Sri Kachi Anekadhangavadeswarar temple

Overview

The temple is located in the North Western part of Kanchipuram. The fields in the vicinity are known as 'Aanaiyurittaan Vayal'.  This is the 3rd of the 32 Tevara Stalams in the Tondai region of South India. This sivasthalam temple is located 3 Kms northwest of Kancheepuram in the locality known as Pilliarpalayam. One has to take the road to Kailasanathar temple via Putheri Street. Before reaching Kailasanathar temple, there is big school on the way. The small lane adjacent to the school leads to the temple. The temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of Saint Sundarar.  He describes the place as one inhabited by enlightened souls, bright with sunlight and playground for nightingales, where Lord Anekadangavatha Easwara graces in the holy city of Kanchi. This is the 4th shrine in Thondaimandalam region praised in Thevaram hymns.

About the Temple

This is a small temple with the sanctum sanctorum with one corridor-prakara.  Main entrance is in northern side.  The temple has no Rajagopuram.  Lord Vinayaka graces in a big form from a separate shrine in the name of Peria (big) Vinayaka.

About The Deity

The presiding deity is Anekadangavatha Easwara. Legends hold that Kubera and Ganapati worshipped Shiva here.

Legend and Stories

Due to his righteous life in his previous birth, Kubeara was born the son of Arundaman and became the king Alakapuri.  Shukra, the Guru of demons grew jealous of him and began to create troubles.  Kubera worshipped Lord Shiva seeking protection from Shukra.  Lord swallowed Shukra and destroyed his pride.  Shivalinga in the temple is big in size.  As Mother Kanchi Kamakshi is the consort of Lord Shiva, there is no separate Ambica shrine in this temple.  Installed by Lord Vinayaka, Lord Shiva is praised in the name of Anekadhangavdha Easwarar.  Lord Vinayaka also is known as Anekadhangavadhar. Maharshi Mareechi, while bathing in a lotus tank, found a female child on the leaves.  He took the child and brought her up.  He named her Vallaba.  She was a staunch Shiva devotee.  She was abducted by demon Kesi.  She prayed to Lord Shiva to come to her rescue.  Lord Shiva wanted to send Vinayaka to protect her.  Ambica requested Lord to bless Vinayaka with victory in the war against the demon.  Lord said that He would be victorious if he worships in this land.  Lord Vinayaka followed the advice and installed the Linga.  Demon was destroyed and Vallaba rescued. Lord Shiva and Mother performed the wedding of Vinayaka with Vallaba here.

Festivals

Mahashivrathri in February-March and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Offerings

Devotees perform abishek to Lord and offer vastras.

Significance

Though Lord Vinayaka held the hands of Mother Vallabha in this place in marriage, He is in a shrine alone. Those facing problems in marriage proposals pray to him offering Arugampul – grass – with nivedhanas hoping to have their wish realized early. Devotees pray for removal of obstacles in marriage proposals and for promotion in jobs.

Accessibility

 The nearest airport is at Chennai. The nearest major railway station is at Kanchipuram. Bus facilities from Kancheepuram are available.