Kannivadi Sri Somalingaswami Temple, Dindigul

Address

Kannivadi Sri Somalingaswami Temple, Somalingapuram, Kannivadi, Dindigul district- 624 705. Phone: +91 99769 62536

Diety

Sri Sholingaswami

Introduction

Sri Somalingaswami Temple is situated in the tiny village known as Somalingapuram, Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu in South India. The principal deity of this temple is Sholingaswami (Lord Shiva). The holy tree of this temple is Vilwa. The holy water of this temple is Vedhi theertham. The agamam or pooja of this temple is called as Kameeyam. This temple is about 1000-2000 years old in this region. The historical name of this spot is Somalingapuram.

Puranic Significance

Great Siddhas, Meikandar, Kundalini Siddha, Vazhayanandar, Mukthanandar and others gathered here to perform penance seeking Lord Shiva’s darshan. They installed a Shivalinga here. Lord Shiva granted their wish and stayed here and was named Somalingaswami. The temple is situated at the foothill of Harikesa Parvatha hills. The shape of the hill resembles a Shivalinga and that Adishesha is holding an umbrella for the Lord. It is a small temple near a rock. Special pujas are performed on Pradosham, Amavasya, Poornima and Shivrathri days. Sacred spring Veda Theertha, created by sage Agasthya is near the temple containing many herbal properties curing severe stomach pain. Behind the Somalingaswami shrine is the cave where Saint Meikandar performed penance. It is a natural formation. Devotees pray here to realize mental control and the blessings of Lord Shiva and the Siddhas. There are also caves in different parts of hill where other three Siddhas performed penance. Bogar, who made the Navapashana idol of Lord Muruga in Palani also performed penance here. He sought a virgin of perfect fitness (Anga Lakshanas) for his Gowri Puja. Konganar and Karuvurar Siddhar could not find a virgin of the description of Bogar and therefore, they made a statue and gave it life and took it to Bogar. Bogar, with his spiritual wisdom and power found the truth and called the stone-turned virgin ‘Kal Nee Vadi’ – Kal-stone, Nee-you, Vadi-come. “You stone come.” The two siddhas sought the pardon of Bogar which he obliged. Based on this, the place is called Kannivadi. Kanni-virgin. Later it changed as Kannivadi according to an ancient book titled Jalathirattu.

Beliefs

People pray for relief from the follow-ups of the bad effects of the past birth, for removal of obstacle in marriage talks and women pray for the safety of their mangal sutras and longevity of husbands. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform abishek to Lord.

Special Features

The temple is situated at the foot hill of Harikesha Parvatham. The shape of the hill is such that it looks as if the divine snake Adishesha is holding an umbrella and it also looks like a Shivalinga. Lord Vinayaka graces under Neem and Vilwa trees with Nandhi the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva before Him. There is no Goddess or other sub-deities in the temple.

Festivals

Shivrathri in February-March, Chitra Poornima in April-May, Aadi Amavasya-new moon day in July-August, Annabishekam in October-November, Tirukarthikai in November-December and all Pradosham days falling on the 13th day from new moon or full moon days are the festivals celebrated in the temple.