Among the 63 Nayanmars, three were born or lived in Kanchi: Tirukkurippu Thondar, Sakkiya Nayanar, and Iyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanar. Three temples in Kanchi are associated with their lives and missions. The Muktheeswarar Temple is particularly revered by the people of Kanchi as the site where Tirukkurippu Thondar achieved Mukthi.
Location
Gandhi Road, located directly across from Hotel Saravana Bhavan.
Mythology
Kasyapa Munivar had two wives, Kathuru and Subarunai. A dispute arose between them over who was more beautiful, and they brought the matter to Kasyapa Munivar. He judged in favor of Kathuru, and according to their agreement, the defeated wife would be imprisoned. Subarunai pleaded with Kathuru to release her, but Kathuru set the condition that Subarunai must bring a vessel of nectar from heaven. Desperate, Subarunai meditated on Kanchi Mutheesar (Lord Shiva) for a solution.
Over time, Subarunai gave birth to Garudan, who grew up understanding his mother’s plight. Garudan, the king of birds, flew to heaven, secured the nectar vessel, and defeated Indra and other gods who tried to take it from him. Even Lord Vishnu could not overpower him and impressed, offered Garudan a boon. Garudan, proud and confident, refused to ask for anything but said Vishnu could demand any boon he wished. Vishnu seized the opportunity to request that Garudan become his vahana (vehicle) forever. Garudan agreed but first sought permission from Vishnu to visit his mother. He returned the nectar vessel to Kathuru, freeing his mother from imprisonment, and then left Kanchi to honor Kanchi Mutheesar. He installed a Lingam in his name, “Garudesar,” in the temple. This Lingam, still visible in the temple, is believed to deter even the most fearsome snakes from harming its devotees.
Events
This is the location where Tirukkurippu Thonda Nayanar achieved Mukthi.
Deity : Mutheesar
Category : Temple