Kanchipuram Sri Kanganeswarar Temple

Address

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

Deity

Sri Kanganeswarar Amman: Kamakshi.

Introduction

• Kanganeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Kanchipuram City, in the Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu.
• The presiding deity is Kanganeswarar (also known as Padhaleeswarar), and the consort is Kamakshi Amman.
• This temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in the Kanchi Puranam.
• It is also referred to as Kanganesam or Padhaleeswarar Temple, situated on Kammala Street in Periya Kanchipuram.

Puranic Significance

• According to legend, Goddess Parvathi once came to Kanchipuram to worship Lord Shiva.
• She installed a Shiva Linga and wore a gold string (Kanganam) around her wrist, praying to Lord Shiva for protection from evil, giving the temple the name Kanganesam.
• The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old.
• The temple faces east and has an entrance arch adorned with stucco images of Rishabaroodar (Lord Shiva on a bull), flanked by Nandis.
• The temple is situated in a pit below ground level, and the deity is known as Padhaleeswarar because the Lingam is located below ground.
• Nandi and Balipeedam face the sanctum, where Kanganeswarar resides in Lingam form.
• The temple does not have a separate shrine for Parvathi, as Kamakshi Amman from the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple is regarded as the consort of Lord Shiva here.
• The Theertham (holy water) associated with this temple is Kangana Theertham, located opposite the temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram Station

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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