Friday, July 22, 2016

Irandhiteeswarar Temple, Thirukkachur, Kanchipuram

Irandhiteeswarar Temple, Thirukkachur, Kanchipuram
Irandhiteeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva in the Village of Thirukkachur in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. This is a small temple for Irandhiteeswarar located in the middle of the village. It is located on the way between the Marundeeswarar Temple & Kachabeswarar Temple. It is very difficult to find this temple.
Even the villagers do not know about this temple. The nearest landmark is a small shop run by a Muslim (they call it as "Bhai kadai" in Tamil). The temple has only one idol Irandhiteeswarar in the form of Linga. Even Nandi idol, which is found usually in Shiva temples, is not there in this temple.

As per the legend associated with Thirukkachur, Sundarar (one of the 63 Nayanmars, the great devotees of Lord Shiva) came to Thirukkachur to worship Shiva. He was very hungry and didn't have anything to eat. Lord Shiva took the form of an elderly Brahmin (the priest cast of Hinduism) and took alms from all the houses in this village. He fed Sundarar with the food he got as alms. Hence, Lord Shiva got the names of Irandhiteeswarar (meaning one who took alms and fed) and Virundhitteeswarar (one who gave feast).
Thirukkachur is a very small village situated about 3 kms from Singapperumal Koil. This village lies of the west side of Singapperumal Koil off the GST Road. This Place is well connected to Kanchipuram, Chengalpet & Chennai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Chengalpet & Nearest Airport is located at Chennai.