Kanchipuram Sri Iravaatheeswarar (Mrithyunjeswarar) Temple

Address

Kanchipuram Sri Iravaatheeswarar (Mrithyunjeswarar) Temple Big Kamala Street, Melkathirpur, Periya Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502

Diety

Mrithyunjeswarar / Irava Sthanathu Iraivan / Iravaatheeswarar Amman: Kamakshi.

Introduction

Iravaatheeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Mrithyunjeswarar / Irava Sthanathu Iraivan / Iravaatheeswarar and Mother is called as Kamakshi. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam. The Temple is also called as Iravasthanam. The temple is situated in Big Kammala Street in Periya Kanchipuram.

Puranic Significance

This temple is believed to be built by Pallava Emperor Rajasimha Pallava (700 – 729 CE) based on the architectural style. The temple is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Iravaatheeswarar: As per legend, the sages did severe penance towards Lord Shiva requesting to grant immortality. Lord Shiva appeared before them and advised them to visit Kanchi. The Sages visited this site and installed the Shiva Lingam here. They performed intense penance and achieved their wish. Hence, the place came to be called as Iravasthanam and Lord came to be called as Iravaatheeswarar / Mrithyunjeswarar / Irava Sthanathu Iraivan (Irava – Immortal, Sthanathu – place, Iraivan – God, place of Lord granting immortality). Swetha Kulam: Sweta, a grandson of Sage Salangaya, attained immortality after worshiping Lord Shiva of this temple. The temple tank, Swetha Kulam is named after him. It is also believed that he attained the post of Shiv Gana after praying to Lord Shiva in this temple. Sage Markandeya installed Shiva Linga here: Sage Markandeya destined to die at the age of 16, conquered Yama, the God of death and his age is still 16 only. It is believed that the sage Markandeya installed the Shiva Linga and worshipped Lord Shiva.

Beliefs

Those who worship Lord Shiva here would be blessed with long and happy life. Devotees have to perform Mrityunjaya Homam to increase life span, to get relief from Abhaya Mrithyu Dosha (uncertain death) and to get rid of poverty. This temple is considered as the place for celebrating Sashti Aptha Poorthi, Bheemaratha Shanti and Sadabishekams for elders.

Special Features

This temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch but there is another entrance on the west side with a two tiered Rajagopuram. The temple is situated at about 3 feet below ground level. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. Nandi head is facing towards north side and housed under a Mandapam. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and 16 pillared Mahamandapam and a frontal porch on the southern side. The Maha Mandapam and frontal porch are of later additions. The Mahamandapam can be accessed from south through steps on east and west side. Presiding Deity is called as Mrithyunjeswarar / Irava Sthanathu Iraivan / Iravaatheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Somaskanda panel can be found on the wall behind Lingam. The Vimana over the sanctum is of two tiers and follows Nagara style architecture. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. Kamakshi Amman of Kanchi Kamakshi temple is considered as the consort of Lord Shiva. There are shrines for Vinayaga and Nagas in the temple premises. The wall around the sanctum are adorned with sculptures of Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Bikshadana, Lord Shiva in Viruchika Karna, Gaja Samhara Murthy, Jalandhara Samhara Moorthy, Gangadhara, Kala Samhara Moorthy, Durga, Sukhasana Moorthy and several other miniature sculptures of pantheon. The four corners of the sanctum walls have the standing horned lions (Vyala) and Dvarapalas. The griva portion of the vimana has the sculptures of Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Vishnu and Brahma. Friezes of Bhootha Gana can be found on top of the walls. Theertham associated with this temple is Swetha Kulam.