Irandam Kattalai Kailasanathar Shiva Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Irandam Kattalai Kailasanathar Shiva Temple, Thanjavur

Kumbakonam taluk,

Thanjavur District

Tamilnadu – 612202.

Moolavar

Kailasanathar

Amman

Kamakshi

Introduction

The Kailasanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Irandam Kattalai Village in Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

Location: The Kailasanathar Temple is situated in Irandam Kattalai Village, which is approximately ten kilometers from Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.

Presiding Deities: The main deity of the temple is Lord Kailasanathar (an aspect of Lord Shiva), and the Mother Goddess is known as Kamakshi. The temple is a place of worship and devotion for Lord Shiva’s followers.

Historical Significance: The temple has a history dating back more than 1500 years. It has been associated with ancient traditions and rituals. While the temple had not been in use for worship for some time, recent renovations and consecration efforts are underway to revive its religious significance.

Puranic Significance: The temple has a puranic story associated with its creation. According to the legend, one of the Siddhars (spiritual adepts) who had been on a pilgrimage and worshiped Lord Shiva reached the Irandam Kattalai Village. He found himself surrounded by the floods of the Keerthiman River on one side and the Arasalar River on the other. Facing this challenging situation, he prayed to Lord Shiva for guidance.

In response, Lord Shiva revealed that in order to continue his journey to Tukachi, a Shiva temple should be established in this place. Additionally, Lord Shiva instructed that Maha Ganapati should create a pond and organize a procession with 108 devotees. The Siddhar was initially perplexed about how to build a procession path in such a flood-prone area, but Lord Shiva assured him that a devoted individual would come to assist. This devotee turned out to be Tirumular, who played a significant role in the establishment of the Irandam Kattalai Temple.

Beliefs: Devotees believe that visiting this temple can bless childless couples with children and help those facing various troubles to find relief. Bathing in the temple’s theertham (sacred water) and worshiping Lord Shiva is believed to have auspicious effects.

Special Features: The temple features a unique east-facing architecture, with the entrance from the south. The presiding deity, Lord Kailasanathar, is in the form of a Lingam and faces east. The Mother Goddess, Kamakshi, is housed in a separate south-facing shrine. Apart from the main sanctum and the Mother’s shrine, the temple also has a Chandikeswarar Shrine. The temple, however, is in a state of ruin, and efforts are being made to restore it.

Festivals: The temple celebrates two important festivals—Chitra Poornima in April-May and Maha Shivratri in February-March. These festivals are occasions for devotees to come together and offer their worship and prayers to Lord Shiva.

The Kailasanathar Temple, with its historical significance and the puranic legend associated with its establishment, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of devotees and those interested in the cultural heritage of the region.