Metraleeswarar Temple (also called Kanchi Metrali) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Pillaiyar Palayam area in Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu, India. Metraleeswarar is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, the 275 temples revered in the canon.
Legend of the Metraleeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
Lord Vishnu had a desire to have the form of Shiva Linga and approached Lord Shiva for the purpose. Shiva appeared to him and informed that he had to continue his penance till Saint Sambandar visits the place and sings praise of him. Saint Tirugnana Sambandar was visiting this place-Mettraliyur – the same time, saw Lord Vishnu standing in penance. The saint thought it was Lord Shiva as he was at the back. Saint began singing in praise of the Lord. Vishnu in penance was moved by the divine melody and began to melt. When He got the Linga form, His – Vishnu – feet remained. Now too we have the darshan of both Shiva Linga and Vishnu feet at the sanctum sanctorum.
Architecture of the Metraleeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
Metraleeswarar temple complex has two prakarams (outer courtyard) and a three-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower) facing West. The central shrine faces west and holds the image of Metraleeswarar (Shiva) in the form of lingam made of granite. This temple has a separate shrine for Parvathi in the form of Metralinayagi. The granite images of Nandi (the bull and vehicle of Shiva) and the flagstaff is located axial to the sanctum. The temple area is surrounded by granite walls. There is a separate shrine for Othu Urugeeswarar which is axial to the main entrance.
Metraleeswarar Temple Timings:
The temple is open from 7.00 AM to 12.00 PM and from 5.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
Pooja timings:
The temple performs the Pooja four times a day.
- Kalasanthi at 8:00 AM
- Uchikalam at 12:00 PM
- Sayarakshai at 6:00 PM
- Arthajamam at 8:00 PM
Metraleeswarar Temple Festivals:
The festivals celebrated in this temple are
- Maha Shivrathri in February-March
- Panguni Uthiram in March-April
- Skanda Sashti in October-November and
- Tirugnana Sambandar Gurupuja Ambica feeding the child with wisdom milk
How to reach the Metraleeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
By Air:
Nearest Airport is located at Chennai
By Rail:
Nearest Railway Station is located at Kanchipuram.
By Bus:
The temple is about 2 KM from bus stand. The Temple can be reached through auto.
 is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Pillaiyar Palayam area in Kanchipuram.){kind=link}