Avalur Sri Singeeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Avalur Sri Singeeswarar Temple, Avalur Village, Kanchipuram- 631605

Diety

Singeeswarar Amman: Kamakshi

Introduction

Singeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at a distance of 15 Kms from Kanchipuram. Presiding Deity is called as Singeeswarar and Mother is called as Kamakshi Amman. This ancient temple is nearly 1000 years old. Sanctum is facing east and Ambal Sannathi is facing South direction. Singeeswarar Avalur is a small east facing temple with no compound wall. The Sanctum sanctorum is entered through a door in the south which faces the Goddess. The Shiva Lingam is small in size. The Mantapam inside has ancient pillars with nice carvings. Vishnu Durga is in a separate shrine behind the Sanctum Sanctorum. The images of Krishna with Gopis, Sastha and Vinayaka are found carved in one stone. The great saint of Kanchi, Mahaperiyava, has stayed here for 10 days, bathed in Palaar and worshiped the Lord every day. Through his vision he has mentioned the presence of a Bhairava idol in buried state. Theertham – Paalar River Sthala Vriksham – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

Puranic Significance

Singeeswarar Avalur is estimated to be more than 1000 years. The symbol of the Pandyas – Fish is seen carved here. One of the pillars in the Mantapa inside has some stone inscriptions, the details of which are not available as of now. Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva, expressed his desire to see the Ananda Thandava dance of Lord Shiva in Mount Kailash which he had missed. The lord advised him to come here to Avalur, worship and wait the right time for his desire to be fulfilled. Eventually the Lord granted his desire at Singeeswarar Avalur. This village is considered to be that of the goddess and hence the name Aval (feminine gender) Oor (place). This temple is considered important for people of the Moola Star to worship. Fear and hurdles for marriages are believed to vanish by worshiping here. Once when a flooded Paalar River was threatening the village the people prayed to Valli Amman of the adjoining temple and the water stopped at the steps of the Sanctum Sanctorum.