Sri Kanagagiriswarar temple

Overview

The Kanagagreeswarar Temple is the temple of God Shiva. It is situated at Devikapuram near Arulmigu Periyanayagi Amman temple which is at a distance of 40km from Vandavasi & Thiruvannamalai & 37km from Arani in the Vandavasi-Chetput-Polur(Thiruvannamalai) route. The temple is situated at the southwest of the hill at the height of 500 feet & has 302 steps & is calles Kanakachala or Kanagagiri. The god is known as Kanagagiriswarar or Ponmalainathar. The city Devikapuram got its name by Goddess Parvathi.

Legend

The story goes like this. Once when Shiva and Parvathi were together Brungi Rishi went to Kailash and worshipped only God Shiva, he also returned the salutation. Upset by this goddess Parvathi asked god Shiva to give her the half space of his body. He promised to give her his half body at Thiruvannamalai and also will marry her as Ekambaranatha. He asked her to go to kanchipuram to worship. On her way to Thiruvannamalai Goddess stayed at devikapuram for 48 days, i.e. a Mandalam to worshipped God Shiva. Thus the place got its name as Devikapuram. In Kancheepuram, Goddess has a unique place in people's hearts. In Devikapuram the Mother has her own temple where she is known as Periyanayaki and Perianachiar. The Kanagagreeswarar Temple is located on top of a small hill called Kanagachalam or Ponnmalai and the Periyanayagi amman temple is at the base of the hill. The Goddess's footprints can be seen on the hill. This is also considered one of the Shakti Peetas of the state. There are separate shrines for Kasi Visalakshi and Periyanayaki. The temple is said to be over a 1000 years old. These temples date back to 15th Century Vijayanagara Period.

About the temple

The sanctum sanctorum houses three lingams in the Kanagagreeswarar temple one is a Swayambu lingam called Kanagagreeswarar and another one is an ancient Kasi Viswanathar lingam worshipped by Periyanayahi amman, third lingam made of Rudraksha was installed in the wall behind Kanagagreeswarar as there should not be two lingams. While the God is placed at the top of the hill, the goddess is set up in the heart of the region. It is said that the sculptures and the environmental beauty of these temples are aesthetically pleasing.

About the deity

The story of the temple is associated with a hunter.The hunter was digging the hill top with an Iron Bar and got some root. But to his surprise the roots were bleeding when he digged deeper he found a beautiful Shiva Linga. The Shiva Linga is bathed in hot water as the linga was injured and the usual pooja is done. This tradition of hot water abhishekam is still followed in the temple. Since the Swayambulinga was too small,the devotees installed the Kashi Vishwanatha linga as it was bigger. In Thiruppugazhal, Arunagirinathar sang verses on Lord Muruga of Kanagagreeswarar temple. Every morning at 8AM , the hot water and ghee abhisheham is done for Kanagagreeswarara.

Best time to visit

It is better to go in the morning to visit both the temples.

Accessibility

Air

Thiruvannamalai does not have an airport.

Nearest airport is Pondicherry Airport. 89 km away from Pondicherry Airport (PNY), Puducherry, Pondicherry Thiruvannamalai is 155 km away Chennai Airport (MAA), Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Rail

There are regular trains to Thiruvannamalai from other major cities of the country.

Railway Station(s): Tiruvannamalai (TNM)

Road

There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Thiruvannamalai.

Bus Station(s): Thiruvannamalai. Other cabs or taxis also can be hired to reach Tiruvannamalai.