Kavanthandalam Choliswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Kavanthandalam Choliswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Kavanthandalam, Kanchipuram District – 631501. Phone: +91 – 9840053289

Diety

Choliswarar Amman: Sundarambal.

Introduction

The Choliswarar Temple is a small and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Kavanthandalam in the Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. This temple is known for its historical significance and its association with rituals for progeny and prosperity, as well as ceremonies for ancestors (Pitru Dosha).

Presiding Deities: The primary deity of the temple is Lord Choliswarar (a form of Lord Shiva), and the Mother deity is known as Sundarambal. Devotees worship Lord Choliswarar to seek blessings for progeny and prosperity.
Location: Kavanthandalam is situated approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Kanchipuram, on the banks of the River Cheyyar. The village is well connected by road to both Kanchipuram and Walajabad.
Origin of the Village Name: The name of the village, Kavanthandalam, is said to have evolved from the word “Kachiyappar Thandalam,” which has gradually transformed over time. According to legend, the lingam in the temple was brought from Kailash by the sage Kashyapa and established in the village. The name of the village reflects the presence of a saint, Kasiyappa Munivar, who meditated in this location.
Pitru Dosha: The temple is considered an ideal place to perform rituals for ancestors, known as Pitru Dosha. A devotee in the legend preserved the ashes of his deceased father to scatter in the Ganges River flowing through Varanasi. Strangely, the ashes turned into fragrant Mullai flowers, and the devotee had a divine darshan of deities such as Kasi Visalakshi, Viswanatha (Lord Shiva), and Annapoorani.
Age of the Temple: The Choliswarar Temple is believed to be more than 1,000 years old, signifying its historical and cultural significance.
Recent Renovation: The temple has undergone recent renovations to preserve and enhance its structure and surroundings.

Despite its small size, the Choliswarar Temple holds great importance in the lives of the local community and devotees who seek blessings for various aspects of their lives, particularly for progeny, prosperity, and the well-being of their ancestors. It serves as a place of spiritual solace and reverence.