- Shiva
Kasi Viswanathar Temple
- Parankundram,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Kasi Viswanathar Temple is a Saivaite temple situated at Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu. This temple is found on the Thiruparankundram hill’s top. (There are six holy abodes of Lord Murugan and his temple at the base of this hill is one among them.) During full moon day devotees circumambulate around the Thiruparankundram hill. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva will bless them and hence large number of devotees reach this place and perform circumambulation around this hill.
About The Deity
Kasi Viswanathar Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is worshipped here as Kasi Viswanathar. Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Visalatchi. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are facing West and South respectively. Devotees believe that they will attain motcha by worshipping this lord.
Legend and Stories
It is believed that there are 18 Siddhar’s living at this hill. Sri Macha muni is the eleventh Siddhar and he is living on the hill as Jeeva Jothi. There is a pond at this temple which has a white fish and the same is known as Sri Macha Muni.
Six sons of Sage Parasuramar hurt the fishes at the pond. Hence the sage cursed his son and transformed them as fish. The sage’s son worshipped this lord and relieved from the curse.
Legend states that Karki Muni wished to get a boon from the Lord Shiva by assassinating 1000 Munivars. He held 999 Munivars as captive in this hill. Nakkeerar, medieval period Tamil poet, came to this hill. He performed pooja under a Banyan tree towards Lord Shiva. Karki Muni sighted Nakkeerar and wanted to assassinate him as his 1000th person. Karki Muni played a trick and diverted Nakeerar’s attention and held captive. Nakeerar sung ‘Thirumurukatrupadai’, a hymn. On hearing the hymn Lord Murgan appeared on the hill and saved all the Munivars held captive. Nakeerar wished to get relieve from the sin and hence he wished to take a dip at the Ganges. Lord Murgan pierced the rock with his Vel. Ganges appeared and he relieved from his sin by taking a dip at the pond. The pond is known as Panchacharam Parai pond. During Puratasi (Tamil month) the locals are worshipping the ‘Vel’ to mark Lord Murugan’s saving of Munivars.
How To Reach Madurai
Airport
Madurai airport is just 10 km away from the main city and it is well connected to all major cities of India. Nearest international airport is Chennai.
Railways
From Chennai it takes seven hours to reach Madurai and trains run daily. The fastest train on the route is the Vaigai Express, a super-fast day train between Chennai Egmore and Madurai.
Road
The city of Madurai is well connected by all southern parts of India. The bus terminus is at a distance of 6kms from the city.
Temple Address
Kasi Viswanathar Temple,
Thiruparankundram,
Madurai District,
Tamil Nadu,
Pincode - 625005.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 8.30 PM to 5.30 PM