Thirukameswarar Devikapuram

Saivite Temples, Thiruvannamalai District

God

Thirukameswarar, facing east

Goddess

Kokilambal, facing south

Other Deities

Ganesha, Muruga with consorts, Sanctum niches – Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Brahma, Durga

Thirukameswarar Devikapuram is a small temple located at the base of the hill which has the large Ponmalainadar Temple. The east-facing temple is entered through a small gateway. A single prakaram houses the Sanctum Sanctorum and the shrines.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Thirukameswarar Devikapuram is an ancient temple at least as old as the hill temple of Lord Shiva and the huge Goddess temple nearby. These were elaborately built up during the Vijayanagar period. The outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum have beautiful and typical Vijayanagar style ornamental carvings. In recent times the floor around the Sanctum Sanctorum has been mindlessly raised burying the base underneath. We are sure that stone inscriptions at the base have been defaced and covered.

Legend

The goddess is believed to have meditated on the Lord here at Thirukameswarar Devikapuram. The three temples here seem to be connected with the legend of the gift of childbirth.

Directions

Dharmanadeswarar Mandakolathuris 10 kilometers east of Polur on the road going to Chetpet. After crossing the bridge across Cheyyar River and Karaipoondi (where there is another Saptha Kailash Temple), take a left at Mattapiriyur junction to reach Dharmanadeswarar Mandakolathur. There is a small Perumal temple also nearby.

Stay and Food

Thirukameswarar Devikapuram is 12 kilometers northwest of Chetpet on the Polur Road. Thirukameswarar Devikapuram is just before the steps starting upwards to the Ponmalainadar Temple on the Hill above. It is advisable to park your vehicle near the Periyanayaki Amman temple and walk down.

Saivite Temples

Thirukameswarar, Devikapuram