Pillaiyarpalayam Soleeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram district,

Tamil Nadu 631501

Moolavar

Soleeswarar/Samhara Bhairaveswarar

Amman

Kamakshi

Introduction

The Soleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Pillaiyarpalayam, a prominent locality in Kanchipuram City, Tamil Nadu.
The Presiding Deity is Soleeswarar (also known as Samhara Bhairaveswarar), and the Mother Goddess is Kamakshi Amman.
This temple is regarded as one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in the Kanchi Puranam and is also referred to as Vairavesam.
It is renowned for its shrines dedicated to the Ashta Bhairavas (Eight Bhairavas) in the form of Shiva Lingams.

Puranic Significance

Historical Background:
- The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Pallavas during the 8th century CE and was later renovated by the Cholas and Vijayanagara Kings.
Mythological Story:
- According to legend, Lord Brahma arrogantly proclaimed himself as the supreme creator during a council of sages.
- To challenge his statement, Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite pillar of light and later assumed the fierce form of Bhairava.
- Lord Bhairava severed one of Brahma’s five heads with a flick of his fingernail, leading to Brahma’s temporary death. Upon resurrection, Brahma accepted Shiva’s supremacy.
- However, the severed head of Brahma remained stuck to Bhairava’s palm as a consequence of Brahmahatya (the sin of killing Brahma). To atone for this sin, Shiva took the form of a wandering ascetic known as Bikshadana, carrying Brahma’s skull as a begging bowl.
- During his wanderings, Bikshadana visited the Deodar Forest (Daruka Forest) and encountered sages and their wives, who eventually recognized his divinity.
- After his journey, Lord Bhairava’s sin was absolved, and he resumed his supreme form.

Beliefs

Devotees worship the Ashta Bhairavas on Theipirai Ashtami (the eighth day after the full moon) to fulfill their wishes and receive blessings.

Special Features

Temple Layout:
- The temple faces east and features an entrance arch adorned with stucco images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, accompanied by their respective mounts and flanked by Nandis.
- A Nandi and Balipeedam (sacrificial platform) are located just beyond the entrance arch, facing the sanctum through a window.
- The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of the Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, and Maha Mandapam, with the entrance to the sanctum on the southern side.
Koshta Idols:
- Around the sanctum walls are idols of Vinayaga, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga.
- A shrine for Chandikeswarar is situated in its traditional location.
Deities in the Temple Premises:
- The temple has shrines for various deities, including:
  - Asitanga Bhairava (Swan mount)
  - Ruru Bhairava (Ox mount)
  - Chanda Bhairava (Peacock mount)
  - Krodha Bhairava (Eagle mount)
  - Unmatha Bhairava (Horse mount)
  - Kapala Bhairava (Elephant mount)
  - Bhishma Bhairava (Lion mount)
  - Samhara Bhairava (Dog mount)
- These eight Bhairavas are collectively known as the Ashta Bhairavas and are represented in Shiva Linga form.
Additional Shrines:
- Shrines for Vinayaga, Subramanya (with consorts Valli and Devasena), Surya, Navagrahas, and Saptha Kannigais.
- A panel for Jyestha Devi, along with Manthan and Manthi, is also present in the temple.
Unique Features:
- Two Naga Idols in the prakaram feature Nardana Krishna and Lord Shiva.
- Kamakshi Amman, the presiding deity of the renowned Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, is considered the consort of Lord Soleeswarar.

This temple, with its rich historical and mythological significance, continues to attract devotees who seek blessings from the presiding deities and the Ashta Bhairavas.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/soleeswarar-temple-pillaiyarpalayam-kanchipuram.html