Kanchipuram Sri Muktheeswarar Temple (Garudesam)

Address

Sri Muktheeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram Kanchipuram – 631 501 Mobile: +91 96009 99761

Deity

Sri Muktheeswarar

Introduction

• Location: Kanchipuram City, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• Alternate Name: Kanchi Muktheeswaram.
• Nearby Landmark: Located near Vazhakkuraitheeswar Temple.
• Historical Significance: Part of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam.

Puranic Significance

• Thiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar:
  • One of the 63 Nayanars (ardent devotees of Lord Shiva).
  • His life is recorded in Periya Puranam, Thiruthondar Anthadi, and Thiruthondar Thogai.
  • Known for serving Shiva devotees by reading their facial expressions and understanding their needs.
  • Born in a Vannar family in Kanchipuram, he was devoted to Shiva and provided laundry services for Shiva devotees.
  • Through trials, he earned salvation from Lord Shiva and is commemorated with a puja during the Tamil month of Chithirai on the nakshatra of Swathi.
• Garudeswarar:
  • Connected to the legend of Sage Kashyapa and his wives Vinata and Kadru.
  • Vinata’s sons were Aruna (the charioteer of Surya) and Garuda.
  • Garuda waged war against gods to retrieve Amrita for his mother and later worshipped a Shiva Linga, now known as Garudeswarar.

Beliefs

• Prayers for removing obstacles in marriage.
• Prayers for excellence in education.
• Prayers for wealth and prosperity.

Special Features

• Age: Believed to be over 1500 years old.
• Architecture:
  • East-facing temple with a three-tiered Rajagopuram on the western side.
  • Sanctum Sanctorum includes the Sanctum, Artha Mandapam, and Mukha Mandapam.
  • Nandi and Bali Peedam located before Mukha Mandapam, facing the sanctum.
  • Sanctum situated about three feet below ground level.
• Deity:
  • Muktheeswarar (Shiva) is worshipped as a Lingam with Swarna Rekha.
  • Kamakshi Amman is considered the consort of Lord Shiva.
• Other Shrines: Dedicated to Murugan (with consorts Valli & Devasena), Vinayaga, Garudeswarar, Kala Bhairavar, Saneeswarar, Navagrahas, Suryan, Naalvar, and Thiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar.
• Theertham: Shiva Theertham, located in front of the sanctum.

Festivals

• Chithirai Month: Birthday celebration of Tiru Kurippu Thonda Nayanar.
• Twin Pradoshams: Observed at Garudeswarar Shrine and the Sanctum.
• Major Festivals:
  • Maha Shivaratri
  • Margazhi Thiruvadhirai

Century/Period/Age

1500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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