Chidambareswarar
Temple, Kavanthandalam, Kanchipuram
Chidambareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kavanthandalam Village in Walajabad Taluk in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding deity is called as Chidambareswarar and Mother is called as Maruvar Kuzhali Ammai. The temple is situated on the northern banks of Cheyyar River.
History
The temple is believed to be built in 12th century CE by the Cholas. The place was called as Jayamkonda Chozhamandalathu Utrukattu Kottaththu Thammanur Nattu Kavanthandalamana Chathurvethi Mangalam during the Chola period.
The Temple
This temple is facing towards west. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found facing towards the sanctum. The temple consists of sanctum and ardha mandapam. Idols of Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the ardha mandapam. Presiding deity is called as Chidambareswarar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam.
There are no koshta idols
located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his
usual location. This shrine enshrines a bas relief image of Chandikeswarar. Mother is called as Maruvar Kuzhali Ammai. She is
housed in a separate south facing shrine. There is an image of Durga in the
temple premises. This image can be dated to 12th century CE.
Connectivity
The temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Thirumagaral
Bus Stand, 14 Kms from Walajabad, 14 Kms from Walajabad Railway Station, 18 Kms
from Kanchipuram, 19 Kms from Kanchipuram Railway Station, 19 Kms from
Uthiramerur, 61 Kms from Chennai Airport and 79 Kms from Chennai. The temple is
situated at about 2.5 Kms from Thirumagaral on the Kanchipuram to Uthiramerur
route. Government Bus No D 34 plying between Kanchipuram and Uthiramerur passes
through Kavanthandalam village.