Satyanathaswami Temple

Overview

The local name of the temple is Sathyanadheshwara temple but the old name is Kaarikadu thirunatheeshwara. It has been sung about by Gnanasambandar and it is a Navagraha sthalam for Mercury (Budhan).This sivasthalam temple is located in the north-eastern part of Kancheepuram in the locality known as Tirukaalimedu. The road opposite to Kancheepuram Head Post Office leads you to Tirukaalimedu.The temple is situated in Vishnu Kanchi and to reach this temple first ask for the Kanchipuram GPO this is in the north east part of Chinna kanchipuram .Opposite to this is the Tirukallimedu road follow this road which parallels a huge drain /sewer and after 2 kms take a left turn and you will come in front of the temple. Saint Tirugnanasambandar has praised the temple in his Thearam hymns. This the 5th shrine in Thondaimandalam region praised in Thevaram. The temple has a three tier Rajagopuram-main tower.

About The Deity

Lord Shiva is facing west as a swayambumurthy. As Mother Kamakshi is the common Ambica for all Shiva temples in Kancheepuram, many Shiva temples do not have a shrine for Goddess. Yet in this temple, Mother has a place in the sanctum sanctorum with Lord Shiva as procession deity facing south. Though a procession deity, all pujas performed to Lord are equally offered to Ambica. On festival days, Mother is not taken out from the sanctum in procession.

Generally, Lord Dakshinamurthy appears with four disciples – Sanaka, Sanantana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara. The Lord is different in this temple with seven disciples granting all wisdom and knowledge to devotees.

Lord Satyanathaswami appears slightly pink in colour. Mother is also known as Kararkuzhali. Nandhi’s – bull vehicle of Lord Shiva – neck alone is south turned. There is an entrance before Nandhi. Budha-Mercury graces in the prakara with Indira nearby.

Chandra-Moon was learning under his Guru Jupiter. He developed a desire on Dhara, his Guru Patni-wife. He once conducted a Yagna dedicated to Lord Vishnu seeking His grace. Jupiter attended the Yagna with his wife Dhara as Moon’s Guru. Moon allured Dhara and made her stay with him. Budh-Mercury was born to Moon and Dhara.

Jupiter prayed to Lord Shiva and took back Dhara. Budha was brought up by Chandra-Moon. When he grew older, Budha was pained to learn the nature of his birth and took to penance. He came to this temple and begged Lord Satyanathaswami to give him a place among the planets. Lord appeared before him and assured that he would get the place at an appropriate time. Budha-Mercury is in a shrine in the prakara south of the Lord.

Legend and Stories

Indira, the king of Devas had a boon to take to any form. His eyes fell on Akalya, wife of Maharshi Gautama. He took the form of a cock and cried near the hermitage of the Rishi indicating the dawn of the day. Rishi set out in the belief that the day is dawn. Waiting for such a chance, Indira immediately took the form of Maharsi, entered the Ashram and behaved with Akalya as Rishi himself.

However, sensing something wrong, Maharsi Gautama returned to the Ashram and saw Indira escaping as a cat. He cursed him to have eyes throughout the body and also Akalya to become a rock.

Indira wandered in earth praying to Lord Shiva in many places seeking relief. He saw Lord Shiva among the Karai bushes in this place, worshipped Him in a touching manner and got his relief from the curse. Lord assumed the name Karai Tirunathar following this event.

Festivals

Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January, Mahashivrathri in February-March and Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Lord Shiva grants all boons to the devotees. On Wednesdays, devotees bathe in the Theertha, offer green vastras to planet Budha-Mercury, offer green pulse as nivedhana and worship Him as Gnanakaraka – Wisdom Giver- for achieving excellence in education, proficiency in language skills, eloquence and for removal of any ill effect. Devotees offer vastras to Lord with abishek, archanas and nivedhanas.

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest airport is at Chennai.

Railways

The nearest major railway station is at Kanchipuram.

Road

Bus facilities from Kancheepuram are available.

Temple Address