Thirukachimetrali

God

Thirumetraleeswarar (also called Thirumetralinadar), facing west

Goddess

Thirumetralinayagi, facing south

Other Deities

At entrance – Rajayoga Ganapathi, Muruga with consorts. Outer Prakaram Navagraha, Naalvar, Vinayaka, Muruga, Kasi Viswanathar, Bhairava, Surya. Sanctum niche of main deity- Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara. Sanctum niche of Odha Urugeeswarar (secondary deity) – Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara

Thirukachimetrali is a small east facing temple with a 3 tiered Rajagopuram at the entrance. The primary Deity here is Thirumetraleeswarar, facing west and the secondary deity is Odha Urugeeswarar facing east in a separate sanctum sanctorum. This Lingam is large and has a set of footprints before it considered to be that of Vishnu. Down the street is a small temple where the deity of Thirugnanasambandar is installed. In between this and the main temple is a shrine for Lord Shiva as Utrukaetta Mutheeswarar.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar (7th Century CE) have visited and rendered Hymns to the lord here at Thirukachimetrali. Stone inscriptions belonging to Sambuvarayar, Vijayanagar and Pallava Kings have been found here.

Legend

Lord Vishnu is said to have worshiped Lord Shiva here to attain the state of Siva himself. That the state will happen when Thirugnanasambandar comes here to sing was foretold by Lord Shiva and he was told to be patient. As a mark of this is seen the footprints of Lord Vishnu here. Lord Vishnu’s heart melted as he listened to the hymns of Thirugnanasambandar and as he merged with Shiva, hence the Lingam is called Odha Urugeeswarar (one who melted and merged). 108 Rudras are believed to have worshiped in these parts.

Directions

Thirukachimetrali is in the southern part of Kancheepuram in the Pillayarpalayam area. Refer our map to reach the temple.

Stay and Food

Kancheepuram town has innumerable temples which could be combined as preferred. Refer our map to plan your day. Good hotels and restaurants are available.