Kandhaswamy Temple, Vayalanallur, Thiruvallur
Kandhaswamy Temple is a Hindu
Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located in Vayalanallur in Thiruvallur
District of Tamil Nadu. Lord
Murugan in this Temple is in the form of Brahma
Shasta.
Legends
As
Brahma did not perform his duty properly, Subramanya punished Brahma and took
over his job for a brief period. This form of Subramanya is called as Brahma
Shasta.
History
This
Temple is believed be built during Aditya Chola but completely destroyed. Now
the Idol is housed in house like shrine.
The
Temple
Lord Murugan called as Kandhaswamy in this Temple is
in the form of Brahma Shasta / Gnana
Skandha. The Idol is more than 7 feet tall. He is in the standing posture and
holds Akshara Mala and Kamandalu (sacred water pot) in his two upper arms. He
does not hold his usual weapon and none of his two consorts is found along with
him. This is a rare form of Subramanya and it is not found in many temples.
Another
important temple where he is found in the form of Brahma Shasta is Kumara Kottam temple in Kanchipuram. This Idol is of 9th
Century origin and belongs to Aadhithya Chola I period. It must have
been a part of very big temple once but now it is housed in 10 x 6 feet room
only.
There is
an inscription pillar and few scattered inscription slabs found outside the
temple. The inscriptions belong to Aditya Chola I period (9th century CE). These
inscriptions talk about a gift of land made to the temple by Gunakirti
Nambadugan, the Kilan of Ayandampakkam for Sribali and other services at the
temple which is still found on the footsteps of the temple.
Festivals
Kiruthigai,
Thai Poosam and Kanda Sashti are the festivals celebrated in this Temple with
much fanfare.
Contact
Kandhaswamy Temple,
Vayalanallur – 600 072
Thiruvallur District
Mobile: +91 90031 54640
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 200 meters from
Vayalanallur Bus Stop, 100 meters from Vayalanallur Koil Bus Stop, 2 Kms from
Kolappancheri, 7 Kms from Thirumazhisai, 7 Kms from Pattabiram, 7 Kms from Poonamallee,
25 Kms from Thiruvallur, 6 Kms from Pattabiram Railway Station, 35 Kms from Chennai
Central Railway Station, 30 Kms from Chennai Airport and 26 Kms from Chennai. This
temple is on the road connecting the Bangalore highway and Pattabiram and
connected by MTC buses. The temple is about 2 Kms from Kolappancheri. From Kolappancheri
head North. Pass Chokkanallur bus stand and turn right. The temple is on the
left. Bus route 54C from Poonamallee to Thandarai is available once an hour.
Location
