Kadambar Koil
Kadambar Koil-Kadambanathaswamy
| Sri Kadambanatha Swamy Temple |
Sri Kadambanathar temple is in Kadambar Koil,a small village around 16 kms from Kanchipuram,on the banks of river Cheyyar. Lord Shiva here called as Kadambanathaswamy and is seen here with His consort Avudainayagi Thayar
| Kadambanathar |
The history of the temple dates back to more than 1000 years. The legend behind the temple goes like this - two asuras (demons) Malayan and Maharan with a boon from Shiva were troubling sage Kashyabar. Kashyabar sought the help of Shiva and he asked his son Muruga in Thiru Magaral to help the sage. Lord Muruga destroyed the asuras with his 'Gnana Vel' (spear). Lord Muruga, who adorns garland made of Kadamba flowers is also known as Kadamban.After defeating them he came and worshipped here at this temple towards the Swayambulinga Shiva (self manifested). Since Kadamban (Murugan) worshipped here, the Shiva here became to be known as Kadambanatha swamy and the place called Kadambar Koil.
Mother Parvathi wanted to be Lord Shiva forever and she requested him for the boon. He asked her to visit Kadambar Koil and worship him there so that her desire shall be fulfilled. She then visited Kedarnath,Kasi,Thiruvengadam,Thiru Kalahasthi, Thiruvalankadu and then, eventually to Kadambar Koil and worshipped Lord Shiva and her desire for being with Shiva forever got fulfilled.
| Inside the temple |
The temple though not very big, is beautifully constructed with a three tier Rajagopuram. As you walk beyond the Balipeedam and the Kodimaram (flagstaff)you can see a large Nandhi facing Lord Shiva.
The main deity Kadambanathar is in Linga form is a Swayambhu (self evolved), which was said to be in existence even before Sage Kashyabar visited here. Moolavar Kadambanathar is seen facing the east.
The Goddess here is ambal Sri Avudainayaki, who is seen in standing posture facing south. In the walls of the sanctum you can see beautiful idols of Ganesha,Dakshinamurthy,Maha Vishnu,Brahma,Durga. There are seperate sannidhis for Ganesha,Lord Subramanya, Sandekesar can be seen in the inner praharam.
| Inside the praharam |
Beliefs and special rituals
This place is considered at par with Kasi (Varanasi) and many perform the rituals towards their Pithrus (departed souls) here.
Temple FestivalsPradosham,Pournami (full moon),Sivarathiri,Pankuni Uthram,Vaikasi Visakam and Mahasivarathiri in the Krishna Paksha every year on the month of Masi or Phalguna are very auspiciously celeberated.
Temple location It is located 17 kms south of Kanchipuram and towards Uthiramerur. Temple Timings The temple is open from 7:00 AM till 12 noon and from 4:00 pm till 8:30 pm
How to reach? The nearest airport is Chennai. From Kanchipuram there are plenty of buses going towards Uthiramerur, that stops here.You can hire a cab or drive your car to visit Kadambar Koil, Thiru Magaral,Uthiramerur.
Where to Stay?There are no lodging facility available here. You have to stay in Chennai or Kanchipuram
Contact Kannan Gurukkal 96550 35503or
Kadambar Koil,Magaral Post
Uthiramerur Taluk,
Kanchipuram - 631 603
Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Kanchipuram
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: Tamil
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very sultry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 22-28°C
Altitude: Sea level
