Sunday, January 15, 2017

Kathra Sundareswarar Temple, Kanjanagaram, Mayiladuthurai

Kathra Sundareswarar Temple, Kanjanagaram, Mayiladuthurai

Kathra Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kanjanagaram Village near Mayiladuthurai Town in Tharangambadi Taluk in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kathra Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Thunga Bala Sthanambigai. This temple is considered as parihara sthalam for people born in Karthigai star. The temple is situated on the northern bank of Cauvery river.


Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2023/03/kathra-sundareswarar-temple-kanjanagaram-legends.html

History

The Temple is believed to be built in 10th century CE by Cholas. Kanjanagaram was called as Kanjaru during ancient period. Kanjaru is considered as the birthplace of Manakanchara Nayanar.


The Temple

This temple is facing towards west with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar flanked by Murugan and Vinayaga. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found in the prakaram facing towards the sanctum. Kodimara Vinayagar can be seen in front of the Balipeedam. Presiding Deity is called as Kathra Sundareswarar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy (self-manifested).


There is a shrine for Sattainathar above the sanctum. The shrine can be accessed through flight of steps from outside the sanctum. Special prayers are offered to Sattainathar on Fridays. Vinayaga, Medha Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Thunga Bala Sthanambigai.


She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated on the left side of the sanctum. She is holding a parrot in her left hand and Neelotpala flower, conch and disc in her other hands. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself is in the form of parrot on her left shoulder. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found facing towards her shrine. Shrines of Selva Vinayaka, Subramanya and Navagrahas can be found in the temple premises.


Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 04.00 p.m. to 05.00 p.m.

Prayers

This temple is considered the parihara sthalam for those born under Kruthika star. It is believed that the Kruthika starrers will have a problem-free life if they visit and worship in this temple on the star days and light lamps on the Pradosham day (13th day either from new moon or full moon days). Women of this star awaiting marriage are advised to perform abishek to Mother with water fetched from holy rivers.

It is believed that having darshan of Mother Goddess and her parrot on Fridays will remove obstacles in marriage alliances. The temple is also famous for conducting Sumangali Pooja for longevity of their husbands. People pray here to get relief from planetary doshas, for child boon, to get relief from property disputes and seeking unity in family.  

Contact

Kathra Sundareswarar Temple,

Kanjanagaram Post – 609 304

Tharangampadi Taluk, Via Keezhayur,

Mayiladuthurai District

Phone: +91 4364 282 853

Mobile: +91 94874 43351

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 500 metres from Kanjanagaram Bus Stop, 5 Kms from Sembanarkoil, 7 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 7 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Old Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Mayiladuthurai New Bus Stand, 10 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, 11 Kms from Vaitheeswarankovil, 17 Kms from Thiruvengadu, 18 Kms from Sirkazhi, 18 Kms from Poompuhar, 24 Kms from Tharangambadi and 132 Kms from Trichy Airport. The temple is situated on Mayiladuthurai to Poompuhar route.

Location