Sri Kanchi Anekadhangavadeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Sri Kanchi Anekadhangavadeswarar Temple, Anekadangavadham, Kancheepuram- 631501 Phone: +91- 44 – 2722 2084

Diety

Anrga thanga patheswarar Amman: Kamatchi

Introduction

Tirukkachingam Anekapatavarangam Annekeswarar temple is a thirteen edition of the song by Sundararam Devarama in Kanchipuram. There are two songs in the name of a lot of devotional songs. One is to go to the Gorigukuntam on the way to Haridwar-Kedarnath in North India. The other in Kancheepuram. The name of the temple is given by the name of most of the devotees in the north.The temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of Saint Sundarar. He describes the place as one inhabited by enlightened souls, bright with sunlight and playground of nightingales with their pairs, where Lord Anekadangavatha Easwara graces in the holy city of Kanchi. This is the 4th shrine in Thondaimandalam region praised in Thevaram hymns. Theertham : Thanu theertham Agamam / Pooja : Kameeka

Puranic Significance

Maharshi Mareechi, while bathing in a lotus tank, found a female child on the leaves. He took the child and brought her up. He named her Vallaba. She was a staunch Shiva devotee. She was abducted by demon Kesi. She prayed to Lord Shiva to come to her rescue. Lord Shiva wanted to send Vinayaka to protect her. Ambica requested Lord to bless Vinayaka with victory in the war against the demon. Lord said that He would be victorious if he worships in this land. Lord Vinayaka followed the advice and installed the Linga. Demon was destroyed and Vallaba rescued. Lord Shiva and Mother performed the wedding of Vinayaka with Vallaba here.

Beliefs

Devotees pray for removal of obstacles in marriage proposals and for promotion in jobs. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and offer vastras.

Special Features

Though Lord Vinayaka held the hands of Mother Vallabha in this place in marriage, He is in a shrine alone. Those facing problems in marriage proposals pray to him offering Arugampul – grass – with nivedhanas hoping to have their wish realized early. This is a small temple with the sanctum sanctorum with one corridor-prakara. Main entrance is in northern side. The temple has no Rajagopuram. Lord Vinayaka graces in a big form from a separate shrine in the name of Peria (big) Vinayaka.