Thirukandeeswarar Vallipuram

God

Thirukandeeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Thirupurasundari, facing south

Other Deities

Sanctum Niches – Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Durga. Vinayaka, Subramania with consorts, Bhairava, Thirunavukkarasar

Thirukandeeswarar Vallipuram is an ancient temple situated in the north banks of the Palar River. The entrance is through a stone Mantapa gateway in the south. There are carvings of fishes in the ceiling of this Mantapa. A beautiful Vinayaka is on one side of this mantapa facing east. Just before the sanctum in the main Mantapa’s ceiling are carvings of a Tiger and Fish on each side. The single Prakaram is filled with flowering trees. An open Goshala is in front of the Nandi. The temple priest lives just outside in a nice little house and is very friendly to visitors.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Thirukandeeswarar Vallipuram is an ancient temple which, according to the priest, could have originally been built by the Pallavas (from the tiger carving) and later developed by others.

Legend

Thirunavukkarasar’s idol is seen here as against the common practice of all 4 Saivite saints and hence is believed that he could have visited Thirukandeeswarar Vallipuram on his way around.

Directions

Thirukandeeswarar Vallipuram is about 16 kilometers south of Chingleput via Ponvilaindha Kalathoor and Anoor. Thirukandeeswarar Vallipuram is about 12 kilometers south-west of Thirukazhukundram via Vazhuvadur and Mudaiyur.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Chingleput and Thirukazhukundram for food.