Anekadhangavadeswarar Temple also called Anegathangavadham is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Anekadhangavadeswarar is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, the 275 temples revered in the canon.
Shrine’s History
Anekadhangavadeswarar is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, the 275 temples revered in the canon.Maharshi Mareechi, while bathing in a lotus tank, found a female child on the leaves. He took the child and brought her up. He named her Vallaba. She was a staunch Shiva devotee. She was abducted by demon Kesi. She prayed to Lord Shiva to come to her rescue. Lord Shiva wanted to send Vinayaka to protect her. Ambica requested Lord to bless Vinayaka with victory in the war against the demon. Lord said that He would be victorious if he worships in this land. Lord Vinayaka followed the advice and installed the Linga. The demon was destroyed and Vallaba rescued. Lord Shiva and Mother performed the wedding of Vinayaka with Vallaba here.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
According to legend, Vinayaka, the son of Shiva, established Anegabeswarar in the form a Lingam . Anegabeswarar is believed to have killed the demon Iraniyapura king Kesi and arranged for the marriage of his daughter Vallabai with Vinayaga. Kubera, the king of wealth is also believed to have worshipped Angebeswarar. There are two Anegathangavadham temples, one in the North and one in the South. This temple is referred as Kachi Angegathangavadham to differentiate it from the northern shrine.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The temple is located in Kanchipuram, on the way from the town to the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple. Anekadhangavadeswarar temple complex has a single prakarams and a small rajagopuram facing North. The central shrine faces east and holds the image of Anekadhangavadeswarar in the form of lingam made of granite. As in other temples in Kanchipuram, there is no separate shrine of Parvathi as it is believed that Kamakshi of Kanchipuram is the common Parvathi shrine for all Shiva temples. The granite images of Nandi has located axially to the sanctum. As in other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu,the first precinct or the walls around the sanctum of Anekadhangavadeswarar has images of Dakshinamurthy , Durga and Chandikeswarar . There is a separate shrine for Periya Vinayaga. The temple precinct is surrounded by granite walls.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The Nearest bus stop is Kanchipuram 2 km.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram
By Air
The nearest airport is Chennai.
Shrine Timings
6.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Mahashivrathri in February-March and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Extra Information About this Shrine
Though Lord Vinayaka held the hands of Mother Vallabha in this place in marriage, He is in a shrine alone. Those facing problems in marriage proposals pray to him offering Arugampul ? grass ? with nivedhanas hoping to have their wish realised early.
