Padappai Sri Thazhuva Kozhundu Easwarar Temple, Kancheepuram

Address

Padappai Sri Thazhuva Kozhundu Easwarar Temple,

Padappai, Kancheepuram district,

Tamilnadu -601 301

Phone number: +91- 99414 37183.

Moolavar

Thazhuva Kuzhaindeeswarar

Amman

Kamakshi

Introduction

• Location: The Padappai Sri Thazhuva Kozhundu Easwarar Temple is located in Padappai, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deity: The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, known as Thazhuva Kozhundu Easwarar, and the goddess is Mother Kamakshi.
• Timings: The temple is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m..

Puranic Significance:

• Pallava King Nandi Varman: During the 7th century, Pallava King Nandi Varman renovated 108 Shiva temples simultaneously, including this temple. The consecration of these temples was completed in a single day.
• Moon’s Curse and Shiva’s Blessings:
  • Moon married 27 daughters of Daksha, but he favored Rohini over the others, causing distress among his wives. His father-in-law, Daksha, cursed Moon, causing his brightness to fade.
  • Seeking relief, Moon worshipped Lord Shiva at various places, including this temple, where he was blessed. As a result, the rays of the Sun fall on the presiding deity during the first 7 days of September.
• Mother Kamakshi’s Role:
  • Mother Kamakshi is enshrined in a separate shrine facing south. She is depicted as listening intently, as if hearing Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that praying to Mother Kamakshi strengthens the unity between couples.
• Sundarar’s Wedding:
  • Devotees seeking solutions to marriage-related issues follow the practice of tying a mangal sutra thread under the Magizha tree in the temple complex. This tradition originates from the marriage of Saint Sundarar and Sangili Nachiar under a Magizha tree at the Tiruvottriyur temple.
• Tirugnana Sambandar’s Hymns: The temple is mentioned in the hymns of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar, who praised Lord Vurddhagiriswarar while passing through this area. Hence, this temple is considered a Vaippu Thalam (one with a mention in Thevaram hymns).
• Lord Vinayaka’s Role: The temple’s Vinayaka is praised as Vettri Vinayaka, the Lord of success. He is depicted with an elephant as his vehicle instead of the traditional mouse. Special prayers are offered to Vettri Vinayaka on Mondays with white vastras.

Special Features:

• Sun’s Rays: The rays of the Sun fall directly on the presiding deity during the first 7 days of September.
• Lord Shiva’s Blessings: It is believed that Mother Parvathi, in a playful mood, closed Lord Shiva’s eyes, halting the activities of Earth. As a result, Lord Shiva cursed her to be born as a human and perform penance in Mangadu. She later made her way to Kancheepuram, and during her journey, she installed a Linga at this temple. This Linga became known as Thazhuva Kuzhainda Easwara, meaning “Lord pleased with embracing.”
• Additional Shrines: The temple features shrines dedicated to various deities:
  • Lord Veerabadra: Special prayers are offered on Shivaratri with sandal paste and betel leaves garlands.
  • Lord Bhairava: Special prayers are offered on new moon days and Ashtami.
  • Lord Sarabeswara: Devotees pray here for mental clarity, especially during Rahu Kalam (4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) on Sundays.
  • Lord Tiruvaleeswarar, Lord Kasi Viswanatha, and Lord Muruga are also enshrined in the temple.
• Guru Puja: The Tirugnana Sambandar Guru Puja is celebrated on the Vaikasi Moola Star day in May-June.

Belief:

• Marriage-related Prayers: Devotees, particularly virgins awaiting marriage and those separated from their husbands, pray here for solutions to marital problems. Upon the fulfillment of their wishes, devotees offer special abhishekam and prayers to Lord Thazhuva Kozhundu Easwarar and Mother Kamakshi, along with offerings of sweet pudding (Sarkarai Pongal) and vastras.

Festivals:

• Vaikasi Tirugnana Sambandar Guru Puja: Celebrated in May-June.
• Aadi Pooram: Celebrated in July-August.
• Navarathri: Celebrated in September-October.
• Mahashivaratri: Celebrated in February-March.
• Tirukarthikai: Celebrated in November-December.
• Wedding Festival: Celebrated during Panguni Uthiram in March-April.

References:

https://temple.dinamalar.com/new.php?id=228

Century/Period

7th century

Nearest Bus Station

Padappai

Nearest Railway Station

Urappakkam 

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

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