Govindavadi Dakshinamurthy Temple (Guru Temple), Kanchipuram

Address

Govindavadi Dakshinamurthy Temple (Guru Temple), Kanchipuram

Govindavadi,

Kanchipuram District, Tamilnadu – 631 502

Phone: +91- 44 – 3720 9615, 27294200

Moolavar

Dakshinamurthy                                          

Introduction             

• Location: Govindavadi Village, near Agaram, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: Lord Dakshinamurthy, an aspect of Shiva, is the presiding deity. Dakshinamurthy is associated with the planet Jupiter (Brihaspati), which significantly influences human destiny.
• Significance: The temple is dedicated exclusively to Dakshinamurthy, unlike other temples where he is placed alongside the main deity. It is a prominent Navagraha Kshetra (planetary temple) for Guru (Jupiter).
• Legend: The place is linked to Lord Vishnu being tutored in the Vedas by Dakshinamurthy, hence the name Govindavadi.
• Special Occasions: Thursdays are considered particularly auspicious, attracting large numbers of devotees. Guru Preethi pooja is performed to resolve issues arising from the influence of the planet Jupiter.

Puranic Significance

• Vishnu’s Discus: Lord Vishnu’s discus (Sudarshana Chakra) was repaired by Lord Shiva’s blessings after Vishnu’s weapon lost its sharpness during a battle. Shiva initiated Vishnu in the proper rituals, granting him back the powerful discus.
• Lord Shiva as Guru: Shiva appeared as Guru to Lord Vishnu, teaching him Shiva Mantras and rituals.
• Viboothi Kavadi: Devotee Thandavarayar of Govindavadi received the sacred ash from Dakshinamurthy’s grace, leading him to establish a religious math. The Viboothi Kavadi ritual is performed by his descendants every year.

Beliefs

• Devotees visit the temple for relief from the adverse effects of Jupiter’s position, such as obstacles in marriage or career.
• Sumangali Puja is performed by women for blessings of happy married life.
• Guru Preethi pooja is performed to overcome challenges posed by Jupiter.

Special Features

• Unique Architecture: The temple is the only one where Lord Dakshinamurthy is the main deity, facing south. This is different from other temples where Dakshinamurthy typically resides in the southern part of the shrine.
• Sacred Ash (Vibhuti): The sacred ash is used for rituals and is given as prasad to devotees, often consumed as medicine.
• Iconography: Lord Dakshinamurthy is depicted with an eye on the forehead and a crescent moon, as Lord Shiva himself.
• Panoramic Carvings: The temple features exquisite carvings, including representations of lions, serpents, elephants, and celestial deities.
• Shrines: There are separate shrines for Lord Kailasanathar, Akhilandeswari, and other deities like Lord Chandana Kumkuma Govinda, Perumal, and various serpent deities (Rahu and Ketu).
• Marriage Proposals: Devotees facing obstacles in marriage due to planetary influences, such as Rahu, Ketu, or Angaragan, perform Abhishekam to the Naga Kannis for successful marriage proposals.

Festivals

• Guru Puja during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May).
• Jupiter Transit Days: Special poojas on the days when Jupiter shifts zodiac signs.
• Mahasivarathri Sangabishekam: Devotionally celebrated during the Tamil month of Masi (February-March).

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/09/dakshinamurthy-temple-guru-temple_31.html

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Govindavadi

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram Station

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

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