Arulmighu Tirumagaraleeswarar Temple is a revered Hindu temple located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is known for its historical and spiritual significance. The presiding deity, Tirumagaraleeswarar (a form of Shiva), is worshipped along with Goddess Tirupurasundari. The temple showcases classic Dravidian architecture, with intricate sculptures and a majestic gopuram (entrance tower). It is believed to have been built during the Chola dynasty and is an important pilgrimage site. The temple is associated with several legends and is visited by devotees seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.
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- History/Legend of the Temple The legend of the Arulmighu Tirumagaraleeswarar Temple is rooted in the stories of Lord Shiva’s divine presence and the special significance of this particular place. It is believed that once, a demon named Magarai, who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, performed intense penance and worshipped Shiva with great devotion. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted him a boon. The demon requested that Lord Shiva reside in this area, and the god agreed to establish his presence here. The demon’s devotion and the divine acceptance led to the establishment of Tirumagaraleeswarar as the central deity. The temple is considered to be a place of great spiritual power and divine blessing. Pilgrims come here to offer prayers for well-being, prosperity, and to overcome obstacles in life. The temple is also closely associated with the ancient city of Kanchipuram, which is known as one of the seven Moksha-puris or holy cities in India, adding to the significance of the temple as part of this sacred landscape.
- Name of the Deities Thirumakaraleeswarar (Lord Shiva) & Tribuvananayagi (Goddess Parvati).
- Nearby Cities and Distance Chennai (Tambaram) (51.7 km). Vandavasi (38.0 km). Vellore (84.8 km).
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Bus. Auto.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Chennai (Tambaram) 1 hr 22 min.
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Car - Rs.1500 - Rs.2500. Bus - Rs.50 - Rs.100. Train - Rs.15 - Rs.50.
- Temple Instructions To maintain the temple's spiritual aura, avoid wearing flashy clothes and jewelry. Photography is usually permitted in specific places of the temple, however it is crucial to follow local customs and temple restrictions. Some sections, such as the inner sanctum or regions requiring secret rites, may prohibit photography in order to preserve the sacredness of the site.
- Special Days and Special Happenings Maha Shivaratri – A grand festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed with night-long prayers, abhishekams, and bhajans. Pradosham – A bi-monthly event (on the 13th day of both lunar fortnights), considered highly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. Arudra Darshan – Celebrated in the Margazhi month (December-January), highlighting the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva (Nataraja). Navaratri – A festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati, celebrated for nine days with various rituals and cultural events. Karthigai Deepam – A festival of lights in the Karthigai month (November-December), where lamps are lit all around the temple.
- Rituals Available Not Available
- Offerings Lighting oil lamps to invoke divine benefits. Fresh flowers, including jasmine, lotus, and bilva leaves, were offered to the deity. Devotees might show reverence by donating jewelry.
- Prasadham Arulmighu Tirumagaraleeswarar Temple provides
- Benefits of Visiting Devotees seek the heavenly blessings of Lord Shiva (Tirumagaraleeswarar) and Goddess Amman for peace, prosperity, and well-being. The temple's calm atmosphere promotes meditation, inner serenity, and mental regeneration.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? Yes
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year Nayanmars | Thirugnana Sambandar | Thevaram | 7th century.
- Other things to do / places of interest Government Museum Kanchipuram (16.5 km). Kanchi Kudil (16.3 km). Shakuntala Jagannathan museum (16.6 km). Vedanthangal Birds Sanctuary (31 km).
- Nearby Temples Ekambareswarar Temple. Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple. Sri Chandramouleeswarar Temple. Sri Kailasanathar Temple.
- Nearby Eateries Sri Venkateshwara Sweets & Snacks. Hotel Kanchi Virundhu. Saravana Bhavan. Sree Akila Vilas. Annapurna Hotel.
- Hotels / Home stays: Kanchi Kailasanathar Guest House. Vishnu Priya Residency. Hotel Kanchi Residency. Kanchipuram Homestay. Hotel Regency Kanchipuram by GRT Hotels.
- Standard Weather Arulmighu Tirumagaraleeswarar Temple, located in the village of Magaral near Kanchipuram, enjoys a typical tropical climate. The best time to visit is during cooler months, from November to February, when the weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities like temple walks.
- For the best experience / Must know The temple holds great religious importance, particularly for devotees seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth. The temple's architecture reflects Dravidian style, characterized by intricately carved stone structures, a large tower (Rajagopuram), and beautiful pillared halls. Devotees believe that offering prayers here brings peace, success, and relief from obstacles. The temple also celebrates several annual festivals, especially Maha Shivaratri, with grand rituals and a large congregation of pilgrims. The serene environment of the temple attracts many visitors for both religious worship and cultural heritage. It is one of the lesser-known gems in Kanchipuram, a city renowned for its rich spiritual history.
- Not to miss The temple has beautiful Dravidian architecture, with elaborate sculptures and a towering doorway (Rajagopuram). The design and intricacies showcase the mastery of old craftspeople. The major deity, Tirumagaraleeswarar (a manifestation of Lord Shiva), is housed in a large sanctum, and the idol is revered for its holy presence. The temple features a sacred tank, which is considered auspicious, where devotees bathe ritually.
- Note for Travelers The temple is accessible from nearby towns and cities via car or public transport. The nearest major city is Chennai, which is about 100 kilometers away from the temple. From Chennai, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the temple. Local trains and buses also connect smaller towns to the temple, though routes may require changes. Ensure to confirm transportation schedules as they can vary based on the time of day and season. For travelers, it’s advisable to check the weather and plan accordingly, as the temple's location may involve navigating rural or less-developed areas.
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FAQ's
Where is the Arulmighu Tirumagaraleeswarar Temple located?
The temple is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the prominent Shiva temples in the region.
What is the significance of this temple?
It is an ancient Shiva temple with historical and spiritual importance. Devotees believe that worshipping here grants blessings for prosperity, health, and success. The temple architecture and sculptures are remarkable examples of Dravidian temple design.
What festivals are celebrated at the temple?
Maha Shivaratri – A grand celebration with special poojas and abhishekams. Panguni Uthiram – A significant festival for devotees. Navaratri – Dedicated to Goddess Thirupurasundari Amman. Pradosham – Observed twice a month for Lord Shiva.
How can I reach the temple?
By Road: The temple is well connected by roads, and local buses or taxis can be taken from Kanchipuram town. By Train: Kanchipuram railway station is the nearest station. By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (around 75 km away).
Is there any dress code for visitors?
Devotees are encouraged to wear traditional attire. Men should wear dhoti or pants with a shirt, while women should wear sarees or salwar kameez.
Are there any special poojas or sevas available?
Yes, various poojas like Abhishekam, Archana, and Rudrabhishekam are performed. Devotees can book poojas at the temple office.
What are the major festivals celebrated?
Brahmotsavam (February-March) is the most important festival. Other festivals include Vinayaka Chaturthi, Navaratri, Skanda Sashti, Karthikai Deepam, Arudra Darshanam, and more.
