Kanchipuram Sri Chitragupta Swamy Temple

Address

Kanchipuram Sri Chitragupta Swamy Temple Nellukara Street, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501. Phone: +91 44 2723 0571 97894 22852 94436 44256

Diety

Sri Chitragupta Swamy

Introduction

The Chitragupta Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is a unique temple dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine accountant who is believed to keep a record of the good and bad deeds of human beings.

Location: The Chitragupta Temple is located in Nellukara Street, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.

Deity and Significance:

The temple is dedicated to Chitragupta, who is considered the divine assistant of Yama, the god of death.
Chitragupta is believed to have emerged from a painting and was appointed as the accountant responsible for recording the deeds of all human beings by Lord Brahma.
His role is to maintain a meticulous account of people’s actions, both good and bad, for the purpose of determining their fate in the afterlife.

Legend and Origins:

According to legend, Lord Shiva created an image of Chitragupta on a gold plate during a discussion with his consort Parvathi about the need to maintain dharma and keep track of human deeds.
This image was transformed into a deity by divine grace, and Shiva appointed him as the accountant of Yama, the god of death.
Chitragupta’s name is derived from “Chitra” (picture) and “Gupta” (accountant).

Historical Significance:

The temple’s masonry structure is believed to have been built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century.
The temple underwent various expansions and renovations over the centuries.
During repair works carried out in 1911, two historical metal idols of Chitragupta and his consort Karnikambal were discovered. These images are enshrined in the central sanctum.

Temple Structure:

The temple has a three-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower) and a single precinct around the sanctum.
The central shrine houses the image of Chitragupta, who is depicted in a seated posture with a pen in his right hand and scripts in his left hand.

Festivals:

The major festival celebrated at the Chitragupta Temple is Chitra Pournami, which occurs during the month of April.

The Chitragupta Temple in Kanchipuram is a unique and historically significant place of worship, dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine recorder of human deeds.