Kailasanadar Govindavadi

Saivite Temples, Kancheepuram Taluk

God

Kailasanadar, facing east

Goddess

Akilandeswari, facing south

Other Deities

Sanctum Niches – Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Chandikeswara, Durga. Prakaram – Varasidhdhi Vinayaka, Balamurugan, Rahu, Kethu, Naagar, Kalabhairava, Navagraha, Govindaraja Perumal with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi, Garudan, Anjaneya

Kailasanadar Govindavadi is an ancient east facing temple with entrance from south directly facing Dakshinamurthy. This temple is famous as a Guru (Dakshinamurthy) Sthalam. The sanctum sanctorum sides are exquisitely carved with ornamental motifs and idols. Dakshinamurthy here is unique. He is six feet tall in seated posture in a pedestal that is carved with unique features. In different angles his eyes seem to be closed and open gracing the devotees. Instead of the usual banyan tree motif above his head, mount Kailash is seen. Muyalagan usually seen facing right under the feet of Dakshinamurthy faces left.

The Naamam symbol in the forehead of Lord Vishnu is made with a sand called Tiruman whereas here Kumkum and Sandal are used for this dressing denoting him as a Shiva devotee.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Banyan (Ficus benghalensis)

History

Kailasanadar Govindavadi is estimated to have been built around the 10th Century CE during the rule of the Cholas from the sculptural and architectural styles exhibited.

Legend

Govindaraja Perumal (Lord Vishnu) wanted seek knowledge and a solution to retrieve his discus which lost its powers while he set upon Sage Thatheesee. He came to the conclusion that Lord Shiva alone could teach him, repair the discus and bring back its glory. He along with his consorts came here to Kailasanadar Govindavadi and accepted Lord Shiva as his Guru (Teacher) and sought his knowledge and help. After bathing in the holy water here he performed poojas, prayers and rendered Hymns to his Guru here. Hence the place came to be called as Govindan Padi (Govinda Sang), which later got corrupted to Govindavadi. Thus this temple is also considered a Guru Sthalam and Dakshinamurthy here is more important than Kailasanadar. Lord Shiva also told to worship him in his Linga form at nearby Thirumalpur temple with 1000 flowers and in due time his discus will be restored with its full powers.

Directions

Kailasanadar Govindavadi is 12 kilometers north of Kancheepuram in the Arakonam road. Take a left beore Thirumapur Railway station to reach Kailasanadar Govindavadi.

Stay and Food

None locally except tea shops. Closest is Kancheepuram.

Saivite Temples

Kancheepuram Temples

Tamilnadu Temples