chola I in the 9th century CE. It was later rebuilt as the
stone temple by Kunthavai in the beginning of the 10th century CE.
Parantaka
Chola I was aided in his battles against the Pandyas by the Velir Chiefs of
Kodumbalur. His son Arikulakesari (Arinjaya Chola) married to Pudi Adicha
Pidariyar, the daughter of Tennavan Ilangovelar of Kodumbalur Velir lineage.
Tennavan was also called as Bhuti Vikramakesari or Maravan Pudi. Pudi Adicha
Pidari was also called as Kundavai. She constructed this temple in
Tiruchendurai. Later, the temple was renovated by Kings of various dynasties, which
include Vijaya Nagaras and Nayakas.
The
Temple
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Temple
Opening Time
The
Temple remains open from 06:00 am to 12:00 noon and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.
Festivals
Special
festival called “Mahasivarathri” will be held every year in the month of “Masi”
(feb-15 to mar-15). During this festival poojas will be scheduled in 4
terms from evening 4:00 pm to early morning 4:00 am. Lord Shiva and Nandi will
be specially decorated and anointed with 16 fragrances. Finally, Deeparadhana
(torch) will be shown. It is believed that if we worship Shiva on
Mahasivarathri, we will be rewarded of worshipping Shiva for the whole year. Devotees
believe that if we involve in 4 term pooja during this festival, we will be
blessed with peace and good health.
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 200 meters from Jeeyapuram Pillayar Kovil Bus Stop,
600 meters from Jeeyapuram Railway Station, 14 Kms from Srirangam, 18 Kms from
Trichy and 23 Kms from Trichy Airport. It is situated in Trichy – Karur route.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Jeeyapuram and Nearest Airport is located
at Trichy.