Arulmigu Mrityunja Nathar Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is renowned for its association with the Mrityunjaya mantra, which is believed to be a powerful prayer for healing and protection from death. The temple’s main deity, Mrityunjaya Nathar, is a form of Lord Shiva, worshipped to overcome untimely death and health-related issues.
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- History/Legend of the Temple The Arulmigu Mrityunjaya Nathar Temple is a revered Hindu temple located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Mrityunjaya (a form of Lord Shiva), the temple is particularly famous for its association with healing and longevity. The temple's deity is believed to possess the power to protect devotees from untimely death and grant them long life, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. Kanchipuram, one of the seven Moksha-puris (sacred cities) in Hindu tradition, has several ancient temples. The Mrityunjaya Nathar Temple is significant not just for its spiritual importance, but also for its architectural grandeur. The temple is known for its intricate sculptures, grand entrance, and tranquil surroundings, which attract both pilgrims and tourists. Devotees visit the temple to offer prayers for relief from ailments, to seek blessings for family welfare, and to perform special rituals for longevity and health. The temple is also noted for its festivals and vibrant religious activities throughout the year.
- Name of the Deities Mrithyunjeswarar (Irava Sthanathu Iraivan) Lord Shiva Goddess Kamakshi.
- Nearby Cities and Distance Chennai (Tambaram) (50.4 km). Vandavasi (44.7 km). Vellore (70.4 km).
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Bus. Train. Bike.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Chennai (Tambaram) 1 hr 5 min.
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Car - Rs.1200 to Rs.2500. Bus - Rs.40 to Rs.100. Train - Rs.20 to Rs.50.
- Temple Instructions Visitors are expected to wear traditional Indian clothes. Men usually wear dhotis or slacks, and women wear sarees or salwar kameez. Photography may be prohibited inside the temple grounds, particularly around the sanctum sanctorum, to protect the space's purity.
- Special Days and Special Happenings Maha Shivaratri. Pradosham. Navaratri. New Moon (Amavasya) Days.
- Rituals Available The temple is a popular venue for Hindu weddings, especially for those seeking blessings for a prosperous and harmonious married life. Couples come to perform rituals, seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva, and complete the marriage ceremony with traditional rites. The temple is known for the Mrityunjaya Homam, a sacred ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, intended to ward off untimely death and promote longevity. Many devotees participate in this homam to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings for health and safety. The Arulmigu Mrityunja Nathar Temple, also known as the Sri Mrityunja Eswarar Temple, is famous for its association with the 60th marriage rituals.
- Offerings Devotees can offer flowers, fruits, and other traditional items to the deity. Special offerings for health and long life can be made as part of the temple rituals.
- Prasadham At the Arulmigu Mrityunjayanathar Temple in Kanchipuram, the temple provides a special prasadham (sacred offering) during significant ceremonies like weddings. Common contributions include payasam (sweet rice pudding made with jaggery and rice). Rice combined with dals or pulses, commonly served as part of temple rites. Depending on the occasion, the temple may provide Pongal or curd rice for Prasadham.
- Benefits of Visiting Worshippers think that praying at this temple rewards them with a long and successful life. Performing the Mrityunjaya Homam at this temple is claimed to increase longevity, alleviate Abhaya Mrithyu Dosha (fear of unexpected death), and reduce poverty. The temple is a popular place to celebrate significant life events such as Sashti Aptha Poorthi, Bheemaratha Shanti, and Sadabishekams for the elderly.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? No
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year No
- Other things to do / places of interest Government Museum Kanchipuram (1.6 km). Aringnar Anna Memorial Park (2.6 km). Shakuntala Jagannathan Museum (1.0 km). Arunachala Nagar Park (4.8 km). Kanchi Kudil (1.7 km).
- Nearby Temples Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Kailasanathar Temple. Ekambareswarar Temple. Sri Chandramouleeswarar Temple. Kamakshi Amman Temple.
- Nearby Eateries Saravana Bhavan. Hotel Rajam. Annapoorna Hotel. Kovai Kitchen. Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan.
- Hotels / Home stays: Arihant Inn. Hotel TamilNadu Kanchipuram. Sivaganga Residency. Kanchipuram Homestay. Royal Stay Kanchipuram. Mahalakshmi Homestay.
- Standard Weather The weather in Kanchipuram, where the Arulmigu Mrityunjaya Nathar Temple is located, typically has a tropical climate.
- For the best experience / Must know It is particularly associated with the worship of Mrityunjaya, a form of Lord Shiva known for his power to defeat death and grant immortality. The temple is one of the prominent places of worship for those seeking blessings for health, longevity, and freedom from fear of death.
- Not to miss The Arulmigu Mrityunjaya Nathar Temple in Kanchipuram is a significant spiritual site, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for its connection to the Mrityunjaya mantra, believed to offer protection and longevity to devotees. The temple holds great historical and architectural value, with serene surroundings enhancing its sacred atmosphere. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to experience the divine energy of the temple, which is known for its calm and peaceful environment. A visit to this temple is considered auspicious, especially for those seeking blessings for health and well-being.
- Note for Travelers Kanchipuram is around 75 kilometers from Chennai, and you may get there either National Highway 16 (NH 16) or the Chennai-Kanchipuram Road (NH 45).Local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are available from Kanchipuram's bus station and surrounding locations. Kanchipuram Railway Station is well connected to Chennai and other major cities. From the station, you can rent a car or take a bus to the temple. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA), which is around 70 kilometers from the temple. To get to Kanchipuram from the airport, take a cab or arrange for a private vehicle.
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FAQ's
What is the significance of the Mrityunja Nathar Temple?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Mrityunja Nathar, who is believed to have the power to protect devotees from untimely death and cure life-threatening diseases. The name "Mrityunja" means "Conqueror of Death," and the temple is believed to offer divine protection and healing.
Where is the Mrityunja Nathar Temple located?
The temple is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, one of the seven Moksha-puris (places of salvation) in India. Kanchipuram is an ancient city known for its numerous temples.
What are the main festivals celebrated in the temple?
Mahashivaratri: A major festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked by night-long prayers, fasting, and chanting of mantras. Mrittunjaya Homam: A special ritual performed to invoke Lord Mrityunja Nathar’s blessings for longevity and health. Arudra Darshanam: A festival celebrated to honor the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. Monthly Pradosham: A significant event where devotees gather for special prayers on the 13th day of the lunar cycle.
How to reach the temple?
By Road: Kanchipuram is well-connected by bus and private transport from Chennai (about 75 km away). By Train: Kanchipuram Railway Station has connections to nearby cities, and from there, the temple can be reached by auto-rickshaw or local transport. By Air: The nearest airport is in Chennai, approximately 75 km away, from where one can travel to Kanchipuram by road.
Are there any specific rituals or prayers?
Devotees visit the temple for prayers to overcome health problems, seek blessings for longevity, and eliminate fear of death. Many perform Mritunjaya Mantra Japa (chanting of the Mrityunjaya mantra) and offer prayers to the Lord for healing and protection.
Can devotees perform special rituals?
Yes, devotees can perform special rituals like Mritunjaya Homam, Abhishekams, and Archana (ritual offerings). The temple priests also conduct personal prayers and blessings for health and prosperity.
Is there any dress code to follow?
While there is no strict dress code, it is recommended to wear traditional attire like dhoti for men and saree for women, especially when visiting the sanctum of the temple.
Can non-Hindus visit the temple?
Yes, the temple is open to all visitors, regardless of their religious background, as long as they respect the customs and practices followed within the temple.
