Pillaiyarpalayam Kayarohaneswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Pillaiyarpalayam Kayarohaneswarar Temple, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram town, Kanchipuram District – 631 501 Mobile: +91 88837 56914 / 99940 56438

Diety

Kayarohaneswarar Amman: Kamalambigai

Introduction

The Kayarohaneswarar Temple in Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is a significant and ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Location: The temple is situated in Pillaiyarpalayam, a part of Kanchipuram City in the Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu.

Presiding Deity: The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Kayarohaneswarar. His consort is known as Kamalambigai.

Guru Parihara Sthalam: This temple is renowned as a Guru Parihara Sthalam, making it a popular place for devotees seeking the blessings and remedies associated with Guru (Lord Jupiter).

Historical Significance:

The temple is believed to be around 1,000 years old, with the current complex possibly being built on the ruins of an ancient temple.
It is one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in the Kanchi Puranam, emphasizing its significance in the religious and historical context.

Legends and Beliefs:

The name “Kayarohaneswarar” is attributed to a legend in which Lord Shiva saved Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu from non-existence by embracing them in a cosmic dance.
The temple is associated with the Kaya Rohanam sect of Saivism, with historical connections to Gujarat. Chola Kings brought Brahmins from this sect to Kanchipuram and established them in three places, including this temple.
Lord Yama (the god of death) is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. As a result, Lord Shiva made him the guardian deity of the southern direction, with specific instructions to protect devotees who worship at this temple.

Significance for Devotees:

Devotees visit this temple, especially on Thursdays, to receive the blessings of Lord Guru and seek remedies to their problems.
It is believed that taking a bath in the Kaya Rohana Theertham (temple tank) can bring blessings of wealth and wisdom.
People also come to pray for child boon and to seek relief from marriage obstacles.

Temple Architecture:

The temple faces east and features an entrance arch with stucco images depicting Lord Shiva being worshipped by Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Mother Parvathi, and Guru Bhagavan.
The sanctum of Lord Kayarohaneswarar features a Lingam, and behind it is a Somaskanda panel flanked by Brahma and Vishnu. The temple also houses several Koshta idols of deities such as Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga.

Other Deities: The temple complex includes shrines dedicated to various deities, including Kamalambigai (the consort of Lord Shiva), Lord Subramanya, Karpaga Vinayagar, Suryan (Sun God), Bhairava, Mahalakshmi, Navagrahas (nine planetary deities), Nalvar (the four Tamil saints), Maviratha Lingas (six Lingas), Nagas (serpent deities), Chandran (Moon God), Ashta Lakshmi, and Balamurugan.

Festivals: The temple celebrates various festivals, including Shivaratri, Pradosham, Guru Peyarchi (transit of Jupiter), and Pournami (full moon), with great enthusiasm.

The Kayarohaneswarar Temple is not only a place of religious significance but also holds a special place in the hearts of devotees who visit seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva and Guru to alleviate their concerns and gain spiritual wisdom and wealth.