Tiruvadisoolam Sri Gnanapureeswarar Temple, Kancheepuram

Address

Tiruvadisoolam Sri Gnanapureeswarar Temple, Tiruvadisoolam, Via Sempakkam,Chengalpattu Taluk Kancheepuram District,PIN 603108

Diety

Idaichuranathar, Gnanapureeswarar , Amman: Govardhanambikai, Imayamadakodi.

Introduction

The temple is said to have been built in 7th Century.This place is in a beautiful location in the midst of hills and so it gets the name Idai-churam (“Idai” meaning – in between and “churam” meaning hills and forests). This temple is under the purview of Thirukkazhukkundram Sri Vedagireeswarar Devasthanam.The temple is praised by Saint Tirugnana Sambandar in his Thevaram hymns. Thala Virutcham : Vilwa Theertham : Madhura Theertham Agamam / Pooja : Shivagama

Puranic Significance

In days of yore, the region was a jungle dense with Vilwa trees. Of the many cows grazing here, one did not yield sufficient milk as expected. The shepherd observed the cow’s movements and found it pouring its milk among thick bushes. He informed the people of the village. They cleared the bush and found a Maragatha Swayambu Linga. They understood that Ambica was the cow giving the wisdom milk. They built the temple here, naming Lord Gnanapureeswarar and Mother Govardhanambikai. Devotees pray here for good education and wisdom. Generally, we see Mother Ambica with Her feet close together. Here, Ambica has one foot backward and one forward as if a in walking posture. Lord Shiva once set out to help child saint Tirugnanasambandar who was tired then. When Ambica too joined Him, Lord asked Her to be back as any child would recognize the Mother who fed it. He will easily recognize both. Lord simply wanted to go alone. As Ambica was ready to accompany the Lord, She is seen ready to go walking with Lord, it is described. Those with disfigured legs pray to Ambica. Saint Tirugnanasambandar, during his pilgrimage to Shiva temples felt terribly hungry and tired while passing through this place. As it was noon time, Sun too was hot. He sat under a tree for rest. A shepherd wearing a loin cloth and holding a small stick came to the place. He offered a pot of curd to Sambandar to quench his hunger and asked him who he was. Sambandar told the shepherd that He was visiting Shiva temples. The boy told the saint that there was Shiva in that place too and compelled him to sing His praise. Sambandar had his own doubt about the shepherd as He was very handsome. Saint followed the boy who stopped near a tank, smiled and disappeared. Lord Shiva granted darshan as a shepherd. Lord came to the saint on his way and left on the way -Idai in Tamil. Hence, Lord is praised as Idai Suranathar. Sambandar sang a Pathigam-10 verses in praise of Lord.

Beliefs

Devotees pray here for cure from diseases and for a good looking appearance. Those facing delays in wedding proposals and concerned with the welfare of children pray to the sacred tree offering vastras and yellow thread. Devotees offer abishek to Lord with honey.

Special Features

Three trees, Vilwa, Neem (Vembu) and Banyan are touching close together believed to represent Lord Shiva, Mother Ambica and Lord Vinayaka. Worshipping the trees will ensure unity in family and those separated will have a re-union. The tank from where Lord Shiva disappeared still exists. There are shrines for Varasiddhi Vinayaka, Lord Brahmmandeswarar and Mother Brahmmandeswari.

Festivals

Chitra poornima in April-May; Wedding festival along with Panguni Uthiram in March-April and Bangle festival (Valaikappu) for Mother on Aadi Pooram in July-August are the festivals celebrated in the temple.