The Kumarakottam Subramanya Swamy Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan (also known as Lord Subramanya or Kumara), the God of war and the son of Shiva and Parvathi. This ancient temple was rebuilt in its current form in 1915 CE and is one of the 21 major temples in Kanchipuram. It is situated on the main Raja Street and is an important pilgrimage center for devotees of Lord Murugan.
Legend
According to the temple legend in the Skanda Purana, Murugan had imprisoned the creator-God Brahma here for the latter’s ignorance of Om, the sacred single-syllable mantra in Hinduism. Murugan himself assumed the role of the creator in this place, but his father Shiva ordered him to release Brahma. When Murugan realized his mistake in not obeying his father’s instruction, he did penance before a Linga, which was subsequently worshipped as Devasenapathisar, the Lord who was worshipped by Devasenapathi, an epithet of Murugan as the commander-in-chief of the Gods.
Architecture
In 1915, the temple was reconstructed with a granite dome called the chakra Vimanam, which is a circular dome dating back to the Chola period, and stands above the main sanctum (Garbha griha). The walls of the temple are adorned with epigraphs and decorative corbels and pilasters. The temple encompasses two prakarams or circumambulatory passages, with several subshrines housing various parivara devatas or family deities. The central image of Murugan is depicted as Brahma-Shasta, holding a kamandalu (water pot) and Rudraksha prayer beads. Additionally, the linga worshipped by Murugan is enshrined separately within the temple complex and is referred to as Devasenapathisar or Senapathi Ishvara.
Festivals
The temple hosts several festivals, the most popular being Kandha Shashti, which is celebrated on the 6th day of the waxing half of the lunar month Kartthigai in November. This festival is named after Murugan, also known as Skandha or Kandhan in Tamil. Another festival is held during the month of Kartthigai between the waning and waxing halves of the Moon, when a large number of lamps are lit in the temple. The temple also schedules worship six times daily. Additionally, during each lunar month on the rising star of Kirutthigai as per the Hindu calendar, a festival is held in the temple, where devotees offer prayers to the deity. The Brahma festival, known as Brahmotsavam, is celebrated in every temple in Kanchipuram, featuring processions of Gods held in the morning and evening hours.
Temple Timings :
The temple is open from 7.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 3.30 pm to 8.00 pm.
How to reach Kumarakkottam Subramanya Swamy Temple, Kanchipuram
The Kumarakottam Subramanya Swamy Temple is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Here are some ways to reach the temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is approximately 70 km away from Kanchipuram. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By Train:
Kanchipuram has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By Bus:
Kanchipuram is well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu. You can take a bus from Chennai, Bangalore, or other nearby cities to reach Kanchipuram. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple.
By Car:
You can also hire a car or taxi to reach the temple. Kanchipuram is located on the Chennai-Bangalore highway, and the temple is easily accessible from the main road.
