Avalur Sri Singeeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Avalur Sri Singeeswarar Temple, Avalur Village, Kanchipuram- 631605

Deity

Singeeswarar Amman: Kamakshi

Introduction

• Location: Approximately 15 km from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva, known as Singeeswarar.
• Mother Goddess: Kamakshi Amman.
• Age: Estimated to be nearly 1000 years old.
• Orientation: The sanctum faces east, while the Ambal Sannathi (Goddess’s shrine) faces south.
• Structure:
  • The temple has no compound wall and is small in size.
  • The sanctum sanctorum is accessed through a southern entrance, directly facing the Goddess.
  • The Shiva Lingam is relatively small.
  • Inside, the mantapam features ancient pillars adorned with intricate carvings.
  • There is a separate shrine for Vishnu Durga located behind the sanctum.
  • Notable carvings include images of Krishna with Gopis, Sastha, and Vinayaka on a single stone.
• Historical Significance: The great saint Mahaperiyava of Kanchi stayed here for 10 days, bathing in the Paalar River and worshipping Lord Shiva daily. He also noted the presence of a buried Bhairava idol.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context: Singeeswarar Avalur is believed to be over 1000 years old, featuring carvings of the Pandya symbol, the fish.
• Inscriptions: One of the pillars in the mantapam has stone inscriptions, although their details are currently unknown.
• Nandi’s Wish: Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva, longed to witness Lord Shiva’s Ananda Thandava dance in Mount Kailash but missed it. Lord Shiva advised him to come to Avalur, worship, and wait for the right moment to fulfill his wish, which eventually occurred at Singeeswarar Avalur.
• Village Name Origin: The name “Avalur” is derived from “Aval” (feminine gender) and “Oor” (place), signifying its connection to the goddess.
• Significance for Moola Star: This temple is especially important for individuals of the Moola Nakshatra (star), believed to alleviate fears and hurdles regarding marriages.
• Miraculous Event: When the Paalar River flooded and threatened the village, the residents prayed to Valli Amman of the adjoining temple, leading to the miraculous cessation of floodwaters at the steps of the sanctum sanctorum.

Additional Notes

• Theertham: Paalar River (the holy water source associated with the temple).
• Sthala Vriksham: Vilwam (Aegle marmelos), the sacred tree associated with the temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Nearest Bus Station

Avalur

Nearest Railway Station

Walajabad

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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