Kasi Viswanathar Temple

Overview

The temple is located in Pazhanganatham and is dedicated to God Shiva. The God is found in the form of a Lingam. It is small and is in a lying down posture.

About the temple

In this temple, Goddess Visalakshi is in a standing position on the stage (avudayar) of the linga and is known as Muppeda Nayaki. Those worshipping Kasi Viswanatha and Visalakshi are bound to enjoy a happy marital life. Lord Shiva is found in this temple in the form of air in Kalahasthi, so in the Pazhanganatham temple as the flame of the lamp in goddess sanctorum is ever shaking. Patanjali is the ruler for Rahu and Ketu. Those afflicted by the disadvantageous aspects of Rahu and Ketu are advised to worship Patanjali. Couple separated from each other gets united if they worship him with jasmine garlands. Devotees offer things to Patanjali equal to their weight, called Thulabaram. Those aspiring to perform yoga and meditation may sit under the Vilwa tree here facing north and they are sure to have enlightenment. They develop memory power, progress in education and aspire for wisdom. Yoga classes are conducted here each Sunday. Shiva Dakshinamurthy: Lord Shiva here is facing south as Dakshinamurthy with Japamala in the right hand, palm leaf in the left hand, Ganga in the head, the snake in the upper right hand and fire in the upper left hand while the seven Rishis (Saptha Rishis) standing before him. He is clad in tiger skin. Kanakadurga is found in this temple.

Legends and Stories

Legend has it that Lord Vishnu gave Meenakshi to lord Sundareswara in marriage and lord Brahmma conducted the wedding ceremony. Among those who had the luck of witnessing the function were Maharshis Patanjali and Vyakrapada. They were following the practice of taking their food only after viewing the dance of lord Shiva in Chidamabaram – Ponnambalam. As they were in Madurai then for the wedding, lord Shiva created the Ponnambalam and performed his dance. The Rishis enjoyed the dance and had their breakfast then. Then Patanjali sat under a tree in yoga. Pandya king Sadaya Vikrama Pandian constructed a temple in the spot with the ardent love of worshipping Kasi Viswanatha. As it could not be possible to visit Kasi each day for the worship, he constructed the temple here. He attained salvation happily. The lord is in lying pose in the temple. According to traditions, Shiva Lingas in tall and big size are known as standing, the middle size as sitting and the small ones are known as lying.

Festival

Maha sivarathiri

Offerings

People perform Poojas to Kanakadurga with yellow flowers during the Rahukala time on Tuesdays and Fridays (3.00 to 4.30 p.m) on Tuesdays and 10.30 to 12.00 a.m. on Fridays) for relief from debt burdens. They are blessed with wealth.

How to Reach Kavinpuram Devi Temple

The temple is situated near the Pazhanganatham bus stand. There are frequent town bus facilities from Madurai to Pazhanganatham. The nearest railway station is in Madurai. The nearest airport is in Madurai.

Temple Address