Thalapureeswarar Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is known for its rich heritage, intricate architecture, and religious significance. The presiding deity, Thalapureeswarar (a form of Shiva), is worshipped along with Goddess Kamakshi.
The temple’s name is derived from the legend that Lord Shiva appeared here to bless devotees and sages. The architecture reflects traditional Dravidian styles, featuring beautifully sculpted pillars, towering gopurams (entrance towers), and a serene ambiance for worshippers. The temple is also associated with various mythological stories and is believed to offer blessings for wisdom and prosperity.
It is one of the lesser known yet spiritually significant temples in Kanchipuram, a city renowned as the “City of a Thousand Temples.” Devotees visit this sacred site to seek divine blessings, particularly on auspicious occasions and festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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- History/Legend of the Temple The temple's primary legend is associated with Lord Indra, the king of the Devas. According to the story, Indra once incurred a curse and sought redemption. He performed intense penance and worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple, offering prayers with the sacred waters of the Ganga. Pleased with Indra’s devotion, Lord Shiva absolved his sins and blessed him. Another belief states that a sage named Thaalapuran meditated at this location, leading to the temple being named Thalapureeswarar in his honor.
- Name of the Deities Thalapureeswarar (Shiva). Goddess Kamakshi (Parvati).
- Nearby Cities and Distance Chennai (Tambaram) (65.9 km). Vandavasi (41.8 km). Vellore (65.8 km).
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Bus. Train. Bike.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Chennai (Tambaram) 1 hr 32 min.
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Car - Rs.1500 to Rs.2500. Bus - Rs.50 to Rs.100. Train - Rs.20 - Rs.80.
- Temple Instructions Devotees are expected to dress modestly while visiting the temple. Men typically wear traditional dhotis or pants, while women are expected to wear sarees or salwar kameez. Photography may be restricted inside certain areas of the temple, especially near the sanctum sanctorum. It is always best to ask the temple authorities for permission if you're unsure. The temple is accessible to people with disabilities, with facilities provided to assist them during their visit.
- Special Days and Special Happenings Maha Shivaratri: This is one of the most significant festivals in the temple, celebrated with great devotion. Devotees fast and participate in night-long prayers, chanting, and rituals in honor of Lord Shiva. Aadi Pooram: Aadi Pooram, usually in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August), is an important festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Andal, and the temple celebrates it with various rituals and festivities. Karthigai Deepam: This festival, celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December), is marked by lighting of oil lamps in the temple and the surrounding areas, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Pradosham: Pradosham is observed twice a month, on the 13th day of the waxing and waning moon, when devotees gather for special poojas to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Vaikasi Visakam: This festival, observed in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), marks the birth anniversary of Lord Murugan, and it is celebrated with grandeur in the temple.
- Rituals Available Weddings. Upanayanam (Sacred Thread Ceremony). Seemantham (Baby Shower Ceremony). Annaprasanam (First Rice Feeding Ceremony). Shashtiabdapoorthi & Sathabhishekam
- Offerings Fresh flowers are frequently offered to the deity as a sign of purity and adoration. Milk, honey, and other auspicious offerings are occasionally poured over the deity or placed in the shrine. Lighting oil lamps and presenting incense sticks are common ways to purify an area and invoke divine graces.
- Prasadham The Thalapureeswarar Temple in Kanchipuram provides Prasadham, a sacred offering offered to devotees after devotion, which includes Panchamirtham, Laddus, Vadai, coconut, and fruits.
- Benefits of Visiting Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to offer blessings for spiritual growth, inner peace, and prosperity. It attracts pilgrims seeking divine intervention and guidance. The serene environment around the temple provides a peaceful space for meditation and relaxation, which is said to promote mental well-being.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? Yes
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year Appar, Sundarar, and Tirugnana Sambandar | Tevaram | 7th to 9th centuries CE.
- Other things to do / places of interest Kanchi Kudil (16 km). Shakuntala Jagannathan Museum (17.5 km). Government Park (20.5 km).
- Nearby Temples Kailasanathar Temple. Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Ekambareswarar Temple. Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple. Shri Subramanya Swamy Temple.
- Nearby Eateries Upashana Hotels. Saravana Bhavan. Hotel Athithya. Sree Saravana Bhavan. Annapoorna Restaurant.
- Hotels / Home stays: Kanchipuram Home Stay. Mayura Homestay. Selva Homestay. Linga Classic Homestay. Nitheesh Residency.
- Standard Weather Wet and dry climate. The weather in Kanchipuram is generally hot and humid.
- For the best experience / Must know Appar, Sundarar, and Thirugnana Samandar's hymns praise this shrine. Sage Agastya is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here to keep the Earth's weight balanced. The Shiva Lingam is said to manifest itself (Swayambhu). Devotees come to this temple for spiritual guidance, alleviation from planetary doshas, and blessings for wisdom and prosperity.
- Not to miss The Shiva Lingam here has a distinctive form, drawing devotees seeking blessings for wisdom and well-being. The temple architecture features intricate carvings and a serene ambiance, attracting devotees and history enthusiasts alike. Don't miss visiting this sacred site when in Kanchipuram.
- Note for Travelers The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (about 75 kilometers). Take a bus or taxi to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram Railway Station (5 kilometres from the shrine). Auto rickshaws and cabs are available. Buses and taxis provide easy access from Chennai, Bangalore, and other surrounding cities. Early mornings and evenings, particularly during Shiva-themed festivities. Wear traditional clothing and observe temple etiquette.
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FAQ's
Where is the Thalapureeswarar Temple located?
The Thalapureeswarar Temple is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
What is the significance of the Thalapureeswarar Temple?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Thalapureeswarar. It is known for its historical and spiritual significance in Kanchipuram, one of the seven Moksha-puris (sacred cities).
What festivals are celebrated at the temple?
Maha Shivaratri – Celebrated with grand rituals and night-long prayers. Pradosham – A bi-monthly ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva. Aadi and Thai Month Special Pujas – Special prayers in these Tamil months.
Is there any special pooja or seva offered?
Yes, devotees can perform: Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity) Archana (offering prayers) Special Pujas on auspicious days
What is the architectural style of the temple?
The temple follows Dravidian architecture, featuring a traditional gopuram (tower), stone sculptures, and ancient inscriptions.
How to reach the Thalapureeswarar Temple?
By Road: Well, connected by buses and taxis from Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu. By Rail: Kanchipuram Railway Station is the nearest railhead. By Air: Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport (around 75 km away).
Is there an entry fee to visit the temple?
No, entry to the temple is free. However, special darshan or pooja services may have charges.
What is the history of the temple?
The temple is believed to be several centuries old, associated with Shaiva traditions and ancient Tamil heritage. It has a unique architectural style resembling other temples in Kanchipuram.
Is there a dress code to enter the temple?
Yes, visitors are expected to wear traditional attire: Men: Dhoti or veshti with a shirt or angavastram. Women: Saree, salwar kameez, or modest attire.
