Kattankulathur Kalatheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Kattankulathur Kalatheeswarar Temple, Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram district, Tamilnadu – 603203.

Diety

Kalatheeswarar Amman: Gnanambigai

Introduction

The Kalatheeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an ancient and significant temple located in Kattankulathur, in the Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. This temple is renowned for its association with Rahu and Kethu (Rahu and Ketu), two of the nine celestial bodies in Vedic astrology, and their influence on human lives.

Presiding Deities: The primary deity of the temple is Lord Kalatheeswarar (a form of Lord Shiva), and the Mother deity is known as Gnanambigai.
Location: The temple is situated to the west of the GST (Grand Southern Trunk) road, which is a major highway connecting Chennai and Trichy. Kattankulathur is a small village located near Neyveli on the outskirts of Chennai.
Rahu and Kethu Sthalam: This temple is famous as a Rahu and Kethu Sthalam, which means it is dedicated to appeasing Rahu and Ketu. In Vedic astrology, Rahu and Ketu are considered shadow planets, and they are known to have a significant impact on one’s life. People often visit this temple to seek remedies for problems caused by the influence of Rahu and Ketu, including Sarpa Dosham (affliction by snakes).
Equivalence to Kalahasti Temple: The temple is considered equivalent in importance to the famous Kalahasti temple in Andhra Pradesh, known for its association with Rahu and Ketu.
Age of the Temple: The Kalatheeswarar Temple is believed to be around 1,000 years old, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.
Deities and Idols: Besides the primary deities, the temple houses idols of various Gods and Goddesses, including Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya with Valli and Devasena, Bhairava, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, Chandikeswara, Lord Brahma, Lord Dakshinamurthy, and others.
Absence of Navagraha Idols: One unique feature of this temple is the absence of Navagraha idols representing the nine planets. Instead, the temple has only two idols of Rahu and Ketu, highlighting their significance in astrology.
Visitation: The temple remains closed for most of the day, as it is not frequently visited by devotees. Despite its historical and astrological importance, it is relatively less frequented compared to some other temples in the region.

To reach the Kalatheeswarar Temple, you can enter the Kattankulathur village from the GST Road and find the temple within 300 meters down a lane. The temple serves as a place of spiritual solace for those seeking remedies and blessings related to astrological influences, particularly those associated with Rahu and Ketu.