This is the renowned Murugan temple in Kanchipuram. Kumarakkottam in Kanchi is as famous as Kandakkottam in Chennai. Situated between the temples of his parents—Ekambara Nathar (Father Shiva) and Kamakshi Amman (Mother Parvati)—this temple of Murugan forms part of the divine trio known as ‘Somaskanda’ (a combined form of Shiva, Uma, and Skanda). The idol here, depicting Brahma Sastha holding Rudraksha beads and Kamandalam, is unique and unlike any other in the country. The festival of Kanda Sashti is celebrated with great reverence and festivity at this temple.
Location
Located near the SSKV Girls Higher Secondary School on Western Raja Veedhi.
Hymns
Songs by Arunagiri Nathar and Pamban Swamigal are associated with this temple. The renowned Tamil epic ‘Kanda Puranam,’ written by Kachiappa Sivachariar, was first revealed here. The author, who was also a priest at the temple, has a dedicated space within the temple known as the ‘Kanda Purana Mandapam.’
Mythology
Once, God Brahma visited Kailash, the abode of Supreme God Shiva, intending to meet him. At the entrance to Kailash, Brahma deliberately ignored God Murugan, Shiva’s son. Angered by this, Murugan blocked Brahma’s path and posed a series of questions to test his knowledge. When Murugan asked Brahma the meaning of the Pranava Mantra ‘OM,’ Brahma, whose role is to create, could not answer. As a result, Murugan imprisoned Brahma and took over the task of creation himself. The Devas, alarmed by this turn of events, approached Shiva and informed him of the situation. Shiva sent his deputies to persuade Murugan to release Brahma, but Murugan remained steadfast. Finally, Shiva, accompanied by his consort Parvati, went directly to Murugan and secured Brahma’s release. However, since Murugan had sinned by imprisoning the creator God Brahma, Shiva instructed him to go to Kanchi, install a Lingam in his name, and worship it to atone for his actions. Murugan descended to earth, reached Kanchi, and installed a Lingam named ‘Devasena Patheesam.’ As the Deva Senapathi (leader of the divine army), Murugan’s shrine in Kumarakkottam is simple and does not involve elaborate rituals.
Religion : Saivism
Category : Temple