Kanchipuram Sri Kanganeswarar Temple

Address

Kanchipuram Sri Kanganeswarar Temple Melkathirpur, Periya Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502

Diety

Sri Kanganeswarar Amman: Kamakshi.

Introduction

Kanganeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kanganeswarar / Padhaleeswarar and Mother is called as Kamakshi. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam. The Temple is also called as Kanganesam / Padhaleeswarar Temple. The temple is situated in Kammala Street in Periya Kanchipuram.

Puranic Significance

As per legend, Once, Goddess Parvathy came to Kanchipuram to worship Lord Shiva. She installed a Shiva Linga, wore a gold string around her wrist and worshipped Lord Shiva to protect her against all evil. As Goddess Parvathy wore a gold string (Kanganam) around her wrist at this place, the place came to be called as Kanganesam. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. This temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar flanked by Nandis. The temple is situated in a pit below ground level. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Kanganeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. He is also called as Padhaleeswarar as the Linga is situated below the ground level. Kamakshi Amman of Kanchi Kamakshi temple is considered as the consort of Lord Shiva here. Theertham associated with this temple is Kangana Theertham. It is situated opposite to the temple.