Tirukandiyur Sri Brahmasirakandeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Tirukandiyur Sri Brahmasirakandeeswarar Temple, Tiruvaiyaru Taluk, Thanjavur district, PIN 613202 PH:04362-262222

Deity

Brahmasirakandeesar Amman: Mangalanayagi

Introduction

Kandeeswarar Temple (also called Brahmakandeeswarar temple and Veerataneeswarar temple) is dedicated to the god Shiva located in Kandiyur also known as Thirukkandiyur or Tirukkandiyur, near Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Kandeeswarar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Mangalanayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. As per legends, Shiva is believed to have destroyed eight different demons and the eight Ashta Veeratanam temples are built signifying each of his victories in the war. The temple is one of the eight where Shiva is believed to have removed one of the five heads of Brahma. Thala Virutcham : Vilvam (Bael Tree Theertham : Nandi Theertham, Kudamurutti, Daksa Theertham, Brahma Theertham

Puranic Significance

The temple holds great mythological importance, primarily centered around Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Shiva and Brahma – The Story of the Fifth Head

• According to Hindu legend, both Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma originally had five heads.
• Once, Goddess Parvati mistakenly performed Patha Pooja (ritual ablution of feet) to Brahma instead of Shiva.
• Enraged by this, Shiva cut off one of Brahma’s heads.
• However, due to Brahma’s curse, the severed head got stuck in Shiva’s hand, leading to a grave Brahma Hatya Dosha (sin of killing a Brahmin).

Shiva’s Redemption Through Vishnu

• In order to free himself from this sin, Shiva worshipped Lord Vishnu at different holy sites:
  1. At Thirukarambanur, as Bhikshatana, where he was partially relieved of the curse.
  2. At Thirukandiyur, where he took a holy dip in Kamala Pushkarani, completely ridding himself of the curse.
• Since Lord Vishnu absolved (Vimochana) Shiva (Hara) of his curse (Saabha), the temple is named “Hara Sabha Vimochana Perumal Temple”.
• The temple tank was thereafter called Kapala Theertham (Kapala meaning skull), marking the spot where Shiva’s curse was lifted.

Goddess Lakshmi’s Role

• Another legend states that Goddess Lakshmi felt that Vishnu would ignore her in favor of Brahma.
• She requested Shiva to remove one of Brahma’s heads to prevent Vishnu from showing excessive devotion toward Brahma.

Other Legends Associated with the Temple

• Sage Bhrigu: Once wanted to test the supremacy among Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
  • In his anger, he kicked Vishnu’s chest but later realized his mistake.
  • He attained relief from his sin by worshipping Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal at this temple.
• King Mahabali: Sought forgiveness for his past deeds and performed worship here.
• Chandra (Moon God): Was cursed for seducing the preceptor’s wife.
  • Worshipping Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal here granted him partial relief from the curse.

Beliefs

Devotees venerate this Lord to get free off “Brahmahathi” revile and to wind up delightful.Devotees can perform abhishekam to the Lord and Ambal, and adorn them with new clothes.

Special Features

Kandeeswarar has a five-tiered rajagopuram and a west-facing sanctum. The sanctum lies axil to the temple gateway and the flag staff, which is located after the gopuram in the second precinct. The shrine of Ambal is south facing and she is sported in standing posture. There are shrines of Vinayagar, Murugan with Valli & Deivanai, Mahalakshmi and Vishnu Durgai. The images of Brahma, Lingodhbhavar and Dakshinamurthy are located in the planks around the sanctum. The sanctum is guarded by Dvarapalas and the image of sage Sathapatha is depicted in the nearby wall. In the halls in the first precinct, there are images of Sapthastana lingas and Panchabhoota lingas. There are small images of Brahma and Saraswathi near the sanctum.The temple is one of few places where there is a separate shrine for Brahma.

Festivals

Aani Thirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July), Aadi Pooram in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-Aug), Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept),

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Tirukandiyur

Nearest Railway Station

Thanjavur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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