This temple, also known as ‘Kacchi Tiruneri Karaikkadu,’ is located on the eastern outskirts of Kanchipuram. It is one of the five Saivite temples in the area that are revered in the Devaram hymns. The temple tank, ‘Indra Tirtham,’ is regarded as highly sacred.
Location
On Old Railway Station Road, slightly to the south and across from the Government General Hospital, a small road leads to this temple.
Hymns
Saint Sambandar sanctified this temple through his Devaram hymns.
Mythology
(1) Budhan, one of the nine celestial planets in Hindu belief, was born to Chandran (the moon). Aspiring to attain the same divine celestial status as his father, Budhan sought guidance on how to achieve this. Chandran advised him to visit the Sathya Viradha Nathar temple at the eastern end of Kanchipuram and worship the deity there for many years. Following his father’s advice, Budhan devoted himself to the temple. Eventually, God Shiva, accompanied by his consort and riding his bull Vahanam, appeared before Budhan. When asked about his wish, Budhan expressed a desire to become a celestial body like his father and requested that anyone who immerses themselves in the temple pond on Wednesdays be protected by the deity. Shiva granted both of his requests.
(2) Indra, the ruler of heaven, once sought guidance from his teacher on how to attain Mukti, or liberation from all bonds. The teacher instructed him to go to a place called Kacchi Neri Karaikkadu in Kanchipuram and meditate upon God Shiva (Sathya Viradha Nathar) after immersing himself in the temple pond. Indra followed this advice diligently, bathing in the pond three times a day and worshipping the deity with great devotion. Pleased by his devotion, God Shiva appeared and asked Indra about his wishes. Indra requested a permanent place in heaven and asked that the sacred temple pond be named after him. Shiva granted both requests, and the pond is still known as ‘Indra Tirtham’ to this day.
Religion : Saivism
Deity : Sathya Viradha Nathar
Sanctified By : Sambandar
Category : Temple