Arulmigu Kandhazheeswarar Temple, Kundrathur

Thennādudaiya Sivanē Pōtri
Ennāttavarkkum Iraivā Pōtri

History of Kandhazheecharam Temple

Lord Muruga set out for war with his army to destroy the demon Tarakasura, who was tormenting the Devas. After slaying the demon in a fierce battle at Thirupporur, he traveled toward Thiruttani to seek mental peace.

On his way, Lord Muruga stayed atop the Kundrathur hill. There, he installed a Shiva Lingam and offered his prayers. That Lord Shiva, who was created and worshipped by Muruga (Kandha), now blesses devotees from a separate shrine at the foot of the Kundrathur hill under the name “Kandhazheeswarar.”

Legend of Sekkizhar

Sekkizhar, the great saint who authored the Periya Puranam, visited many deities along the banks of the Vaigai, Kaveri, and Palar rivers. As he approached the region where the Kusasthalai River flows, he discovered this magnificent Shiva temple built by the Chola kings. Attracted by the lush landscape of banana and coconut groves and the cool breeze of the hills, he decided to stay and perform penance at the foot of the hill.

Immersion in the divine presence of the massive Shiva Lingam led him to total surrender (Saranagathi). One day, Lord Shiva granted him a divine vision. In that moment of ecstasy, feeling his ego dissolve, Sekkizhar prostrated before the Lord. The word “Kandhudhal” means “to cling” or “to hold an attachment.” Since the Lord removed his attachment to fame and pride, he joyfully named the deity “Kandhazheeswarar.”

Architecture and Inscriptions

Inscriptions from 1241 AD, during the reign of Emperor Sri Rajaraja III, detail the renovations made to this temple. Pallava kings and Sri Krishnadevaraya are also credited with contributing to the temple’s development.

• Shrines: The temple complex houses Narthana Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Durga, the 63 Nayanmars, and Rishabharudar.
• Art: A notable mural on the inner wall depicts Kannappa Nayanar plucking out his eye to offer it to the Lingam.

Special Features

• Deity Structure: Lord Shiva blesses devotees as a massive Lingam set upon a square-shaped base (Avudayar), which is a unique architectural feature.
• Sekkizhar Temple: A dedicated temple for the saint Sekkizhar is located nearby.
• Sacred Geography: Lord Muruga resides on the small hill, while his maternal uncle, Lord Vishnu (as Ooraga Perumal), and Lord Shiva (Kandhazheeswarar) reside at the base.

Worship Information

• Offerings & Vows: Devotees perform Abhishekams (ritual baths) and offer new clothes to the Lord and Goddess.
• Prayers: It is a firm belief among devotees that worshipping Goddess Nagaigaimugai Valli fulfills all their heart’s desires.
• Festivals: Maha Shivaratri and Pradosham are the major festivals celebrated here.

Kandhazheeswarar Temple Timings

• Morning: 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM
• Evening: 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Kandhazheeswarar Temple Address

Kundrathur Kandhazheeswarar Temple,
Sikkarayapuram, Tamil Nadu 600069.

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Umamaheswari Sivanesan

Vanakkam! I'm Uma, currently living in Chennai. I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry (M.Sc.), but my true passion lies in spirituality and the rich cultural heritage of Tamil traditions.

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