Panchalingeswarar Kondapuram

Saivite Temples – Vellore District

God

Panchalingeswarar – five lingams all facing east

Goddess

Kamatchi Amman facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka at the entrance, Navagrahas, Naalvar, Ganesa, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Muruga with consorts, Brahma, Durga and Chandikeswara

Panchalingeswarar Kondapuram is an east facing temple and is claimed to be older than Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar temple (see legend section below). The main deity Panchalingeswara here is actually five Lingams representing the Panchaboothas (five elements), namely water, fire, wind, earth and sky. The old temple has been renovated in recent times. Entrance is through the 5 tier Rajagopuram in the north. A Small Temple tank is seen in the south side here at Panchalingeswarar Kondapuram. The great Saint Kanchi Mahaperiava, spent some time here and is said to have expressed a desire to settle down here. The approach to this quaint little temple is a small path and the surroundings are beautiful. There is a Kanchi Mutt related Mantapa also here.

Holy Water – Temple Tank

Holy Tree – No information

History

Panchalingeswarar Kondapuram is an ancient temple said to be older than the Ekambaranathar temple to which it has a legendary connection. Upon the request of Kanchi Mahaperiava the industrialist family of Birla contributed and renovated this ancient temple.

Legend

As per the legend, Goddess Kamakshi installed five Shiv Linga idols representing the five elements here at Panchalingeswarar Kondapuram before doing penance at Kanchipuram. The five lingams are also each designated for people of different birth stars and is clearly indicated in the shrines.

Directions

Panchalingeswarar Kondapuram is just off the main road after you cross Murugan Idli Shop and before you reach Kaveripakkam on a small road on the left when you go from Chennai in the Bangalore Highway.

Stay and Food

You would have crossed Murugan Idli Shop just before you reach this temple. If you are carrying a packed lunch this temple provides a nice shady place, just don’t litter around.

Saivite Temples

Panchalingeswarar, Kondapuram