Kumarakottam Temple

About:

The temple deity, Sri Subrahmanya, also known as Kumarakottam, is located on West Raja Street near Gangaikondan Mandapam and Sri Sankaramutt in Big Kanchipuram. It is situated between the temples of Sri Ekambareswara and Sri Kamakshi.

In this temple, the sacred text Kanda Puranam, which praises Lord Muruga, was composed by the saintly scholar Kachiappa Sivachariyar. According to Kachiappa’s account, each day he would write about the life and deeds of Lord Murugan (also known as Skanda) and place his manuscript at the feet of Lord Subrahmanya in the Kumara Kottam temple. Legend holds that each night, Lord Muruga Himself would make corrections to Kachiappa’s work, making *Kanda Puranam* an authoritative account of Lord Murugan's story with divine approval.

Mythologically, it is believed that Lord Muruga once punished Lord Brahma for his ignorance of the Pranava mantra by striking him on his vortex with his fist and imprisoning him. During Brahma's imprisonment, Muruga assumed the role of Creator, a form known as Brahmasasta, which is how He is enshrined in the Kumara Kottam Temple.

The Subramanyar here was worshipped by the sage Agasthiar. Although this is primarily a Murugan temple, it also houses deities for Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar with Abitha Kuchalambal and Sarabeswarar (depicted in a pillar). A unique *Sarabeswara Pooja* is conducted here every Sunday during Rahu Kala (4:30 PM to 6:00 PM), drawing special attention from devotees.

Location Info:

Climate/Weather:

Summer (March to June): Summers in Kanchipuram are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C. It is generally not recommended to visit during this period due to the high temperatures.

Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season brings moderate to heavy rainfall, which cools down the atmosphere slightly. The region becomes lush and green, providing a refreshing environment for visitors, although occasional showers may interrupt plans.

Winter (November to February): Winters are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, making it the best time to visit. The cooler weather allows for comfortable exploration of the temple and surrounding areas.

History:

Once, Lord Brahma, along with Devendra and other Devas, was traveling to Mount Kailash to pay respects to Lord Shiva. Along their path, they encountered Lord Subramanya (Murugan), who was young yet held great wisdom and power. While all the Devas greeted Him with reverence, Lord Brahma did not acknowledge Him, viewing Him as merely a child.

Lord Subramanya, displeased with Brahma's disregard, questioned him about the meaning of the sacred syllable "OM" (Pranava). Unconvinced by Brahma's response, Lord Subramanya took Brahma captive and assumed the role of the Creator, a duty typically assigned to Brahma. Witnessing this, Lord Narayana (Vishnu) sought the help of Lord Shiva, who then sent Nandikeswara to request Brahma’s release. However, Lord Subramanya remained steadfast.

Finally, Lord Shiva Himself appeared before Lord Subramanya, aiming not only to release Brahma but also to elevate Subramanya’s status. When Lord Shiva requested the meaning of Pranava, Lord Subramanya responded that true understanding of the sacred syllable could only be imparted by a Guru. Impressed by this, Lord Shiva accepted Subramanya as His Guru, and Lord Subramanya whispered the sacred Pranava Mantra into Shiva's ears, imparting its wisdom.

From that moment, Lord Subramanya was honored with the titles "Sivagurunatha," "Gnanadesika," and "Swaminatha," signifying His role as the Preceptor of the Supreme Lord Shiva Himself. This event established Him as the ultimate source of wisdom and the "Guru" of the Adi Guru, Lord Shiva.

Interesting Places to Visit:

Ekambareswarar Temple: One of the major Shiva temples in Kanchipuram, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a magnificent gopuram (tower) and a sacred mango tree said to be over 3,500 years old.

Kamakshi Amman Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Parvati, and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The temple’s architectural beauty and serene environment make it a popular site for devotees and tourists alike.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is known for its intricate carvings and the "Athi Varadar" idol, which is immersed in the temple's tank and taken out for public worship only once every 40 years.

Kailasanathar Temple: This is one of the oldest structures in Kanchipuram, built by the Pallava dynasty, and is famous for its unique sandstone carvings and intricate architecture.

Vivekananda Memorial Rock: Located about 500 meters away from the mainland, this memorial stands on one of two rocks separated by 70 meters. Built in 1970, it is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, who meditated here. The memorial also includes a meditation hall.

Gandhi Mandapam: Near the Kumari Amman Temple, this memorial marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were kept for public homage before immersion in the sea. Designed in an Oriyan style, it allows sunlight to fall on the exact spot of his ashes on October 2nd, his birthday.

How to Reach?

Nearest Visiting Places:

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Indian Oil Petrol Pump: Located on Gandhi Road in Kanchipuram, approximately 1 km from Kumarakottam Temple. This station offers fuel, air, and basic refreshments.

Bharat Petroleum Petrol Pump: Situated on Vellore Road, about 2 km from the temple. This pump is known for clean facilities and 24-hour service.

HP Petrol Pump: Positioned near Kanchipuram Bus Stand, around 1.5 km from the temple, providing easy access for travelers arriving by bus.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Park Lodge Park Town
Address: 33, Nainiyappan Mestri Street, Park Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003
Phone: 044 25355653

Mahindra Holiday & Resorts India Ltd
Address: 2, Lalithapuram Gaudiya Mutt Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600014

Chandra Park Hotel
Address: No. 9, Gandhi Irwin Road, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
Phone: 044 28191177

Murudis Lodge
Address: 1, Luz Church Road, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004

Hotel Raj Palace
Address: Thanikachalam Road, Thyagaraya Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
Phone: 044 24310033

Help Line/Phone Number:

Nearest Hospitals:

St. Isabel's Hospital & Nursing Home
Address: No. 18, Oliver Road, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Phone: 044 24991081

CSI Kalyani Multispeciality Hospital
Address: Radha Krishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 044 28470642

Rajan Dental - Implants, Cosmetic, Pediatric, Sedation and more
Address: 56, Dr. R.K. Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Phone: 044 28472266

Harvey Heart Hospitals Ltd
Address: No. 542, T.T.K. Road, Alwarpet, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018
Phone: 044 24311722

Roots Dental Hospitals
Address: 33, Desiga Road, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Phone: 044 24642565

Kumarakottam Temple