Thirukandiyur, Thanjavur - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 12 km from Thanjavur and 35 km from Kumbakonam, Thirukandiyur is a temple town situated in Tamilnadu. The major attraction of Thirukandiyur is the Temple of Hara Sapavimochana Kandeswarar. The temple of Thirukandiyur is considered one of the 108 Divyadesams and is also known as Pancha Kamala Kshetram. As per history, the temple was built by Emperor Mahabali and is located between Kudamurutti and Vennar Rivers.

According to a legend, Brahma became very arrogant and feet superior to Shiva. Brahma once visited Kailas to meet Shiva. Parvathi, the wife of Shiva got confused and performed pooja to Brahma instead of Shiva. Lord Shiva plucked off one head of Brahma to avoid the confusion between the two. This resulted in Shiva incurring a Brahmahathya dosha. The skull of Brahma stuck to the hands of Shiva which he could not separate despite all efforts. All the food offered to him was consumed by the skull and it was never filled. Holding the skull, Lord Shiva came down to earth for Bikshatana with his skull bowl. It is believed that Lord Shiva prayed to Goddess Kamalavalli and Lord Vishnu at Thirukandiyur and attained salvation from Lord Kamala Nathan in this temple. Finally, the head fell down at this place and disappeared. At last with the help of Lord Vishnu, Shiva got salvation from the curse; hence this place is called Hara Sapavimochana Temple.

This temple is an excellent specimen of Dravidian style of architecture. It has a three-tiered Rajagopuram facing East with two enclosures. The main diety Hara Sapavimochana Perumal is in standing posture in the sanctum sanctorum. There is a beautiful pond called Kapaala Theertham situated on the western side of the temple. Just opposite to it is the Padma Theertham, there are shrines for Goddess Kamalavalli, Lord Narasimhar, Sudharsanar, Andal, and the Azhwars in outer enclosure.

The complex also has a temple for Lord Shiva, known as Kandeswarar Temple. The place has the reputation of being honoured as Trimoorthy Sthalam. Since there is no temple for Brahma, he can be seen in Kandeswarar temple gracing with Goddess Saraswathi. It is believed that devotees visiting the temple will be freed from all their sins.

The Brahmotsavam festival is being celebrated in Tamil Month of Panguni. The temple was renovated due to the efforts of Sreemadh Andavan Sri Rangaramanuja Maha Desigan.

Timings: 8 AM 12 PM and 4.30 PM to 8 PM.