Konerikuppam Kanaka Durga Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Konerikuppam Kanaka Durga Temple, Konerikuppam, Kanchipuram Taluk, Kanchipuram District – 631561.

Deity

Amman: Kanaka Durga

Introduction

Deity:

• Presiding Deity: Kanaka Durga, considered the guardian deity of Kanchipuram.
• Idol Description:
  • The idol is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) representation of the goddess in a sitting posture, with her left leg on the buffalo representing Mahishasura, and her right leg on the ground.
  • A lion is depicted on her right side, with a demon on her left. She holds various symbols of power: chakra, shanga (conch), trisula (trident), umbrella, bow, shield, pasa (noose), sword, and arrow.

Location:

• Situated in Konerikuppam, an outskirt of Kanchipuram City, Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple faces east with an entrance arch on the southern side adorned with stucco images of Goddess Durga, flanked by Vinayaga and Lord Murugan with his consorts.
• The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of the sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, and Mukha Mandapam.
• Surrounding the sanctum walls are Koshta idols of Vaishnavi, Brahmi, Kaumari, Varahi, and Maheshwari.
• The Utsava idol of Kanaka Durga is housed in a separate east-facing shrine next to the sanctum.
• The temple premises also feature shrines for Ishta Siddhi Vinayaga and Ashta Lakshmi, where devotees can worship various forms of the goddess.
• A Putru Koil (Shrine for the Goddess) can be found at the eastern end, along with a Snake Pit housing the head of the goddess and a Naga idol.

Special Features:

• The temple includes a Thiruvilakku Mandapam next to the Ishta Siddhi Vinayaga Shrine, where devotees light Deepas (lamps) during Rahu Kala Pooja.
• A Navagraha Mandapam houses all the Navagrahas, with stucco images of Surya in a chariot surrounded by other planetary deities.

Century/Period/Age

19th Century.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Konerikuppam

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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