Dindigul Sri Kalahastheeswarar & Abhirami Ambikai Temple- Dindigul

Address

Dindigul Sri Kalahastheeswarar & Abhirami Ambikai Temple- Dindigul town, Dindigul District – 624 001. Phone Numbers: +91-51- 2433 229, 2460 903.

Deity

Kalahastheeswarar, Padmagireeswarar Amman: Gnanambikai, Abhirami Ambikai

Introduction

• Location: Dindigul Town, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India
• Presiding Deities: Kalahastheeswarar/Padmagireeswarar (Lord Shiva) and Gnanambikai/Abhirami Ambikai (Goddess Parvathi)
• Temple Age: Over 1000 years old
• Devotee Scholar: Pala Pattadai Chocknatha Pulavar sang praises of the Lords
• Thala Virutcham: Gooseberry Tree
• Theertham: Five Sacred Springs

Puranic Significance

• Built by Cheras: The temple was constructed by Chera kings and renovated by Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar rulers, and Naickers of Madurai.
• Puranic Background:
  1. Lord Brahma performed penance here to rid himself of a dosha, receiving darshan from Lord Shiva from a Lotus (Padma) Tank, giving the name Padmagiriswara.
  2. Lord Shiva destroyed the demon Dindimasura, who later surrendered and transformed into a devotee.
  3. Dindeeswaram (now Dindigul) was named in honor of Dindimasura.
  4. The Devas, grateful for Lord Shiva’s intervention, appointed Dharmabala as the king of Dindeeswaram and built the original temple atop the hill.
• Relocation: During the Mughal period, the main deities were brought down to the ground level, where the current Kalahastheeswarar Temple stands.

Beliefs

• Relief from Serpent Planets: Devotees pray to Kalahastheeswarar for relief from serpent planet doshas and for forgiveness of sins.
• Child Blessing: Prayers for children are offered on Kruthika star days.
• Job Recovery: People who have lost their jobs pray to Lord Kalahastheeswarar for job restoration.

Special Features

• Two Sanctum Sanctorums: The temple uniquely features two separate shrines for the deities, Kalahastheeswarar and Abhirami Ambikai.
• Mother Kali: Goddess Kali arrived here to destroy a demon named Analan and became Abhirami Ambikai after Lord Shiva calmed her fury and married her.
• Festival for Goddess Kali: A special festival celebrates Goddess Kali’s victory and marriage to Shiva during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May).
• Abhirami Temple: Though primarily a Shiva temple, it is also widely known as Abhirami Temple due to the prominence of Goddess Abhirami.
• Sacred Mantra: Devotees chant the Abhirami Mantra for blessings.
• Lord Varadaraja Perumal Shrine: A shrine dedicated to Lord Varadaraja Perumal is located in the prakara (temple courtyard), facing north, and is considered highly auspicious for seeking prosperity.
• Lord Anjaneya’s Proximity: Uniquely, Lord Anjaneya graces devotees from a shrine near Lord Varadaraja Perumal as a sign of respect for his devotion.

Beliefs & Legends

• Vaikunta Ekadasi: On this day, Lord Perumal passes through Mother Abhirami’s entrance, as the temple lacks a special Sorga Vasal (Heaven’s Gate).
• Varuna’s Blessing: Lord Varuna, the God of Rain, regained his job after praying at the temple, making this a popular place for job-seekers and those looking for promotions.

Festivals

• Chithirai Big Festival: A 12-day festival in April-May, starting on the Kruthika star day and ending on Chithirai star day, featuring the theerthavari (holy bath).
• Aadi Shukravara Utsav: Celebrated with a flower palanquin procession of Lord and Mother.
• Vinayaka Chaturthi: August-September.
• Navaratri: September-October.
• Aipasi Skanda Sashti: October-November.
• Karthikai Deepa Festival: November-December.
• Margazhi Thiruvadhirai: December-January.
• Thai Fridays: January-February.
• Masi Magam: February-March.
• Panguni Uthiram: March-April.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Dindigul

Nearest Railway Station

Dindigul Junction

Nearest Airport

Madurai

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