Periyandavar
Temple, Kanchipuram
Periyandavar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Periyandavar / Gurunatha Swamy. This Temple is considered as one of the five temples worshipped by Arjuna in Kanchipuram.
Legends
As per legend, Arjuna, the greatest archer and one of the five Pandavas before going to the Mahabharata war, wanted to obtain Pasupathastra from Lord Shiva. On the advice of Lord Krishna, Arjuna visited Kanchipuram and performed penance on Lord Shiva. On knowing about Arjuna's penance, Duryodhana sent a demon Mookasura to kill Arjuna. Demon Mookasura took the form of a wild boar to interrupt Arjuna's worship. On knowing this, Lord Shiva appeared there in the form of a hunter. It is also believed that the four Vedas followed the Lord in the form of dogs to protect Arjuna.
Arjuna shot an arrow on the boar and killed it. At the same time, Lord Shiva had also released an arrow from his bow. A scuffle arose between the two as to whose arrow had killed the boar. The scuffle leads to a fight and Arjuna broke Lord Shiva's bow since Arjuna fought with his Gandiva and Shiva came with normal bow but not Pinaka. Then both of them were involved in sword fight and wrestling. Lord Shiva sliced and stabbed Arjuna many times and blood started flowing out like a stream. Lord Shiva cut off Arjuna's sword due to which they began wrestling.
Lord Shiva lifted and threw down Arjuna many times. Still Arjuna raised and was ready to attack. At last Arjuna realised that the hunter was none other than Lord Shiva himself and begged his pardon. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi gave darshan to Arjuna and blessed him with the Pasupathastra. Lord Shiva also taught him about the art of using the Pasupathastra. Hence, Lord Shiva acted as Guru to Arjuna, Lord Shiva came to be called as Guruswamy / Periyandavar.
The Temple
This Temple is facing towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Periyandavar / Gurunatha Swamy. He is housed in the sanctum along with Parvathy in sitting posture instead of his usual Lingam form. There is a shrine for Lord Vinayaga in the temple premises.
Connectivity
For brief details, please
refer below link;
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/periyandavar-temple-kanchipuram-connectivity.html
