Keela Chintamani Kasi Viswanathar Temple – Trichy

Address

Keela Chintamani Kasi Viswanathar Temple – Trichy

Anna Salai, East Chinthamani,

Trichy district,

Tamil Nadu 620002

Moolavar

Kasi Viswanathar

Amman

Visalakshi.

Introduction

Location:

• The Kasi Viswanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in the Keela Chintamani locality in Trichy City, Tamil Nadu.
• The temple is situated on Big Bazar Street, about 2.5 km from the Trichy Fort Railway Station and 10 km from the Trichy Airport.

Deity:

• The presiding deity is Kasi Viswanathar, and the mother goddess is Visalakshi.
• The temple is part of the Panchalinga group, housing five distinct Shivalingas, each paired with a consort.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple has a historical and mythological connection to Vibheeshana, the brother of Ravana. After joining Lord Rama’s side in the battle against Ravana, Vibheeshana attempted to bring the Athma Linga (soul of Lord Shiva) from Kasi to the battlefield.
• On his journey, Vibheeshana stopped at the Uchi Pillayar Temple in Trichy to worship Lord Vinayaka. He placed the Athma Linga on the ground, and when he couldn’t lift it again, he built a temple on the banks of the Cauvery River where the linga remained.
• The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old, though much of its history was lost due to flooding from the river. The temple’s side wall is built inside the river, and during floods, water washes against the temple walls.

Beliefs:

• Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings for removal of obstacles in marriage alliances, child boon, and success in education.
• Abhishekam (ritual bathing) with new clothes is a common prayer commitment by devotees.

Special Features:

• The temple is known as a Panchalinga Temple, as it houses five Shivalingas:
  • Kasi Viswanathar – Visalakshi
  • Vaidyanathar – Thaiyalnayaki
  • Ekambareswarar – Kanchi Kamakshi
  • Meenakshi – Sundareswarar
  • Jambukeswarar – Akilandeswari
• The temple’s sanctum sanctorum is a small space, measuring just 5×3 feet. Devotees have to bend to see the deity, symbolizing humility before God.
• The temple also has a shrine for the Holy Ganga and shrines for the Navagrahas (nine planets), Lord Vishnu, and Mother Durga.
• The river Cauvery flows against the temple’s side wall, especially during floods.

Festivals:

• Major festivals celebrated include:
  • Chitra Poornima (April-May)
  • Vaikasi Visakam (May-June)
  • Navaratri (September-October)
  • Deepavali (October-November)
  • Thai Poosam (January-February)
  • Panguni Uthiram (March-April)

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/09/kasi-viswanathar-temple-keela-chintamani-trichy.html

Century/Period

1500 years old.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Keela Chintamani

Nearest Railway Station

Trichy Fort

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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