Pillaiyarpalayam Soleeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram district,

Tamil Nadu 631501

Moolavar

Soleeswarar/Samhara Bhairaveswarar

Amman

Kamakshi

Introduction

Soleeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Pillaiyarpalayam, a well-known locality in Kanchipuram City in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Soleeswarar / Samhara Bhairaveswarar and Mother is called as Kamakshi Amman. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in Kanchi Puranam. The Temple is also called as Vairavesam. The Temple is famous for its shrines for Ashta Bhairavas in Linga form.

Puranic Significance

The Temple was believed to be built by Pallavas in 8th Century CE and was extensively renovated by Cholas and Vijayanagara Kings.

As per legend, Lord Brahma arrogantly declared that he was the supreme creator of the universe and greatest among gods during a particular council of rishis (sages). Lord Shiva appeared at the assembly as an infinite pillar of light and challenged Brahma’s statement. After deliberation, the council accepted Shiva as the true creator, but Brahma remained obstinate. Angered by Brahma’s vanity, Lord Shiva took the form of terrifying Bhairava, cut off one head of the five-headed Brahma with a mere flick of his fingernail. As a consequence, Brahma died, but the spiritual credit he had accumulated over a lifetime of devout asceticism pulled him immediately back from death. Upon his resurrection, Brahma accepted Lord Shiva’s superiority. However, the head of Brahma stuck to Bhairava’s left palm due to the sin of killing Brahma. To expiate the sin, Shiva had to perform the vow of a Kapali (wandering the world as a naked beggar with the skull of the slain as his begging bowl). Lord Bhairava in this form is called as Bikshadana. Bhairava wandered the three worlds (heaven, earth, and netherworld) begging from door to door with a host of bhutas (goblins).

The women of the houses who came to grant him food became enamored by his appearance and followed him, singing and dancing. Wandering, Bikshadana reached the Deodar Forest (also called Daruka forest), where he shocked the sages with his lewdness and nudity and tempted their wives. Bikshadana made them realize his greatness after their confrontation. After the encounter with the sages of the Deodar Forest, Bikshadana continued to wander, visiting various countries of gods and demons before he finally reached the abode of the Lord Vishnu.

Beliefs

Devotees worships Ashta Bhairavas on Theipirai Ashtami day to get their wishes fulfilled

Special Features

This temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Lord Shiva and Parvathy with their respective mounts at their feet, flanked by Nandis. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the entrance arch facing the sanctum through window. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. The entrance to the sanctum is from southern side.

Vinayaga, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. 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 two Naga Idols having Nardana Krishna and Lord Shiva in the Idols can be seen in the prakaram.

There are shrines for Asitanga Bhairava (with a Swan mount), Ruru Bhairava (with Ox mount), Chanda Bhairava (with Peacock mount), Krodha Bhairava (with Eagle mount), Unmatha Bhairava (with Horse mount), Kapala Bhairava (with Elephant mount), Bhishma Bhairava (with Lion mount) and Samhara Bhairava (with Dog mount) in the temple premises.

All these eight Bhairavas are in the form of Shiva Lingams. These 8 Bhairavas are collectively called as Ashta Bhairavas. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Subramanya with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Surya, Navagrahas, Saptha Kannigais panel and Jyestha Devi with Manthan & Manthi in the temple premises.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/soleeswarar-temple-pillaiyarpalayam-kanchipuram.html