Piravatheeswarar
Temple, Kanchipuram
Piravatheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Piravatheeswarar / Apunarbhaveswarar / Piravathaneswarar and Mother is called as Kamakshi Amman. This Temple is one of the lesser known Pallava era temples of Kanchipuram.
This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam. The Temple is also called as Piravasthanam. The Temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple is situated in Big Kammala Street in Periya Kanchipuram (Big Kanchipuram). This temple is situated opposite to Iravaatheeswarar Temple.
Legends
As per the legend, Sage Vamadeva worshipped Lord Shiva, when he was in the wombs of his mother. He requested Lord Shiva to bless not to have rebirth. Lord Shiva advised Sage Vamadeva to worship him at this place so that his wish would be fulfilled. As per the advice of Lord Shiva, he visited this temple after he became an adult. Sage Vamadeva installed Shiva Linga and worshipped Lord Shiva to realize his wish. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Piravatheeswarar. Pirava means preventing rebirth in Tamil. There is another temple nearby called Iravadeeswarar Temple (indicating about the immortality i.e. preventing death).
History
This Temple is believed to be built by Rajasimha Pallava (700 – 729 CE) based on the architectural style. It is said that this Temple is considered as the first temple to be built by him in Kanchipuram. The Temple is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The Temple
This Temple is facing towards west. It is a small temple situated in large area. The Temple was built over raised area. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Ardha Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Piravatheeswarar / Apunarbhaveswarar / Piravathaneswarar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lingam is having 16 stripes on its surface. The Vimana is of two tiers.
The Vimana is carved with several miniature sculptures. Friezes of Bhootha Ganas in different forms can be found in the griva around the vimana. There are six sculptures of horned lions (Vyalas) in standing posture can be found at the corners of the temple. The walls around the shrine was abounded with intricate sculptures. Sculptures of Durga in Mahishasura Mardini form and Jalandhara Samhara Moorthy can be found on the northern wall.
Sculpture of Lord Shiva depicted in dancing form called Vrischika Karana can be found in eastern wall. Sculptures of Dakshinamoorthy and Gaja Lakshmi can be found in the southern wall. Kamakshi Amman of Kanchi Kamakshi temple is considered as the consort of Lord Shiva. There is a new shrine for Lord Shiva built in later period can be found in the open ground of the temple premises.
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;