Kanchipuram Sri Amareswarar Temple

Address

Sri Amareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram West Raja Street (Big Kanchipuram), Kanchipuram districst, Tamilnadu- – 631502.

Deity

Amareswarar / Tripurantakesa Amman: Abhirama Sundari

Introduction

• Location: Kanchipuram City, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Amareswarar or Tripurantakesa
• Consort: Abhirama Sundari
• Historical Significance: Lesser-known temple from the Pallava period, part of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam. Often referred to as Kanchi Amaresam.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background: Believed to be built by Rajasimha Pallava (700–729 CE).
• Legend: The Devas, after winning a battle against the Asuras, became proud and ignorant. Lord Shiva, appearing as a Yaksha, challenged them to cut a thin straw, which they failed to do. This led to their humility. Afterward, the Devas installed a Shiva Linga at the site and worshipped Lord Shiva, earning Him the name Amareswarar (as “Amaras” means Devas).

Special Features

• Temple Orientation: Facing east with an entrance arch featuring stucco images of Lord Shiva, Murugan, Parvathy, and Indra.
• Sanctum Sanctorum: Comprises Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, and Mukha Mandapam; Nandi and Balipeedam face the sanctum.
• Deity Form: The presiding deity, Amareswarar, is worshipped in the form of a Linga with 16 stripes (Shodasa Linga). A Somaskanda panel is located behind the Lingam.
• Architecture: Two-tiered Nagara vimana; the sanctum walls feature Koshta idols of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga.
• Mother’s Shrine: Abhirama Sundari’s idol is housed in a four-pillared Mandapam.
• Additional Shrines: Includes shrines for Vinayaga and Navagrahas.

Festivals

• Major Celebrations: All Shiva-related festivals are celebrated, especially Masi Magam, which is marked by grand festivities.

Century/Period/Age

700 – 729 CE

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram Station

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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