Thiruporur Kandaswamy Temple, Chengalpattu

Address

Thiruporur Kandaswamy Temple Thiruporur, Chengalpattu District, Tamilnadu- 603110 Mobile: +91 44- 2744 6226, 90031 27288

Deity

Kandaswamy

Introduction

Kandaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is located in Thiruporur Town, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. Situated at the foothills of the Pranava Mountain, this temple holds great religious and historical significance. It is one of the Thirupugazh Sthalams, praised by Saint Arunagirinathar in his Thirupugazh hymns. The temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance

Believed to be over 1500 years old, the temple is attributed to the Pallava period, with inscriptions from the reigns of Rajasimha Pallava (Narasimhavarman II) and Vikrama Chola. The temple fell into disrepair due to natural calamities and invasions but was rediscovered and renovated by Sri Chidambara Swamigal. His descendants continued the temple’s restoration, bringing it to its current prominence.

Legends:

Lord Murugan’s Wars Against Demons: According to legend, Lord Murugan waged wars in three locations:
- Thiruchendur (sea battle),
- Thiruparankundram (land battle),
- Thiruporur (air battle).
  At Thiruporur, he defeated the demon Tharakasura, earning the place names Porur (war place) and Tharukapuri.
Pranava Malai: The hill behind the temple, known as Pranava Malai, is where Lord Murugan is believed to have taught the meaning of Pranava (the sacred syllable Om) to Sage Agastya and the Devas.
Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi’s Redemption: The divine couple worshipped Vanmeeganathar (a form of Lord Shiva) at this temple to be relieved from a curse by Kanva Rishi.
Arcot Nawab’s Daughter: The Arcot Nawab, who ruled the region in the 17th century, sought blessings from Chidambara Swamigal for his ailing daughter. Her miraculous recovery led to the Nawab’s reverence for the temple.

Special Features

Temple Layout:
- The temple faces east, with a 70-ft, five-tier Rajagopuram on its southern side.
- The temple complex covers an area of 4 acres.
- It features a 24-pillared hall near the gateway and a 30-pillared circular hall within.
Deities:
- The sanctum houses two main forms of Lord Murugan:
  - Periyavar: A Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested) enshrined inside an anthill.
  - Chinnavar: A crafted idol flanked by his consorts, Valli and Devasena.
- The temple also houses deities like Vinayaka, Lord Shiva (as Vanmeeganathar), Goddess Punniya Karunya Amman, and others.
Yantra Installation: A unique Yantra installed by Chidambara Swamigal is used for daily worship as no abhishekam is performed for the Swayambhu deity.
Architectural Highlights:
- Koshta idols include Brahma Sastha, Kukuda Dhwajar, Vishnu, and Durga.
- Intricate sculptures depict Lord Murugan’s various forms and significant events like his marriage to Valli.
Sacred Tree and Water Bodies:
- The Sthala Vriksham is a Vanni tree.
- Sacred tanks include Valliyar Odai (Shanmuga Theertham) and Saravana Poigai.

Festivals

The temple celebrates numerous festivals with grandeur:

Monthly Celebrations:
- Tamil New Year, Aani Thirumanjanam, Vinayagar Chaturthi, and Karthigai Deepam.
Major Festivals:
- Masi Brahmotsavam: A 10-day festival during February-March.
- Skanda Sashti: Celebrated with great devotion in October-November.
- Thaipoosam: Held during January-February, drawing large crowds.
Special Occasions:
- Pranava Malai Thirupadi Utsavam, Visakam, Annabishekam, and Navaratri.