Thiruporur Kandaswamy temple

Overview

Sree Kanthaswamy Temple is a renowned shrine located at Tiruporur, a town lying 40 Kms enroute Chennai and Old Mahabalipuram. This sacred shrine is located on the foot hill of the Pranava Mountains and is facing the direction east.

About the deity

The primary deity of this temple is Sree Kandaswamy along with his consorts Valli and Deivanai. Lord Murugan is said to have taken the Suyambu form, which is the unique speciality of this shrine. This place is also one among the Yuthapuris of Lord Muruga. According to Puranas, Thiruchendur is the holy land near the sea front, from where Lord Muruga is said to have fought and defeated the wicked Surabathman. Thiruparankundram is believed to be the land where Lord Muruga defeated the Asuras. Similarly, Thiruporur is revered as the place where Lord Muruga fought the evil through skies (Aghayamarg).

About the Temple

Sree Kandhaswamy temple is situated at Thiruporur, on the Old Mahabalipuram Road and is 28 kms from Chennai, the state capital. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram, the main tower on the entrance which has a height of 70 ft and width of 200 ft. The temple is built in an area of about 4 acres (16,000 m2). The sanctum of the temple can be approached through the 24 pillared hall near the entrance. The temple has a holy tank located outside its premises. The sanctum sanctorum of this temple is built using granite, facing the direction east. A 7 foot tall idol of Lord Muruga in a standing position is seen within the Sanctum. The deity is seen sporting two hands, with one holding the mighty Vel (divine spear), and the other blessing the devotees. A sculpture of peacock, is also present besides the presiding deity. Separate shrines devoted to Valli and Deivanai are found around the precinct. Separate shrine are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and the other Parsvatah Devatas (attendant deities) associated with Shiva temples.

Legends and Stories

The battle of Thiruporur was fought by Lord Kandaswamy against "Thalayaya Asuran" in ether (Air), connotes the vanquishing of "arrogance or pride". Thiruporur is a Tamil word which literally means the the venue of war ("Por" in Tamil means war).Thiruporur was once an ancient village located around this "Arulmigu Kandaswamy Thirukoil".

The founding guru of Thiruporur Adhinam Srimad Chidambara Swamy was an ardent worshipper of Madurai Meenakshi Amman. About 450 years ago, he had a vision of Goddess Meenakshi bidding him to build a temple for Lord Muruga at Thiruporur. Upon having the vision, the saint is said to have challenged the Goddess that he would not eat until she graced him with her vision. Many days passed and Chidambaraswamy was almost in a coma.

Suddenly one day he could hear the anklets of the Goddess Meenakshi and on opening his eyes, he got a glimpse of her divine feet. The Goddess then is to have raised the saint back to his feet and as her hands touched him, his skin turned golden. She told him that six previous attempts had been made to establish the temple which turned out to be unsuccessful.

Chidambaraswamy reached Thiruporur to find that it was covered by a dense forest full of palm trees. He could hardly find out the place where the previous attempts to build the temple had been made. He was on the verge of respiration when Lord Muruga himself is said to have appeared as a small boy and blessed him the vision of the sanctum sanctorum. Thereafter, Chidambaraswamy unearthed the Swayambu Moortis of Lord Muruga along with his consorts Valli and Devanai and consecrated the temple.

During the olden days, Thiruporur was just a small village under the rule of a minor Muslim ruler. When the ruler's daughter was affected by a form of vertigo, his minister suggested that he seek the blessings of Chidambaraswamy, as all other efforts to cure his young daughter had proved unfruitful. The Muslim ruler is said to have accepted the suggestion and visited Shri Chidambaraswamy, along with his daughter.

When Sri Chidambaraswamy applied the sacred ash( Thiruneer) on his daughter's body, she is believed to have been instantly cured of her illness.

Festivals

Vaikasi Visagam which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Muruga is the most important festival that celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June). The Kanthasasti festival and Navarathri during Aippasi (October - November) are also the other festivals celebrated in the temple.

How to reach Thiruporur Kandaswamy temple

Road

The nearest bus stop is at Thiruporur which is well connected with other places by regular bus services.

Railways

The nearest railway stations are the vandalur, Guduvanchery and chengalpattu railway stations. Taxis and buses are available from these places to reach Thiruporur.

Airport

The Chennai airport is The nearest airport which operates numerous flights to many domestic and International destinations.

Temple Address

Thiruporur Kandaswamy temple,
Thiruporur Road,
Thiruporur,
Tamil Nadu - 603110.