Kannikeswarar Temple, Pudur,
Thiruvannamalai
Kannikeswarar Temple is a Hindu
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Pudur Village in Cheyyar Taluk in Thiruvannamalai
District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kannikeswarar and Mother
is called as Swarnambigai. The Temple is believed to be built by Pallavas and
extensively renovated by Cholas.
Legends
It is believed that Saptha
Kannikas worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple to get rid of their sins.
The
Temple
The Temple is facing towards
east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum
Sanctorum consists of Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. Maha Mandapam
contains 15 stone pillars. The pillars are richly carved with sculptures. It
also contain few inscriptions mentioning donations made to the temple.
Presiding Deity is called as Kannikeswarar
and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother
is called as Swarnambigai and is facing south. She is housed in Maha Mandapam.
Kasi Viswanathar can be seen near Swarnambigai. There is a vehicle Mandapam on
the southern side. The Mandapam has Rishabaroodar on top of the Mandapam.
There are shrines for Vinayagar,
Chandikeswarar, Bhairavar and Lord Murugan in the temple premises. Sthala
Vriksham is Arasa Maram (Peepal Tree). It is situated outside the temple
premises. Saptha Kannikas can be found near Sthala Vriksham.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 2
Kms Brahmmadesam Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Ocheri, 11 Kms from Kaveripakkam, 23 Kms
from Kanchipuram, 25 Kms from Kanchipuram Railway Station, 29 Kms from Cheyyar,
27 Kms from Arcot, 27 Kms from Walajah Road Junction Railway Station, 86 Kms
from Chennai Airport and 112 Kms from Thiruvannamalai. The Temple is situated
on Arcot to Kanchipuram Route. Take a right turn at Ocheri and cross the Palar
River to reach this Temple. Take Town Bus No 4 from Kanchipuram and Bus No 36
from Arcot to reach this Temple.
Location