Ona Kantheeswarar Temple (also known as Onakanthali) is a Shiva-dedicated Hindu temple in Panjupettai, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is revered as Ona Kantheeswarar, and his consort Parvathi as Kamakshi. Ona Kantheeswarar is adored in the Tevaram, a 7th-century CE Tamil Saiva canonical work composed by Tamil saint poets known as nayanars and classed as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 275 temples respected in the canon.
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- History/Legend of the Temple The Ona Kantheeswarar Temple in Kanchipuram holds a rich historical and spiritual significance, closely tied to the Tamil Saiva tradition and the architectural legacy of ancient India. The Ona Kantheeswarar Temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, a group of Shiva temples glorified in the Tamil Saiva canonical hymns, the Tevaram, written by Saivite saints like Sundarar, Appar, and Sambandar. The temple dates back to the Pallava period (7th-9th century CE), making it an integral part of Kanchipuram's rich temple heritage. The name "Ona Kantheeswarar" comes from a unique legend where the three demons Onan, Kanthan, and Jalandharan worshiped Lord Shiva here to atone for their sins. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared as three Shiva Lingas, named Oneswarar, Kantheswarar, and Jalandhareswarar, each in a separate shrine within the temple. The temple is also called Onakandhan Thali, referring to its association with these demons. The demon king Vanasura had two commanders, Onan and Kanthan, who guarded his fort near a place called Puzhal. During their time there, both Onan and Kanthan discovered self-manifested Shiva Lingas (Swayambhu Lingas). Onan, filled with devotion, performed intense penance by offering abhishekam (ritual bathing) to the Linga with his own blood, and he was blessed with several boons from Lord Shiva. Similarly, Kanthan, known for his unwavering devotion, found a Linga and received blessings and boons. A third demon, Jalandeswaran, also discovered a Linga and was rewarded for his devotion. When Saint Sundarar visited this place, he found the three Lingas buried in the open. Amazed by the devotion of the demons, he praised them for their faith and commitment to Lord Shiva. Wanting to preserve and honor the three Swayambhu Lingas, Sundarar decided to build a temple. To gather the necessary funds, he sang hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. The Lord, wanting to hear more of Sundarar's heartfelt songs, delayed his response. Finally, the Lord pointed to a tamarind tree and vanished. To Sundarar's astonishment, the fruits of the tree turned into gold. Using this miraculous gold, Sundarar built a temple to enshrine the three sacred Shiva Lingas, showcasing that even demons can be true devotees of Lord Shiva.
- Name of the Deities Ona Kantheeswarar (Lord Shiva). Goddess Kamakshi (Parvati).
- Nearby Cities and Distance Chennai (Tambaram) (52.0 km). Vandavasi (44.8 km). Vellore (67.4 km).
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Bus. Train. Bike.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Chennai (Tambaram) 1 hr 13 min.
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Car- Rs.2000-Rs.2500. Bus- Rs.100-Rs.150. Train- Rs.50-Rs.100
- Temple Instructions Before entering the Temple, take a wash and wear clean clothes. Respect historical customs and co-pilgrims when at the temple.
- Special Days and Special Happenings Maha Shivaratri: Observed during the Tamil month of Masi (February–March), this festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is marked by night-long vigils and special rituals. Margazhi Thiruvathirai: Celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January), this festival honors Lord Shiva with special prayers and rituals. Aipasi Pournami (Full Moon Day): Falling in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November), this festival involves special ceremonies under the full moon.
- Rituals Available Not Available.
- Offerings Vilvam Considered the most sacred offering to Lord Shiva, as it is believed to be his favorite. Devotees often make special offerings to the Vayirudhari Vinayaka idol for specific blessings. Devotees can offer Abhisheka Items Milk, Honey, Coconut Water, Sandalwood Paste.
- Prasadham Devotees can get Panchamirutam,Puliyodarai (tamarind rice), and sweets are offered, especially during special poojas and festivals.
- Benefits of Visiting Devotees think that chanting a song about Saint Sundarar will bring them riches.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? yes
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year Nayanars | Tevaram | 7th Century.
- Other things to do / places of interest Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam (2 km). Kanchi Kudil (2 km). Thirupavalavannam Temple (3 km) . Kanchipuram Silk Saree Weaving Centers.
- Nearby Temples Ekambareswarar Temple . Kamakshi Amman Temple. Kailasanathar Temple. Chitragupta Temple. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple.
- Nearby Eateries Hotel Saravana Bhavan. Haritam. Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant. Adayar Ananda Bhavan. Upashana Hotel.
- Hotels / Home stays: Regency Kanchipuram by Grt Hotel. MM Legacy. Hotel SSK Grand. Sree Sakthi Residency. SBK Park Inn.
- Standard Weather Wet and dry climate. The weather in Kanchipuram is generally hot and humid.
- For the best experience / Must know There is no separate Ambal shrine in this temple. In Kanchipuram, Goddess Kamakshi is considered omnipresent, and hence, many Shiva temples in the area, including this one, do not have a distinct Ambal shrine. Additionally, there is a unique idol of Vayirudhari Vinayaka, believed to bestow boons upon devotees.
- Not to miss Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthi in the temple. The temple houses three Shiva Lingas: Oneswarar, Kantheswarar, and Jalandareswar, each in separate shrines. There is also Omkhara Vinayaka in the temple. Devotees place their ears close to Him to hear the sacred mantra Ohm, they say.
- Note for Travelers The temple is very near to Panchupettai electrical substation part of Kanchipuram a KM from Sri Ekambareswarar temple and 2 KM from Railway station. Can be reached through an auto from Sri Ekambareswarar temple. The temple is about 1.6 KM from Kanchipuram Railway Station, 30 KM from Arakkonam Railway Junction, and 70 KM from Chennai. Nearest Railway station is Kanchipuram and Railway Junction is Arakkonam.
Opening Hours
Monday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Closed
Sunday:
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
FAQ's
What are the temple's opening hours?
Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Timings may vary on special festival days.)
Which festivals are celebrated at the temple?
The temple celebrates several festivals, with the most prominent being Maha Shivaratri, Margazhi Thiruvathirai and Aipasi Pournami (Full Moon Day).
What are the daily pooja (ritual) timings?
Kalasanthi Pooja: 8:00 AM and Sayarakshai Pooja: 6:30 PM
What is the temple's contact information?
Phone: +91-98944 43108
How can I reach the temple?
The temple is located approximately 1 km southwest of the Ekambareswarar Temple in the Panjupettai area of Kanchipuram. It is about 1.6 km from Kanchipuram Railway Station. Local transportation options like auto-rickshaws are available from major landmarks in the city.
Is there an entry fee for the temple?
No, entry to the temple is free. However, special poojas may require a donation or a ticket.
What are the best times to visit the temple?
Early mornings or evenings for a peaceful darshan. During Maha Shivaratri and Pradosham, when special rituals take place.
What facilities are available near the temple?
Drinking water and restrooms Prasadam (holy offerings). Shops selling puja items and souvenirs. Parking space for vehicles. 17. Are photography and videography.
