Thavalagreeswarar Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its historical and spiritual significance, with its presiding deity, Thavalagreeswarar (a form of Lord Shiva), enshrined in the sanctum. The temple’s name is derived from the Tamil words “Thavala” (frog) and “Giri” (hill), linked to a local legend involving a sage’s penance and a divine blessing.
The temple showcases classic Dravidian architecture with intricate carvings and inscriptions that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kanchipuram, a city renowned for its numerous historic temples. It has been a site of worship and pilgrimage for centuries, attracting devotees seeking divine blessings and spiritual solace.
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- History/Legend of the Temple The Thavalagreeswarar Temple in Kanchipuram is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Thavalagreeswarar (also spelled Thavalagiriswarar). The temple is associated with a unique legend involving a sage and a frog. According to mythology, a sage named Mandavya was performing penance at this site when a frog (Thavala in Tamil) sought refuge in his matted locks to escape predators. Lord Shiva, pleased with the sage’s unwavering meditation and the frog’s devotion, appeared before them and granted his divine blessings. Hence, the deity came to be known as Thavalagreeswarar, meaning "the Lord of the Frog Hill." The temple is a sacred place for devotees, emphasizing Shiva's compassion and the power of penance.
- Name of the Deities Thavalagreeswarar (Shiva). Goddess Kamakshi (Parvati).
- Nearby Cities and Distance Chennai (Tambaram) (52.5 km). Vandavasi (43.8 km). Vellore (66.4 km).
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Bus. Train. Bike.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Chennai (Tambaram) 1 hr 10 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.25 to Rs.50.
- Temple Instructions Wear traditional and modest clothing. Men are encouraged to wear dhotis or formal attire, while women should wear sarees or salwar kameez. Seek permission before taking photographs or videos, as some areas may have restrictions. Maintain silence inside the temple and focus on prayers. Mobile phones should be kept on silent mode.
- Special Days and Special Happenings Maha Shivaratri – A grand celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked by night-long prayers, abhishekams, and special poojas. Pradosham – A bimonthly observance on the 13th day of both waxing and waning moon phases, dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva for divine blessings. Navaratri – A nine-day festival honoring Goddess Durga, with special rituals and decorations in the temple. Karthigai Deepam – The festival of lights, observed in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December), with lamps lit throughout the temple. Arudra Darshanam – Celebrated in the Margazhi month (December-January), highlighting the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja. Panguni Uthiram – A significant festival in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April), often associated with celestial weddings and divine blessings.
- Rituals Available Not Available.
- Offerings Devotees offer fruits, sweets, and other items as naivedyam to the deity. Special prayers with flowers, coconuts, and offerings for prosperity and well-being. Offer to god like milk, honey, and other sacred substances. Bilva leaves, jasmine, lotus, and other fresh flowers. Ghee or oil lamps for divine blessings
- Prasadham The Thavalagreeswarar (Thavaleswarar) Temple in Kanchipuram is a historic Shiva temple with deep spiritual significance. One of the key rituals observed here is Annabhishekam with Maha Deepa Aradhana, which takes place on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November). This ritual involves offering a large quantity of cooked rice (prasadam) to Lord Shiva as part of the worship.
- Benefits of Visiting The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, offers a serene and divine atmosphere for prayer and meditation. Believed to promote inner tranquility and bring good fortune, prosperity, and success. Devotees believe that worshipping here brings wisdom and liberation from past sins.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? Yes
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year Appar, Sundarar, and Thirugnana Sambandar | Tevaram | 7th–9th centuries CE.
- Other things to do / places of interest Shakuntala Jagannathan Museum (550.0 m). Kanchi Kudil (950.0 m). Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam (800.0 m).
- Nearby Temples Ekambareswarar Temple. Kailasanathar Temple. Kamakshi Amman Temple. Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Ulagalandha Perumal Temple
- Nearby Eateries Dakshin Restaurant (GRT Regency). Saravana Bhavan (Gandhi Road). Hotel Sangeetha. A2B - Adyar Ananda Bhavan. Sangeetha Veg Restaurant.
- Hotels / Home stays: Selva Home Stay. Om Muruga Home Stay. Mahalakshmi Homestay. Sairam Homestay. TCS Residency.
- Standard Weather Wet and dry climate. The weather in Kanchipuram is generally hot and humid.
- For the best experience / Must know The name "Thavalagreeswarar" comes from the Tamil word "Thavalai" (frog) and "Giri" (hill), linked to a legend where a frog was freed from a curse by worshipping Lord Shiva at this temple. It is believed to be an ancient temple associated with sages and devotees who attained enlightenment here.
- Not to miss The temple's principal deity, Lord Thavalagreeswarar (a form of Shiva), is said to bestow serenity and enlightenment upon believers. The presiding deity is a rare, self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Lingam. The temple contains a sacred water source thought to have healing properties. Unlike the other packed temples in Kanchipuram, this one provides a peaceful environment for meditation. The temple's carvings and sculptures are in the classic Dravidian style. Don't forget to come during Shivaratri or Pradosham for a spiritually enriching event!
- Note for Travelers Kanchipuram is well connected by road with Chennai (75 km), Vellore (70 km), and other major cities. To get to the temple, you can take local buses, taxis, or auto-rickshaws. The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram Railway Station, which receives frequent trains from Chennai and surrounding towns. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (about 75 kilometers distant). From there, cabs or buses can transport you to Kanchipuram. To avoid the heat, go early in the morning or in the evening. The temple is open all days.
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FAQ's
Where is Thavalagreeswarar Temple located?
Thavalagreeswarar Temple is situated in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a significant Shiva temple in the region.
What is the significance of Thavalagreeswarar Temple?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Thavalagreeswarar. It is known for its spiritual significance, historical heritage, and architectural beauty. The temple attracts devotees seeking blessings for peace and prosperity.
What is the history of the temple?
The temple has ancient roots and is believed to have been built during the Chola period. It holds religious importance in Shaivism and is linked to various legends about Lord Shiva’s divine presence in Kanchipuram.
What are the major festivals celebrated at the temple?
Maha Shivaratri – Grand celebrations with night-long prayers. Pradosham – Observed twice a month for Lord Shiva’s blessings. Panguni Uthiram – Celebrated with special rituals. Karthigai Deepam – Festival of lights in honor of Lord Shiva.
What is the best time to visit the temple?
The ideal time to visit is between November and February when the weather is pleasant. Festival days provide a vibrant experience, but they may be crowded.
How to reach Thavalagreeswarar Temple?
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (approx. 70 km). By Train: Kanchipuram Railway Station is well-connected to major cities. By Road: The temple is accessible via buses and taxis from Chennai, Bangalore, and nearby towns.
Why is the temple called Thavalagreeswarar?
The name "Thavalam" means "Muthu" (pearl), and since there is another temple named Mutheeswarar, this temple is distinguished as Thavaleswarar. Another legend states that Manduga Maharishi worshiped Lord Shiva here in the form of a frog, leading to the name "Thavaleswarar".
What are the important festivals celebrated at the temple?
The temple conducts Annabhishekam along with Maha Deepa Aradhana on the full moon day of the Tamil month Aipasi (October-November).
