Manimangalam Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Manimangalam Kailasanathar Temple, Manimangalam village, Kanchipuram district – 602301.

Deity

Kailasanathar Amman: Gnanambikai.

Introduction

• Dedicated to: Lord Shiva (Kailasanathar) and Goddess Gnanambikai.
• Location: Manimangalam Village, near Tambaram, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• Proximity:
  • 12 km from Tambaram (via Mudichur Road).
  • 5 km from Vandalur (on Sriperumbudur Highway).
• Accessible via the Tambaram-Sriperumbudur bus route.

Historical Significance:

• Built by Telugu Chola King Vijaya Balaya Chola in 950 CE.
• Renovated by:
  • Raja Raja Chola (985 AD),
  • Rajendra Chola (1014 AD),
  • Kulothunga Chola (1070 AD).
• Manimangalam Battle:
  • Fought between Chalukya King Pulikesin II and Pallava King Narasimhavarman I.
  • Mentioned in Kooram Copper Plates and Kalki’s novel Sivagamiyin Sabatham.
  • Narrates Pallava victory and Pulikesin’s defeat.

Special Features:

• Temple Orientation: East-facing.
• Architectural Details:
  • Granite sanctum sanctorum.
  • Absence of Raja Gopuram (temple tower).
• Deities:
  • Main Shrine: Shiva Linga (Kailasanathar).
  • Goddess Shrine: Gnanambikai (South-facing, standing posture, four arms).
  • Niche Idols (Outer walls of sanctum): Nardana Ganapati, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhava, Brahma, Vishnu Durga.
  • Additional Idols: Chandikeshwarar, Navagraha, Bhairava.
  • Sub-shrines:
    • Selva Vinayaka.
    • Shanmukha with six faces, twelve arms, seated on a peacock.
• Nandi Mandapa and Bali Peetham face the main shrine.

Festivals:

• Celebrates all Shiva-related festivals, with Masi Magam being prominent.

Century/Period/Age

950 CE.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Manimangalam

Nearest Railway Station

Vandalur

Nearest Airport

Chennai

lightuptemple