This east-facing temple is located on the outskirts of Kanchipuram and is associated with the incident where Saint Sundarar received gold from the deity. It is one of the five Saivite temples in Kanchipuram that have been sanctified by the Devaram hymns.
Location
Panjupettai, across from the electricity substation.
Hymns
The hymns of Saint Sundarar in the Devaram praise the deity of this temple.
Mythology
Vanan was a powerful Asura who visited Kanchi, installed a Shiva Lingam, and worshipped it fervently. During his devotion, he was blessed with a vision of God Shiva dancing, and in his ecstatic state, Vanan played drums in rhythm with the divine dance. Pleased by his devotion, God Shiva granted him a thousand hands. The temple in Kanchi associated with this Asura is known as ‘Vaanesam,’ named after him.
Vanan had two other Asura allies, ‘Onan’ and ‘Kanthan,’ who were also devoted to God Shiva. They too came to Kanchi, installed Shiva Lingams in their names, and worshipped God Shiva for many years. When God Shiva appeared to them, they requested real knowledge and union with him, and asked that anyone who praises these Lingams after their lifetime be protected by the deity. Moved by their selflessness, God Shiva granted their wishes. Although the two Lingams are housed in separate shrines, the deity is collectively known as ‘Onakantha Eswarar.’ Saint Sundarar also praised this deity by the same name in his Pathigam and received gold from him.
Religion : Saivism
Deity : Onakantha Eswarar
Period : 11th Century
Sanctified By : Sundarar
Category : Temple