Ona Kantheswarar Temple

Overview

This Shivastalam is a small temple, to the West of the Ekambareswarar temple in Kanchipuram, located near the Sarvatheertham. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is closely associated with this shrine. The image above is that of Somaskandar at the Ekambareswarar temple. This is the 3rd of the 32 Tevara Stalams in the Tondai region of South India. Lord of the temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of saint Sundarar. This is the third temple in the Thondainadu region praised in Thevaram hymns.

About The Temple

Mother Kamakshi in Kancheepuram is omnipresent; hence there is no Ambica shrine in any Shiva temple in the place. So there is no Ambica shrine in Lord Ona Kantheswarar temple too. Lord Shiva appears in the temple as three Shiva Lingas. The hymns sung by saint Sundarar are available in the temple. It is the faith of the people that chanting these hymns would bless them with prosperity. After passing through the three tiers Rajagopuram, the devotees can have the rare darshan of three Lingas – Oneswarar, Kantheswarar and Jalandareswar in separate shrines. The devotee can also enjoy the darshan of Saint Sundarar and the Feet darshan of Lord in the Arthamandap. Lord Vayirudhari Vinayaka pours all the boons sought by the devotees. There is also Omkhara Vinayaka in the temple. Devotees place their ears close to Him to hear the sacred mantra Ohm, they say.

About The Deity

Onakandhan Dhali is one among the important Shiva temples in Kancheepuram considered the spiritual capital of Tamilnadu. Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthi in the temple.

Legend and Stories

Commanders of demon king Vanasura – Onan and Kanthan were the securities at his fort near a place called Puzhal. Onan found a swayambulinga in the place and performed severe penance doing abishek with his blood and secured many boons. Kanthan too found a Linga and was blessed with boons as reward of his impeccable bhakti. A third demon, Jalandeswararn was also lucky to find a Linga and got many boons from the Lord. Saint Sundarar who came to this place, found the Lingas buried in an open space. He was all praise of the demons for their devotion to Lord. To show the world that even demons were staunch Shiva devotees and to protect the three Lingas, the saint sang in praise of the Lord seeking funds to build a temple. Lord delayed His response to have more songs from the saint. He then showed a tamarind tree and disappeared. Sundarar saw the fruits of tree changing to gold. Sundarar used the gold and built this temple for the three Swayambu Shiva Lingas.

Festivals

Maha Shivrathri in February-March and Aipasi poornima-full moon day in October-November are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Devotees believe that chanting a song of Saint Sundarar would bring them prosperity. Performing special abisheks to Lord and Mother, devotees contribute what they can for the maintenance of the temple.

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest airport is at Chennai.

Railways

The nearest major railway station is at Kanchipuram.

Road

The nearest major bus terminal is at Kanchipuram.

Temple Address

Sri Ona Kantheswarar Temple,
Ona Kandhan Dhali,
Panchupettai,
Kancheepuram-631 502.