Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Ekambaranatha Shrine Street,

Kanchipuram District,

Tamil Nadu – 631502

Moolavar

Sri Thanthondreeswarar

Amman

Vandarkuzhali

Introduction

• Located in Kanchipuram City, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva, referred to as Thanthondreeswarar or Upamanneeswarar.
• Goddess is known as Vandarkuzhali.
• Also called Thanthondreesam, Upamaneesam, or Upamanneeswarar Temple.
• One of the 108 Shiva temples mentioned in the Kanchi Puranam.
• Situated on Ekambaranathar Sannathi Street in Periya Kanchipuram (Big Kanchipuram).

Puranic Significance

1. Construction and History
   • Built by Pallava King Mahendravarma I in the 7th Century CE.
   • Features sandstone sculptures, showcasing Pallava architecture.
   • The temple underwent renovations, altering its original form.
2. Legends
   • Upamanneeswarar:
     • Sage Upamanyu, son of Sage Vyagrapada, was brought up on Kamdhenu’s milk in Sage Vashishta’s ashram.
     • Discontented with ordinary cow’s milk, he performed penance at Kanchipuram.
     • Lord Shiva, initially appearing as Indra, finally manifested as Rishabaroodar, blessing Upamanyu with immortality and everlasting youth.
   • Thanthondreeswarar:
     • Lord Shiva manifested as a Swayambhu Linga (self-manifested) to grant salvation to all beings.
   • Krishna’s Visit:
     • Lord Krishna visited the temple to seek initiation from Sage Upamanyu and worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Temple Architecture and Features

• The temple faces east with an entrance arch adorned with a stucco image of six-armed Nataraja, flanked by two bulls.
• Nandi and Balipeedam are placed in front of the sanctum.
• The Sanctum Sanctorum includes:
  • Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, and Mukha Mandapam.

Deities

1. Main Deity:
   • Thanthondreeswarar/Upamanneeswarar in the form of a Swayambhu Lingam.
   • A Somaskanda panel is behind the Lingam.
   • Koshta idols: Vinayagar, Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga.
2. Mother Goddess:
   • Vandarkuzhali, housed in a separate shrine.
3. Other Shrines:
   • Vinayagar and Lord Murugan with consorts Valli and Devasena.

Special Features

• Seven sandstone sculptures on the Mukha Mandapam’s outer walls, attributed to the Pallava period.
• Sculptures depict characters from Mattavilasa Prahasana, a Sanskrit play written by Pallava King Mahendravarman I.
  • The play humorously critiques Kapalika and Pasupatha sects, Buddhists, and Jains.

Festivals

1. Major Festivals:
   • Somavaram (Mondays dedicated to Lord Shiva).
   • Karthigai Deepam.
   • Skanda Sashti.
   • Maha Shivaratri.
   • Annabishekam.
2. Monthly Observances:
   • Pradoshams.

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Century/Period

7ht century

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

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