Kachapeswarar Temple

This temple spans approximately five acres and was primarily constructed by the Vijayanagar rulers. The Jyotir Lingam enshrined here is known as Kachapeswarar, a name signifying the deity as a generous giver of blessings to devotees. The temple is regarded as sacred as Kasi (Varanasi), the abode of God Viswanathar. The presiding deity is also referenced in the Tamil grammatical literary work, ‘Dandi Alankaram.’

Location

Across from the Kanchipuram Municipality Office, at the intersection of the southern and western Rajaveedhis

 

Architecture

The Rajagopuram of the temple faces north, positioned at the intersection of the southern and western Raja Veedhis. The temple is set within a spacious five-acre campus. Upon entering, the tank is visible on the right side. The Mandapam in front of the Sanctum is striking, with its pillars clearly reflecting the Vijayanagar architectural style. Additionally, a few isolated lion-figured pillars, likely from the Pallava period, can be found within the temple grounds.

Sculpture

While this temple is not renowned for its sculptures, it is noteworthy for featuring Buddhist figures on the pillars of the Mandapam in front of the Sanctum and in the niches of the outer wall. Some historians believe that the temple was originally a Buddhist Vihara, and when it was later converted into a Shaivite shrine, some of the Buddhist pillars were incorporated into the new structure.

Inscription

Inscriptional evidence suggests that the temple was originally designed as a Panchayatana shrine, dedicated to five deities: Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Ganesa, and Surya. Chola period inscriptions from the reigns of Rajarajan I and Rajendran I refer to the temple as Anjan-Sandhi-Ambalam, meaning “temple with five shrines.” The temple includes a shrine for Surya (the Sun) and a stone slab with verses from the ‘Surya Shatakam.’ Additionally, an inscription from the 13th century records the presence of a shrine for Vishnu (Vinnagar Emperuman).

Mythology

Once, the Devas desired to attain immortality and approached Lord Shiva with their request. Shiva instructed them to churn the sacred milk ocean using the Meru hill as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the thread. By churning the ocean this way, they would produce the divine nectar, ‘Amirtham,’ which would grant them eternal life without the fear of death. Upon learning of the Devas’ plan, the Asuras also sought to participate in this endeavor. They began churning the ocean from the opposite side, using the snake Vasuki around the Meru hill.

As the churning progressed, the Meru hill started to sink into the ocean due to its weight, causing the Devas to panic. Observing their distress, Lord Vishnu came to their aid. He assumed the form of a tortoise (Kachapa), dived into the ocean, and supported the Meru hill from below. After the task was completed, Vishnu remained in his tortoise form, which disturbed the ocean’s creatures. Consequently, Vishnu was cursed by the sea creatures and could not return to his original form.

Seeking a remedy, Vishnu went to Lord Shiva, who advised him to travel to the sacred city of Kanchi and worship him under the Murukka tree. Following this guidance, Vishnu, still in his tortoise form, went to Kanchi with his consort Lakshmi and worshipped Shiva beneath the Murukka tree. Through Shiva’s grace, Vishnu was restored to his original form. As a result, the place where Vishnu worshipped Shiva in his tortoise form came to be known as Kachapeswaram.

 

Religion               : Saivism

Deity                     : Kachapeswarar

Period                  : 15th Century

Category             : Temple