This Kandanatha Swamy Temple is also called Adhi Kandanathaswamy Temple and believed that this temple is the earlier temple to the Swamimalai, Swaminatha Swamy Temple. This place was called “Eaar” during the 8th – 9th Century and is now called Eraharam.
This Temple is one of the Thevara Vaippu Sthalam, sung by Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal in Thevaram 6-51-6, 6-70-3
பெரும்புலியூர் விரும்பினார் பெரும்பா ழிய்யார் பெரும்பற்றப் புலியூர்மூ லட்டா னத்தார் இரும்புதலார் இரும்பூளை யுள்ளார் ஏரார் இன்னம்ப ரார் ஈங்கோய் மலையார் இன்சொற்
இடைமரு தீங்கோ யிராமேச் சரம் இன்னம்பர் ஏரிடவை ஏமப் பேறூர்
Nachinarkiniyar also praises Murugan’s manthra as
“ஏரகத்து உறைவோனின் ஆறேழுத்து மந்திரம்” – “நமோ குமாராய“
Moolavar : Sri Sankaranathar or Sri Kandanatha Swamy
Consort : Sri Sankara Nayaki
Some of the salient features of this temple are….
The temple faces east with an entrance arch with Stucco images of Shiva and Parvati as Rishbaroodar, Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Ambal, and Murugan. Moolavar is small on a round avudayar. In Kostam Nardhana Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.
In praharam, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas, Suriyan, Chandran, Bairavar, Vinayagar, and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar.
Ambal Sri Sankara Nayaki is in a separate Sannidhi facing South. Ambal is standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.
Sri Adhi Kandhanatha Swamy
Sri Adhi Kandhanatha Swamy is on the back side of the Shiva temple in a separate sannidhi. Adhi Kandhanatha Swamy is standing with right hand in abhaya hastam and left hand in uru hastam. Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of this Sri Adhi Kandanatha Swamy Temple in his Thirupukazh on Thiruverakam ( Swamimalai ).
ARCHITECTURE
The Temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a prati bandha adhistanam with jagathy, vrudha kumudam, and prativari. The Bhitti starts with Vedikai. The pilasters are Vishnukantha pilasters with square bases, kalasam, kudam, mandi, palakai, and vettu pothyal. The Prastaram consists of valapi, and kapotam with Nasi kudus. One tala Brick Vimanam is on the prastaram, greevam and Vesara sigaram. In Tala koshtas, Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma. Maha Vishnu and Brahma are with their consorts.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
It is believed that the temple was constructed during the 12th Century Chozha King Vikrama Chozha ( 1118 – 1135 CE ). Hence this place was called Mumudi Chozhamangalam, Kumarapura, etc. Later received contributions from Nayakas and Marathas.
12th Century inscriptions are found on the adhistanam. The inscriptions are completely erased by sandblasting during the renovations. Only impressions are found in some of the places. As per the inscriptions, this place was called Mudikonda Chozhapurathu Eragaram.
As per Thevaram and Thirupukazh, This place was called “Eaar” during the 8th – 9th Century and now called Eraharam, and this temple was existed before Swamimalai, Swaminatha Swami temple.
A fragment of a 12th-century inscription stone was found during our Visit to this temple. Some of the words found are, Iru Nazhi, amuthu. This inscription may record the endowment of Naivedyam offered to Shiva of this temple.
LEGENDS
It is believed that this temple is the one mentioned in the Thevaram and Thirupukazh. To save Devas, Murugan came to this earth on his Mayil Vahana. He did pooja to Shiva and Ambal, and got the pasupata asthara – Sakthi ayutham. He Killed the demon at Thiruchendur and returned to Eragam. He was welcomed by Devas who crowned him with a Golden crown. Hence Murugan blesses the Devotees wearing Golden Crown.
As per another legend, since Brahma has the power of creation, thought of himself, as superior to Shiva, Maha Vishnu, and Devas. On seeing his misbehavior and attitude, Muruga asked Brahma, to explain the meaning of Pranava, OHM, and Brahma couldn’t answer. So Muruga hit him on his head and lodged him in the prison. Due to this, the creation was affected.
As per another legend, since Brahma has the power of creation, thought of himself, as superior to Shiva, Maha Vishnu, and Devas. On seeing his misbehavior and attitude, Muruga asked Brahma, to explain the meaning of Pranava, OHM, and Brahma couldn’t answer. So Muruga hit him on his head and lodged him in the prison. Due to this, the creation was affected.
Shiva asked Muruga to release Brahma. Muruga told Shiva that since Brahma didn’t know the meaning of the Pranava mantra refused to release Brahma. Shiva asked Muruga, whether he knew the meaning of the Pranava mantra. Muruga replied that, when Shiva hears Sisya, he can explain the meaning of the Pranava mantra. Both Shiva and Muruga came to this place, Muruga taught Shiva the meaning of the Pranava mantra, in the position of Guru. Since this is the place where the meaning of the Pranava mantra was revealed to Shiva, Shiva is called Sri Kandhanatha Swamy. This temple is older than the Swamimalai, Shiva is called Adhi Kandhanatha Swamy.
Brighu Muni worshiped Muruga and Shiva of this temple.
HOW TO REACH
Sri Kandanatha Swamy temple is on the western side of the village, IS ABOUT 5 km from Innambur Shiva Temple, 8.8 KM from Kumbakonam, 38 KM from Mayiladuthurai 34 KM from Thiruvaiyaru, and 43 KM from Thanjavur. Nearest Railway Station is Kumbakonam.
Blog Written By: V. A. Veluswamy.
