Karaikandeswarar Temple, Karaipoondi, Thiruvannamalai
Karaikandeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
located at Karaipoondi Village in Polur Taluk in Thiruvannamalai District of
Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Karaikandeswarar and Mother is called
as Balasundari. This Temple is
considered as one the Saptha Kailaya Sthalams established and worshipped
by Lord Muruga on the southern bank of river Cheyyar.
Legends
Saptha Karai Kanda Sthalams and Saptha Kailaya Sthalams:
For brief details, please refer below link;
Equivalent
to Kasi:
River Cheyyar is flowing towards North and hence
considered equivalent to Kasi.
Karaipoondi:
The Temple is located on the southern banks of Cheyyar
and hence the place is called as Karaipoondi.
History
Cholas, Sambuvarayars, Vijayanagara Kings had done lot
of renovations to this Temple.
The
Temple
There is an entrance arch facing south. The entrance has
stucco images of Rishabaroodar in a Mandapam, Ganesha and Murugan. Stucco
images of Nandhi can be found along the Temple walls. Presiding Deity is called as Karaikandeswarar and Mother is called as Balasundari.
Both the presiding deity and Mother are housed in separate shrines and are
facing east. Vinayagar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Mahavishnu and Durga are the Koshta
idols located around the sanctum walls.
Shrines for Surya and Chandran can be found opposite to
the sanctum. Lord Vinayaga and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and
Deivanai can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwam
Tree. There is a shrine for Anjaneya situated near this Temple. This Anjaneya
Idol is believed to be installed by Vyasaraja.
Contact
Karaikandeswarar Temple,
Karaipoondi, Polur Taluk,
Thiruvannamalai District – 606
803
Mobile: +91 94440 34735 /
95853 03925
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Polur, 5 Kms from Polur Bus Stand,
5 Kms from Polur Railway Station, 12 Kms from Devikapuram, 41 Kms from Thiruvannamalai,
40 Kms from Thiruvannamalai Railway Station, 161 Kms from Chennai Airport and
170 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated on
Polur to Devikapuram Route. Karaipoondi
is well connected to Polur, Devikapuram and Thiruvannamalai. The Temple is
conveniently connected to Polur.
Location
References