Chandrasekareswarar Kamakhur

Chandrasekareswarar, Kamakhur

Saivite Temples, Thiruvannamalai District

God

Chandrasekareswarar, facing east (also called Ilampirainathar and Pirai Soodiya Perumaan)

Goddess

Amirthambikai, facing east

Other Deities

Ganesha, Muruga with consorts, 63 Nayanmar, Bhairava, Adhikara Nandi, Nataraja, Navagraha, Naalvar, Annamalaiyar, Kamakshiamman

Chandrasekareswarar Kamakhur is an ancient east facing temple with a large even tiered (4 tiers) Rajagopuram in the east. A single large Prakram houses all the shrines and the Sanctum Sanctorum. The main deity is said to be a Swayambu (self occurring or appearing out of the earth while excavating). A chakra installed by Aadhi Sankara is in front of Kamakshi Amman in a separate shrine. There are two huge and beautiful Dwarapalakas on either side of the Sanctum Sanctorum. The Nataraja idol has the legs twisted in the dance posture called Chathura Thandavam and we were told this is not common. The Dwarapalahi outside the Kamakshi Shrine emanates different musical notes (Saptha Swaram) when tapped in different spots. The other dwarapalahi which is supposed to be on another side of the doorway has been stolen. There is a large temple car here.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Chandra Theertham and 4 other Theerthams

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Magizham (Mimusops elengi)

History

Chandrasekareswarar Kamakhur is an ancient temple dating back to the Chola period. Several inscriptions around the Sanctum Sanctorum provide ample evidence of its antiquity. Saint Arunagirinathar (15th Century CE) has sung the praise of Lord Muruga here.

Legend

The lord is believed to have appeared in the dream of a Chola King to renovate the temple. This is considered a place for performing rites to ancestors. Chandran, Dasaratha, Arjuna, Manmatha, and Rathi are believed to have worshiped the Lord here.

Directions

Chandrasekareswarar Kamakhur is about 6 kilometers west of Aarani. A Perumal temple is also nearby in the same village.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest for food would be Aarani.

Saivite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples