Kanchipuram Sri Iravaatheeswarar (Mrithyunjeswarar) Temple

Address

Kanchipuram Sri Iravaatheeswarar (Mrithyunjeswarar) Temple Big Kamala Street, Melkathirpur, Periya Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502

Deity

Mrithyunjeswarar / Irava Sthanathu Iraivan / Iravaatheeswarar Amman: Kamakshi.

Introduction

• Iravaatheeswarar Temple, also known as Iravasthanam, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Kanchipuram City, Tamil Nadu.
• The presiding deity is called Mrithyunjeswarar, Irava Sthanathu Iraivan, or Iravaatheeswarar, and the goddess is Kamakshi.
• This temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in the Kanchi Puranam.
• The temple is located on Big Kammala Street in Periya Kanchipuram.

Puranic Significance

• The temple is believed to have been built by Pallava Emperor Rajasimha Pallava (700–729 CE) based on its architectural style.
• The temple is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Iravaatheeswarar: According to legend, sages performed penance here seeking immortality. Lord Shiva instructed them to visit Kanchi, where they installed the Shiva Lingam and achieved their wish of immortality. This is how the temple came to be called Iravasthanam, meaning “the place of immortality.”
• Swetha Kulam: The temple tank is named after Sweta, the grandson of Sage Salangaya, who attained immortality after worshipping Lord Shiva here.
• Sage Markandeya: It is believed that Sage Markandeya, who conquered death at the age of 16, installed the Shiva Linga here and worshipped Lord Shiva.

Beliefs

• Worshippers believe that offering prayers at this temple blesses devotees with a long and prosperous life.
• Performing the Mrityunjaya Homam at this temple is said to increase lifespan, provide relief from Abhaya Mrithyu Dosha (fear of sudden death), and alleviate poverty.
• The temple is a favored location for celebrating important life milestones such as Sashti Aptha Poorthi, Bheemaratha Shanti, and Sadabishekams for elders.

Special Features

• The temple faces east and has an entrance arch. There is also a western entrance with a two-tiered Rajagopuram.
• The temple is built about 3 feet below ground level, with a Balipeedam and Nandi facing the sanctum. The Nandi’s head faces north and is housed in a Mandapam.
• The sanctum sanctorum includes the Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, and a 16-pillared Mahamandapam with a frontal porch on the southern side, which are later additions.
• The presiding deity, Mrithyunjeswarar, is housed in the form of a Lingam, facing east. A Somaskanda panel is located on the wall behind the Lingam.
• The Vimana above the sanctum follows the Nagara style and has two tiers.
• A shrine for Chandikeswarar is found in its usual location, and Kamakshi Amman of Kanchi Kamakshi temple is considered the consort of Lord Shiva in this temple.
• The temple has shrines for Vinayaga and Nagas.
• The walls around the sanctum are adorned with beautiful sculptures of various deities including Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Bikshadana, Gaja Samhara Murthy, Kala Samhara Moorthy, and more.
• The four corners of the sanctum walls feature standing horned lions (Vyala) and Dvarapalas.
• The griva portion of the vimana contains sculptures of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, and Brahma.
• Friezes of Bhootha Gana can be seen on top of the walls.
• The temple’s sacred tank is known as Swetha Kulam.

Century/Period/Age

700 – 729 CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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