Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Kandhaswamy Temple, Vayalanallur, Thiruvallur

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