Kandazheeswarar Temple, Kundrathur – The Temple
Kandazheeswarar Temple is
located near Kundrathur Bus Stand next to a Vishnu temple (Uraga Perumal
temple). The temple has a south facing entrance. There is no gopura. There
are two prakaras in this temple. The temple is unique that the main entrance leads to Ambal sannidhi unlike in
other Shiva Temples. The flag staff, Balipeedam and Nandi mandapam are
found facing towards the sanctum. The Nandhi in front
of the Lord was looking very cute with a metallic bell around his neck. Presiding
Deity is called as Kandazheeswarar. Presiding Deity is housed in the
sanctum in the form of big Shiva Linga housed on square Avudaiyar.
The sanctum is east facing.
The Sanctum is in the form of Gajabrushta, sitting elephant. The lord was thus
named by Sekkizhar when he lost all his worldly passions and ego while living
and praying here – Kandu (Passions), Azhi (Destroy), Easwara (Shiva). The idols
of Ganesha and Lord Subramanya with his consorts Valli and Devasena are found at
the entrance of the sanctum. Ganesha, Dhakshinamoorthi, Lingodhbava,
Brahma and Durga are found as the niche images around the sanctum.
Chandikeswara is found in his usual location.
Mother
is called as Nagaimukavalli. She is housed in a separate south facing
shrine. Her Shrine is located in Artha Mandapam. The goddess has a slight smile
on her face giving her the name (Nagai – smile, Muga-face). Goddess is seen
with the left foot forward, indicating that this temple is a parihara Sthalam.
Also, the fact that the base of the Shiva Lingam is square in shape indicates
the same.
There are shrines & Idols
of Surya, Nalvar, Karpaga Vinayakar, 63 Nayanmars with Ganesha, Navagraha, Nagars
under bodhi & neem tree and another Ganesha under the holy tree are all
found in the outer prakara. There is a Valeeswarar and Balambigai Shrine in the
Temple premises. This Valeeswarar was brought along with his consort Balambigai
from a dilapidated temple nearby. This Linga has been installed with Balambigai
inside this temple.
There are actually three idols
of Bhairava are found in the shrine of Bhairava. These idols are definitely not
old, but this is a unique combination of three Bhairavas in this temple. They
are: Kapala Bhairava on elephant, Samhara Bhairava on lion and Unmatta Bhairava
on horse. A relief panel of Kannappa Nayanar sacrificing his eye and stamping
Linga is noteworthy. There are Tamil inscriptions found under the base of the
sanctum.
