Shivanandeswarar temple, Tirukallil
Location: Tiru-Kallil (Known as Tiru-Kandalam)
Deity known as: Shivanandeswarar
Female Deity: Anandavalli
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Sivanandeswarar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located about 4 kilometres from Kannigaipper, which lies on the Chennai–Periyapalayam route. From Kannigaipper, a branch road leads directly to Tirukandalam. Bus Route No. 58-D from the Chennai Koyambedu Market Bus Terminus passes through Kannigaipper and Tirukandalam, and there is a bus stop near the temple. The temple can also be reached from Tiruvallur and Sengundram (Red Hills). From the Kannigaipper bus stop, auto-rickshaws are available to reach Tirukandalam. The temple is situated at a distance of approximately 43 kilometres from Chennai.
Temple Address
Tirukandalam
Tirukandalam Post
Via Vengal S.O.
Tiruvallore Taluk
Tiruvallore District
PIN 601103
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Temple Location Map
Temple Legend
Sage Agasthya and the Divine Wedding
During the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati at Mount Kailash, a vast gathering of gods, sages, and celestial beings assembled in the northern region. Their collective presence caused an imbalance in the earth’s equilibrium along the north–south axis. To restore balance to the world, Shiva instructed Agastya to travel towards the southern part of the land. Sage Agastya, however, was reluctant to leave Kailash, as he did not want to miss witnessing the divine wedding. Understanding his devotion, Shiva granted him a special boon: Agastya would be able to behold the sacred wedding of Shiva and Parvati whenever and wherever he wished through divine vision.
Shiva's Manifestation at Tirukallil
One such place was Tirukallil, where the sage beheld the wedding form of Shiva and Parvati as bride and groom. They appeared along with Somaskanda — the form that depicts Shiva with Uma and their son Muruga. Witnessing this divine vision filled Agastya with immense joy and devotion. Overwhelmed with gratitude for this blessing, Sage Agastya fervently prayed that Shiva should continue to reside at this place and bestow grace upon all devotees who visit it. Moved by the sage’s devotion, Shiva manifested here in the form of a Lingam as Shivanandeshwarar.
During the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati at Mount Kailash, the presence of countless gods and sages gathered in the north caused the earth to tilt slightly. To restore balance, Shiva asked the revered sage Agastya to travel to the southern regions. Agastya felt sorrowful at leaving, as he wished to witness the divine marriage. Understanding the sage’s devotion, Shiva granted him a boon that he would be able to behold the sacred wedding from wherever he was and whenever he desired.
Places visited by Sage Agasthya in his journey to south -
Temple Layout
Gopuram and Entrance
The temple features an impressive east-facing five-tiered Rajagopuram at its entrance. Just outside the gateway lies the temple tank known as Nandi Theertham. Inside, the dwajasthambam (flagstaff), balipeetam, and the Nandi are aligned along the eastern axis leading toward the main sanctum. Further ahead is the sanctum of the presiding deity, Sivanandeswarar, who is enshrined in the form of a Shivalinga placed on a square avudaiyar (pedestal) and faces east, blessing devotees who enter the temple.
Sannidhis and Somaskanda Arrangement
The sannidhi of the goddess Anandavalli Ammai and the sannidhi of Muruga (Subramanya) are situated to the left of the main sanctum, and both face east. This distinctive arrangement, where the three are aligned in accordance with the Somaskanda concept, is a notable and unique feature of this temple. It symbolically represents the divine family of Shiva with Parvati (Uma) and Muruga, a sacred form that holds special significance in many ancient Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu.
Outer Prakaram and Special Shrines
The three sannidhis are surrounded by a broad and spacious prakaram (circumambulatory corridor). In the south-west corner of the prakaram are the sannidhis for Vinayaka and Kalatheeswarar. Along the northern side of the prakaram is the sannidhi of Shakthi Dakshinamurthy. According to temple tradition, Sage Bhrigu worshipped Sivanandeswarar here by offering a thousand cactus flowers. Pleased with his devotion, the Deity manifested as Shakthi Dakshinamurthy, portrayed with Shakthi seated on His lap — a form that is considered rare and distinctive in Shiva temples.
Devotion to Shakthi Dakshinamurthy is believed to bestow many blessings upon devotees. Worshipping this rare form is said to grant a happy and harmonious marriage, strengthen relationships within the family, bless couples with healthy children, enhance wisdom and intellect, and bring overall prosperity and well-being in life.
Goshta Deities & Other Sannidhis
The walls surrounding the sanctum are adorned with the Goshta Moorthys, which include Narthana Ganapathy, Vishnu (Mahavishnu), Brahma, and Durga. In addition, the temple complex houses several other sannidhis, including that of Chandikeshwara, the four revered Nayanmars, and the shrine for the Navagrahas. These shrines add to the spiritual significance and traditional layout of the temple.
The pathikam composed by Tirugyanasambandar is preserved in the first Tirumurai.
Gallery - Sivanandeswarar Temple
