Konerikuppam Rudrakoteeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Konerikuppam Rudrakoteeswarar Temple, Konerikuppam, Kanchipuram District – 631 561 Mobile: +91 94427 21596

Deity

Rudrakoteeswarar Amman: Kamakshi.

Introduction

Deity:

• Presiding deity: Rudrakoteeswarar (Shiva).
• Goddess: Kamakshi (represented by the Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram).

Location:

• Situated in Konerikuppam, an outskirt of Kanchipuram City, Tamil Nadu.
• Approximately 1 km from Kanchipuram Railway Station, 2 km from Kanchipuram Bus Stand, and 60 km from Chennai Airport.
• Close to the Kanaga Durga Amman Temple.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is believed to be 1000 years old, built during the Pallava era and later reconstructed by the Vijayanagara rulers.
• One crore Rudras are said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here, giving him the name Rudrakoteeswarar.
• Arjuna and Lord Indra are believed to have worshipped Shiva here, with their installed Lingams still present.
• Lord Shiva is believed to perform meditation at this temple daily, and locals have reported seeing a sage meditating here.
• A snake is said to visit in the evenings, wrapping itself around the Lingam as an act of worship.

Special Features:

• The temple faces east, with an entrance arch on the south featuring a stucco image of Rishabaroodar.
• The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of a sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, and an open Mukha Mandapam.
• Balipeedam and Nandi are situated in the Mukha Mandapam.
• The Vimana over the sanctum is in Vesara style architecture and is single-tiered.
• The temple lacks separate Koshta idols, and there is no shrine for Parvathi, as Kamakshi of the Kanchipuram Kamakshi Temple is regarded as the Parvathi shrine for all Shiva temples in the region.
• A Vinayagar idol is located amidst Naga idols under a Peepal tree.
• The temple features a unique sculpture of a couple in worshipping postures and shrines for Vinayagar, Murugan, Pasupatheeswarar, Chandikeswarar, and a Lingam worshipped by Indra.

Festivals:

• All Shiva-related festivals are celebrated, with Masi Magam being a major event.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanaga Durga Amman

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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