Kannivadi Sri Somalingaswami Temple, Dindigul

Address

Kannivadi Sri Somalingaswami Temple, Somalingapuram, Kannivadi, Dindigul district- 624 705. Phone: +91 99769 62536

Deity

Sri Sholingaswami

Introduction

• Location: Somalingapuram, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, South India.
• Dedication: The temple is dedicated to Sholingaswami (Lord Shiva).
• Sacred Elements:
  • Holy Tree: Vilwa (Bael tree).
  • Holy Water: Vedhi Theertham.
  • Agamam/Pooja: Kameeyam.
• Age: The temple is estimated to be 1000-2000 years old.
• Historical Name: Somalingapuram.

Puranic Significance

• Siddha Heritage:
  • Great Siddhas such as Meikandar, Kundalini Siddha, Vazhayanandar, and Mukthanandar gathered here for penance seeking Lord Shiva’s darshan.
  • They installed a Shivalinga, and in response to their devotion, Lord Shiva manifested as Somalingaswami.
• Geographical Setting:
  • The temple is located at the foothill of Harikesa Parvatha hills, which resemble a Shivalinga, with Adishesha depicted as holding an umbrella over the Lord.
• Sacred Spring:
  • Veda Theertha, a sacred spring created by sage Agasthya, is near the temple and is believed to possess herbal properties that cure severe stomach ailments.
• Caves of Penitence:
  • Behind the Somalingaswami shrine is a natural cave where Saint Meikandar performed penance. Other caves in the vicinity are associated with different Siddhas.
  • Notably, Bogar, who created the Navapashana idol of Lord Muruga in Palani, also practiced penance here, seeking a virgin for his Gowri Puja. The story of a stone-turned virgin led to the place being named Kannivadi (Kanni means virgin).

Beliefs

• Devotee Prayers:
  • People come to pray for relief from the karmic consequences of past lives, to remove obstacles in marriage discussions, and for the safety of their mangal sutras and the longevity of their husbands.
  • Many devotees perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing) to Lord Shiva as a token of gratitude upon realizing their wishes.

Special Features

• Unique Landscape:
  • The temple’s setting at the foot of Harikesha Parvatham, which looks like Adishesha holding an umbrella, is significant.
  • Lord Vinayaka is situated under Neem and Vilwa trees, along with Nandi, the bull, who is the vehicle of Lord Shiva.
• Deity Arrangement:
  • The temple does not have a Goddess or any other sub-deities; the primary focus is on Lord Shiva.

Festivals

• Significant Festivals:
  • Shivrathri: February-March.
  • Chitra Poornima: April-May.
  • Aadi Amavasya: New moon day in July-August.
  • Annabishekam: October-November.
  • Tirukarthikai: November-December.
  • Pradosham Days: Celebrated on the 13th day from new moon or full moon.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Somalingapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Dindigul

Nearest Airport

Madurai

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