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 Narayana and Narada consecrated two different Shiva
Lingams and worshipped the lord. At the appropriate time, Shiva made
his appearance. He declared that those who worship him will be rid
of their karma.
There are significant spots in the temple –
marana vaasal and janana vaasal. It is believed that by entering the
marana vaasal and circumambulating the lord and coming out through
the janana vasal a person completes a cycle of birth. Vishnu and
Narada did likewise and got rid of their sins.
Built in the 7th century by Rajasimha Pallava, this
temple is an architectural marvel and bears the seal of the Pallava
empire.
The gopuram and other sculptures of the temple
are made of ‘pindi manal’ (sand from the rocks). There is a large
Nandi of pindi manal in the open in front of the temple.
 The temple is a repository of beautiful
sculptures which is also a connoisseur’s delight.
There is an interesting story related to this temple. Rajasimha
Pallavan wanted to perform kumbhabhishekam for this temple and work
was in full swing. But God wanted to have his way. He directed the
king to proceed to Thiruninravur, near Chennai. There the king
witnessed a divine spectacle –
Poosalar , a Siva devotee built a ‘manaseeka koil’ and performed
the kumbhabhishekam for that temple. The Lord accepted the
Poosalar’s wish to merge with the Lingam in true form. The king,
after being blessed by Shiva, returned to Kancheepuram and performed
the kumbhabhishekam to Kailasanathar.
Temple timings – 6.30 a.m. to Noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sivarathri is celebrated in a grand manner
PART-1
Usha Raja
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