Arulmigu Brahmapureeswarar Koil, Maha Periyava Shiva Sthalam is an ancient and sacred Hindu temple situated in Perunagar, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Brahmapureeswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, along with Goddess Periya Nayagi. The temple is known for its Dravidian architectural style, featuring intricately carved pillars, detailed sculptures, and a grand Rajagopuram (entrance tower). The serene atmosphere and powerful spiritual vibrations draw devotees seeking divine blessings and inner peace.
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- History/Legend of the Temple The original temple might have been constructed during the Pallava period and reconstructed during the Chozha Period. Shri Shiva was called Moolasthanatheeswarar till 1920. The only inscription recorded from this temple belongs to Rajanarayana Sambuvarayar. In that Lord Shiva was recorded as Chuvaramudaya Nayanar. During the 1950s Kanchi Maha Periyava came to this temple, stayed there and took over the control of this temple, and converted it into a private temple. This temple is not under the control of Tamil Nadu HR & CE department Control. Now, the Temple activities are taken care of by the Sri Sankara Bhakta Jana Sabha trust, a unit of Sankara Mutt and also running a Veda Patasala. As per legend, Lord Brahma along with Lord Vishnu wanted to take up the job of creation. Hence, Lord Brahma approached Lord Shiva and requested for boon. Lord Shiva instructed Lord Brahma to visit this temple and worship him. Lord Brahma came here and created Brahma Theertham. He took bath in Brahma Theertham, installed Shiva Linga and worshipped Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma obtained the job of creation as a bon from Lord Shiva in this temple. Further, Lord Brahma requested Lord Shiva to make his abode in this place. Hence, the temple came to be called as Shivasthanam. As Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva here, Lord Shiva came to be called as Brahmapureeswarar.
- Name of the Deities Sri Brahmapureeswarar (Lord Shiva) Goddess Periya Nayagi.
- Nearby Cities and Distance Chennai (Tambaram) (48.6 km). Vandavasi (41.9 km). Vellore (76.1 km)
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Bus. Train. Bike.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Chennai (Tambaram) 58 min.
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Car- 2000-2500. Bus- 100-150. Train- 50-100.
- Temple Instructions Modest and traditional attire is recommended. Devotees are advised to wear traditional Indian clothing. Men may wear dhoti and shirts, and women may wear sarees or salwar kameez. Photography may be restricted in certain areas of the temple premises. It is best to check with the temple authorities before taking photos.
- Special Days and Special Happenings The festivals celebrated here with great grandeur are Navaratri, Shivaratri, and Aippasi Annabishekam.
- Rituals Available Not Available.
- Offerings Devotees can offer flowers, fruits, incense, Incense and Camphor, Abhishekam Items.
- Prasadham Neivedhyam is given to devotees once the pooja is finished.
- Benefits of Visiting The benefits of visiting the Arulmigu Brahmapureeswarar Kovil in Kanchipuram, also called the Maha Periyava Shiva Sthalam, include being in a calm spiritual setting, asking Lord Shiva, who is thought to be worshipped by Brahma himself, for blessings, learning about the rich Hindu tradition, and possibly feeling calm and peaceful because of the temple's distinct spiritual aura. Many devotees also come to pay their respects to the spiritual leader Maha Periyava, whose presence is closely linked to this temple.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? No
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year No
- Other things to do / places of interest Kanchi Kudil (7.4 km). Sri Pachai Amman Temple (1.0 km). Government Museum (6.7 km).
- Nearby Temples Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple. Arulmigu Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple. Sri Vaikunta Perumal Temple. Sri Sonnavannam Seidha Perumal. Ekambareswaran Temple.
- Nearby Eateries Pandiyan Chettinad A/C. Meena Tiffen CENTER. Senthil Caterers. G.S HOTEL. Sri Chendhur Murugan.
- Hotels / Home stays: Geetha Residency. Hotel Adhi Residency. Priyanka Residency. SAU Residency. Lakshmi Narayana Grand.
- Standard Weather Wet and dry climate. The weather in Kanchipuram is generally hot and humid.
- For the best experience / Must know Indra Gandhi is said to have got the election symbol of Hand for her Congress only through the blessings of Periyava here. The unique feature of the Arulmigu Brahmapureeswarar Kovil, Maha Periyava Shiva Sthalam in Kanchipuram is its connection to Lord Brahma's penance. Unlike most Shiva temples, this is one of the rare places where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Brahmapureeswarar, honoring the legend that Lord Brahma regained his lost powers of creation through intense penance and devotion here. Additionally, the temple is spiritually significant because Maha Periyava (Kanchi Paramacharya) meditated at this location, enhancing its divine aura and making it a powerful center for spiritual seekers. This blend of mythology and historical reverence makes the temple uniquely sacred.
- Not to miss Theertham associated with this temple is Brahma Theertham. The water from the Theertham is used in performing ablutions to Lord Shiva. Hence, people are not allowed to step into the temple pond. The Temple is called as Shivasthanam. Brahma Theertham Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa tree.
- Note for Travelers The temple is on Kanchipuram to Walajabad – Chengalpattu Road. The temple is about 5.2 to 5.8 KM from Kanchipuram Bus Stand. Autos are available from the Bus Stand. Nearest Railway station is Kanchipuram.
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FAQ's
Who is the presiding deity of the temple?
The main deity is Lord Brahmapureeswarar (a form of Lord Shiva) and the consort is Goddess Periya Nayagi.
What is the significance of the temple?
The temple is known for its unique association with Lord Brahma. It is believed that Lord Shiva granted Brahma the wisdom to create the universe here. The temple is one of the few dedicated to Shiva as the giver of knowledge to Brahma.
Are non-Hindus allowed inside the temple?
As per a Madras High Court order, non-Hindus are not allowed beyond the Kodimaram (flagpole) unless they provide a written undertaking of their faith and willingness to follow the temple customs.
What is the temple's accessibility?
The temple has a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
What is the temple’s historical significance?
The temple features inscriptions from the reign of Raja Raja Chola and Kulothunga Chola III. It is one of the temples where Lord Brahma is believed to have performed penance to regain his powers after being cursed by Lord Shiva.
How can I reach the temple?
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (around 70 km). By Train: Kanchipuram has a railway station with connections to major cities. By Road: Well-connected by buses and private transport from Chennai, Vellore, and other nearby towns.
What are the special poojas and their timings?
Kalashanthi Pooja – 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM Uchikala Pooja – Noon Sayaraksha Pooja – Evening Arthajama Pooja – Night
What amenities are available for devotees?
Drinking water facilities. Pooja item shops. Nearby restaurants. Restrooms.
