Punya Koteeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Punya Koteeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram town, Kanchipuram District – 631 501 Mobile: +91 94430 17720

Deity

Punya Koteeswarar Amman: Bhuvaneshwari

Introduction

The Punya Koteeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Kanchipuram City, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity, Punya Koteeswarar, and Goddess Bhuvaneshwari are revered by devotees who visit this ancient and significant temple. It is one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in the sacred text, Kanchi Puranam, and is also known as Punniyakodeesam. The temple is situated close to the renowned Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple.

Puranic Significance

Built by Chola King Rajaraja Chola III: The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 13th century CE during the Chola dynasty.
Gajendra Moksha Legend:
The temple is associated with the story of Gajendra, the elephant, who prayed to Lord Vishnu for salvation when attacked by a crocodile. After saving Gajendra, Lord Vishnu visited Kanchipuram and worshiped Lord Shiva at this temple to receive blessings.
Blessings from Multiplying Punya:
It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva here after bathing in the temple tank, Chakra Theertham, multiplies one’s punya (spiritual merit), which led to Lord Shiva being called Punya Koteeswarar and the place known as Punniyakodeesam.
Lord Vishnu as a Cloud:
A unique legend states that Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple in the form of a cloud.

Temple Features

Temple Layout:
The east-facing temple is built around a temple tank, with a sideway entrance. Key structures include:
- Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam, and Nandi in the Mukha Mandapam, all aligned with the sanctum.
- The sanctum consists of the Mukha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam, and Sanctum.
Deities and Shrines:
- Lord Shiva (Punya Koteeswarar): Housed in a Lingam form in the sanctum.
- Mother Bhuvaneshwari: Resides in a separate east-facing shrine.
- Koshta Idols: Vinayaga, Medha Dakshinamoorthy, Brahma, Vishnu, and Vishnu Durga adorn the sanctum walls.
- Additional Shrines: Vinayaga, Murugan (with consorts Valli and Deivanai), Navagrahas, Bhairava, Sapta Matrikas, Kailasanathar, Hanuman, and Krishna.
- Chandikeswarar Shrine: Located in its traditional position.
Unique Sculptures:
The pillars feature intricate carvings of Narasimha emerging from the pillar, Urdhava Thandava Moorthy, and several dance postures of Lord Shiva.
Sthala Vriksham and Theertham:
- Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Vilwa tree.
- Theertham (Sacred Tank): Chakra Theertham, revered for its spiritual significance.

Festivals

Arudhra Darshan: Celebrated in reverence to Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance form, Nataraja.
Skanda Sashti: A grand festival honoring Lord Murugan, celebrated with great enthusiasm.