Onakaantheshwar temple, Onakaanthanthali
Location: Onakaanthanthali
Deity known as: Onakaantheswarar, chalandhareshwarar
Female Deity: Kamakshi
Pathikam: Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Onakaantheshwar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is situated at Panjupettai, a locality in Kancheepuram. While traveling on the Kancheepuram–Arakkonam Road, proceed past Sarva Theertham and continue up to the Panjupettai Electricity Board Sub-Station. Take the first right turn immediately after the sub-station to reach the temple.
Temple Address
Panjupettai
Big Kancheepuram
Kancheepuram District
PIN - 631502
Temple Hours
Morning: 7:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tirukachchi Ekambam (Kancheepuram) - 3.5 kms | |
| 2 | Tirukkachchi Mettrali - 3.3 kms | |
| 3 | Kachchi Aneka-Thanga-Padham - 3 kms | |
| 4 | Kachchi Aneka-Thanga-Padham - 4.8 kms |
Temple History
Onakanthantali derives its name from the two demons, Onan and Kaanthan, who served as the chief army commanders of King Vanasuran.
Special Feature
The temple features a modest three-tier Raja Gopuram and contains three sanctums. It is unique in housing three Shiva Lingams, each enshrined in a separate sanctum within the temple complex.
Temple Architecture and Layout
The gateway leads to the prakaram which houses a Nandi and Balipeetam.
The Three Main Sanctums
Two Shiva Lingams, worshipped by the demons Onan and Kaanthan, are enshrined in two separate sanctums and are known as Oneshwar and Kantheshwar.
Oneshwar Sanctum
Foremost is Oneshwar, a Swayambu (self-manifested) Linga, facing east. Behind the Swayambhu Linga, Shiva and Parvathy are depicted as bride and groom in their 'Tirumana Kolam' (as bride and groom). Within the Artha Mandap of this sannidhi stands an idol of Sundarar.
Kantheshwar & Chalandhareshwar
The second sannidhi is dedicated to Kantheshwar, while the third is dedicated to Chalandhareshwar, who is said to have been worshipped by Chalandhara. This sannidhi was consecrated during a later period.
Vinayaka Sannidhis
Sundarar mentions the sannidhi of ‘Vayirudhari Pillayar’ in his Pathikam. Apart from this, another Vinayaka known as ‘Omkara Vigneshwar’ can be seen outside the sannidhi of Kantheshwar.
Omkara Vigneshwara's Miracle
It is said that one can perceive the sound of ‘Om’ when placing one’s ear close to the idol of “Omkara Vigneshwara”. This unique phenomenon makes this deity particularly special.
Other Deities
Dakshinamurthy is depicted with one foot resting on the demon Muyalaka, in the presence of the Sanakadhi sages. Murugar is seen seated on his peacock vahana, accompanied by his two consorts, Valli and Deivanai.
The Goddess and Sacred Elements
As Goddess Kamakshi presides over the entire Kanchi region, most temples in and around Kanchi do not have a separate sannidhi for the female deity. This temple, too, does not have a separate sannidhi for the Goddess.
Sthala Vruksham & Theertham
Sthala Vruksham (Sacred Trees): The 'Vanni' (Prosopis cineraria) and 'Tamarind' trees are the sacred trees of this temple.
Theertham (Sacred Water): The temple's theertham is located just outside the temple premises.
Sundarar's Pathigam and Legend
Sundarar’s Pathikam for this temple appears in the 7th Tirumurai. It narrates how he conversed with the deity as a humble servant and was rewarded with gold for his hymn.
The Tamarind Tree Miracle
As he recited the fifth stanza, Shiva concealed Himself within a nearby tamarind tree, prompting Sundarar to continue singing until golden fruits fell from the tree. This miraculous event forms one of the temple’s cherished legends.
Blessings of the Pathigam
It is believed that daily recitation of this verse with devotion will bring blessings, prosperity, contentment, and joy to the devotees.
Gallery - More Temple Views
