Somangalam Sri Somanatheswarar Temple (Chandran Sthalam), Kanchipuram

Address

Somangalam Sri Somanatheswarar Temple (Chandran Sthalam), Somangalam, Kanchipuram District- 602109.

Diety

Sri Somanatheswarar Amman: Shakti as Kamakshi

Introduction

The Somanatheswarar Temple in Somangalam, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, is a significant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Somanatheswarar, and Goddess Kamakshi Amman

Puranic Significance

Historical and Mythological Significance:

Somangalam is an ancient village that has been in existence for over a thousand years, with historical connections to the Chola dynasty.
The village was known by various names, such as Rajashikhamani Chaturvedimangalam and Panchanadivana Chaturvedimangalam, indicating that it was populated by scholars knowledgeable in the four Vedas.
The temple is believed to have been built by Kulothunga Chozha in 1073 AD during his third year of reign.

Dedication to Chandran (Moon God):

The Somanatheswarar Temple is one of the Navagraha temples around Chennai dedicated to Chandra Bhagavan (Moon God).
Legend has it that Lord Chandra was once cursed by Dakshan, resulting in the loss of his divine power and knowledge of the 16 forms of arts. To remove this curse, he created a sacred pond called Soma Theertham.
After bathing in Soma Theertham and worshiping Lord Shiva at this temple, Lord Chandra regained his beauty and wisdom, and the temple came to be known as Somangalam.
The temple serves as a parihara sthalam (remedial shrine) for those with doshas (afflictions) related to Chandra Bhagavan.

Special Features

Unique Features:

Inside the main sanctum, there is a unique statue of Lord Muruga in his Brahma Sastha form, holding Gindi in one hand and Aksha Mala in the other.
There is a separate shrine for Chandra (Moon God) facing west, and it is believed to have unique powers to alleviate the problems related to Chandra Dosha.
The temple’s outer praharam houses idols of Saptha Mathas, with Jeshta Devi, the Ambal of Lord Saturn, being one of them.

Shrines and Deities:

The main deity of the temple is Somanatheswarar, and the Divine Mother is Kamakshi Amman.
There are separate sannidhis (sanctums) for Chandran and Suryan (Sun God) flanking the temple gate.
The temple has an imposing Sannidhi of Kamakshi Devi facing south.
Nandhi, the sacred bull, faces east outside the main Sannidhi.

Theerthams (Holy Ponds):

Soma Theertham (Vinai Theerthan Kulam), created by Lord Chandra, is located about half a kilometer to the west of the temple. It is believed to be a pond that eliminates bad karmas.
Sandeeswarar Theertham, created by Sri Sandikeswarar, is adjacent to the temple.

Chola-Era Sculptures:

The temple walls feature sculptures and inscriptions from the Chola era.
The carvings of the vahanams (mounts) of deities can be seen on the pedestals.
Notable carvings include those of Dakshinamurti and Durga as Mahishasuramardhini.

The Somanatheswarar Temple is not only a place of religious significance but also an architectural marvel that preserves the rich history and mythology associated with Lord Shiva and Lord Chandra. It is a place of worship, pilgrimage, and remedial rituals for devotees seeking blessings and solutions to astrological afflictions related to Chandra Bhagavan.