Anekathangaa Padeswarar temple, Kachchi Anekathangaapatham
Location: Kachchi Anekathangaapatham
Deity known as: Anekathangaa Patheeswarar
Female Deity: Kamakshi
Pathikam: Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Anekathangaa Padeswarar Temple
How to Reach
The Shiva temple is located at Pilliarpalayam, about 3 km northwest of Kancheepuram. From Kancheepuram, take the road leading to the Kailasanathar Temple via Putheri Street. A small lane next to a large school along this route leads directly to the temple. Bus services are available from Kancheepuram.
Important Note
This temple has is open only from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the morning. Owing to the limited number of visitors, the temple may remain closed outside the scheduled pooja hours. The temple is revered for its unique significance, including a Shiva Lingam consecrated by Vinayaka and the belief that prayers offered here help in removing obstacles related to marriage.
Temple Address
Pilliarpalayam
Kancheepuram
Kancheepuram District
PIN - 631501
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tirukachchi Ekambam (Kancheepuram) - 1.5 kms | |
| 2 | Tirukkachchi Mettrali - 1.4 kms | |
| 2 | Onakaanthanthali - 3 kms | |
| 4 | Kachchi Neri Kaaraikkadu - 3.7 kms |
Travel Tips
All the Padal Petra Sthalams in Kancheepuram (Thondai Naadu) are located very close to one another, making it possible to visit five temples comfortably within half a day. Begin your pilgrimage early in the morning with Kachchi Anekathangaavatham and Tirukkachchi Mettrali. Then proceed to Panjupettai to have darshan at Onakaanthanthali. Finally, conclude the yatra with Kachchi Ekambam (Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple) and Kachchi Neri Kaaraikkadu.
Temple History
There are two Paadal Petra Sivasthalams named Anekathangaapatham: one near Gowrikunt on the way to Haridwar and Kedarnath in Northern India, and another in Kancheepuram. To distinguish it from the northern shrine, the Kancheepuram temple is known as Kachchi Anekathangaapatham.
Origin of the Temple Name
'The word “Anekatham” refers to an elephant. According to legend, Vinayaka (the elephant-headed deity) consecrated a Shiva Lingam here for his worship. This divine act gave the place its name, Anekathangaapatham.
Temple Architecture and Layout
This temple has two entry points: a northern entrance with a modest gopuram, and an eastern entrance. Both gateways open into a spacious outer prakaram, providing access to the temple’s inner sanctums.
Prakaram and Sannidhis
In the outer prakaram, the Nandi and Balipeetam are aligned with the eastern gateway. The southern side of the prakaram houses the Thevara Moovar Sannidhi (the trio of Appar, Sundarar, and Gnana Sambandhar). The south-western corner contains the Vinayaka Sannidhi. The north-western corner contains the Subramanya Sannidhi.
Main Sanctum
The presiding deity, Anekathangaa Patheswarar, is a well-proportioned Shiva Lingam placed on a circular Avudayar. The goshta murthas (deities carved on the sanctum walls) include: Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka, Brahma, Goddess Durga
Temple Significance
The deity Anekathangaa Patheswarar was also revered by Kubera. According to legend, it was here that Vinayaka received the divine blessing to marry Vallabhai, the daughter of the demon king Keshi of Hiranyapura.
Kanchi Purana Reference
According to the Kanchi Purana, worshipping Anekathangaa Patheswarar, who was revered by Vinayaka, liberates devotees from the endless cycle of rebirth. It is said that such worship leads one to attain oneness with Lord Shiva residing in Tirukailash.
Sundarar’s Pathikam for this temple is found in the 7th Tirumurai.
Gallery - More Temple Views
