Kumarakottam Subramaniya Swāmi Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Kumarakottam Subramaniya Swāmi Temple, Kanchipuram

Merku raja street, Kumarakottam,

Periya Kanchipuram,

Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu 631502

Moolavar

Subramaniya Swāmi

Amman

Valli and Devasena

Introduction

Location and Overview:

1. Located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, one of India’s seven sacred cities (moksha-puris).
2. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Subramanyam Swamy, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
3. Rebuilt in its present form in 1915; believed to be over 1500 years old.
4. Known for its Chola period architecture and cultural significance.

Puranic Significance:

5. Kanda Puranam Creation:
   • Saint Kachiappa Sivachariyar composed the Tamil version of Skanda Purana here.
   • Legend says Lord Muruga corrected and blessed the manuscript personally.
6. Muruga as Brahma-Shasta:
   • Muruga imprisoned Brahma for not knowing the meaning of “OM” and took over the creation duties.
   • He is depicted with Rudraksha beads and a kamandalu in this temple.
7. Muruga Worshipping Shiva:
   • To atone for imprisoning Brahma, Muruga worshipped Lord Shiva as Senapateeswarar, represented by a Shiva Linga in the temple.
8. Muruga Guiding Pamban Swamigal:
   • Lord Muruga, in the guise of a boy, guided Pamban Swamigal to this temple.
9. Vishnu Shrine:
   • Separate shrine for Vishnu (Ullam Urugum Perumal), associated with a flood legend and Sage Markandeya.

Special Features:

10. The central idol of Murugan as Brahma-Shasta is a unique depiction.
11. Other deities include Shiva (Arunachaleswarar), Vishnu, and Navagrahas, among others.
12. Mandapa where Kanda Puranam was composed is still preserved.
13. The temple’s architecture includes two prakarams, a circular dome (Chakra Vimanam), and inscriptions.
14. Inner sanctum houses Lord Muruga in a standing posture with two arms.

Festivals:

15. Kandha Sashti: Celebrated in November, marking Murugan’s victory over demons.
16. Karthigai Deepam: Held in November-December with large-scale lighting of lamps.
17. Monthly Kruthigai star days attract devotees.
18. Daily worship performed six times with elaborate rituals.

Sub-Shrines and Idols:

19. Sub-shrines for Ganesha, Palani Andavar, Vishnu, and others.
20. Utsava idols include Arumugam with consorts, Nava Veeras, and Somaskanda.
21. Idols of Pamban Swamigal, Kachiappa Sivachariyar, and Ramalinga Adigal are present.

Significance:

22. The temple is integral to Kanchipuram’s spiritual heritage, with all local deities passing it during festival processions.
23. Arunagirinathar composed the Thirupugazh hymn praising Lord Muruga here.

Century/Period

1000-2000 Years Old

Managed By

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchhipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram Junction

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

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