This charming little temple is a prime example of early Chola architecture in Kanchipuram, also known as ‘Kowsikesam’. It has been preserved from deterioration and is currently protected by the Archaeological Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Location
Near the Kamakshi Amman temple in Periya Kanchipuram, the temple is located to the right of the main Rajagopuram, if facing it. The temple’s marriage hall is adjacent to it.
Architecture
This east-facing temple is set within a sunken courtyard surrounded by a wall a short distance away. It is one of the few temples in Kanchipuram constructed entirely from granite. The structure, from the Adhisthanam to the Vimanam, is made entirely of stone and includes a sanctum sanctorum with an Ardha Mandapam and Mandapam.
Sculpture
The temple features intricately sculpted divine figures, including Dakshinamurthy, Yoga Narasimha, and Brahma. On the south side, a depiction of Ganapati is shown seated on a Padma Peetam in the Lalithasanam posture, with four arms. In his upper arms, he holds an Ankusha and Pasha, while his lower arms carry a Danta and Modaka. Above his head is a Makudam, and beneath the Peetam, his Mooshika Vahanam (rat vehicle) is depicted being drawn by two Ganas. In the upper row of the temple’s top, figures of Kowsiki and an elephant worshipping Shiva and Parvati are visible. Additionally, the sculptural depiction of Kannappar, one of the 63 Nayanmars, inserting his own eye into the eye socket of Shiva, captures visitors’ attention. The temple also features figures of Vaali and Sugriva (monkey deities), a celestial cow, and a sacred peacock, all worshipping the divine couple.
Inscription
An inscription from Uttama Chola is located in the temple, dated to the 15th year of his reign (985 AD). The inscription refers to the temple as ‘Therkku Irundha Nakkar Koil’ (southward temple). It details that the administrators of Kanchipuram had sold 300 Kuzhi (a Tamil unit of measurement) of land to ‘Kaikkolan Acchan Senacchan,’ a member of the Chola army. He donated this land to cover the expenses for the daily worship of Karikala Pillayar in the temple. This Pillayar refers to the figure of God Ganapati located in the south side Devakoshtam.
Mythology
This temple is also known as ‘Kowsikesam.’ Kowsiki, a divine woman believed to have emerged from the sweat of Goddess Parvati’s brow, worshipped both God Shiva and Goddess Parvati here.
Religion : Saivism
Deity : Sokkeesar
Built By : Uttama Cholan
Period : 10th Century
Category : Temple