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Onakandeswarar Temple

The Ona Kantheeswarar Temple (also known as Onakanthali) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Panjupettai, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Ona Kantheeswarar, and his consort, Parvathi, is worshipped as Kamakshi. The temple holds a special place in Tamil Saiva tradition as it is revered in the Tevaram, the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work composed by the Nayanmars (Tamil saint-poets). It is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, signifying it as one of the 275 temples celebrated in the Tevaram hymns. These temples are considered significant pilgrimage destinations for devotees of Lord Shiva.

Timings

7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

The commanders of the demon king Vanasura, Onan and Kanthan, were stationed as security guards at his fort near a place called Puzhal. Onan discovered a Swayambhu Linga in the area and, moved by devotion, performed severe penance, using his blood for abishekam (ritual bathing) and securing numerous boons from Lord Shiva. Similarly, Kanthan found another Linga and was blessed with divine boons as a reward for his unwavering devotion. A third demon, Jalandeswaran, also found a Linga and received many blessings from the Lord.

The saint Sundarar visited this place and discovered the three Lingas buried in an open space. He praised the demons for their deep devotion to Lord Shiva. To show the world that even demons were staunch Shiva devotees, and to protect the three Lingas, Sundarar composed hymns in praise of the Lord. Seeking funds to build a temple, Sundarar requested Lord Shiva's help. Initially, the Lord delayed His response to hear more of the saint's hymns, but eventually, He showed Sundarar a tamarind tree and disappeared. When Sundarar looked at the tree, its fruits turned to gold. Using the gold, Sundarar built the temple to honor the three Swayambu Shiva Lingas.


Administration History :



The Oneswarar Temple has a long history of administration, with initial contributions from the Pallavas and later renovations by the Vijayanagara rulers. Currently, the temple is maintained under the management of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu, ensuring its preservation and daily worship activities.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Respect the Sacredness: Maintain reverence while entering and within the temple premises. Always observe proper behavior and respect the rituals.
  2. Follow Temple Etiquette: Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the temple sanctum or any holy area.
  3. Offer Prayers Quietly: Participate in the prayers and rituals with sincerity and in a peaceful manner, focusing on your devotion.
  4. Support the Temple: Contribute to the temple's maintenance and festivals through donations or volunteer work, helping to ensure its sustainability.
  5. Observe Silence: Maintain silence, especially in areas of deep spiritual significance, to allow others to meditate or pray in peace.
  6. Respect the Priests: Treat the temple priests and staff with respect as they serve the divine and the community.
  1. Avoid Disrespectful Behavior: Do not engage in any loud or disruptive behavior within the temple premises.
  2. Don't Bring Food or Drink: Avoid bringing food, drinks, or any items that are not part of the temple rituals.
  3. Don't Use Mobile Phones: Refrain from using mobile phones or electronic devices inside the temple sanctum to maintain an atmosphere of devotion.
  4. Avoid Unnecessary Photography: Do not take photographs in restricted areas, particularly near the sanctum or while rituals are being performed.
  5. Don't Enter the Sanctum If Unclean: Avoid entering the sanctum if you are unclean, for instance, after eating non-vegetarian food or in a state of impurity as per temple guidelines.
  6. Don't Disturb the Rituals: Never interrupt or disturb the priests or ongoing rituals. Always wait for an appropriate moment to approach.

Dress Code

For Men: Men are expected to wear traditional attire such as dhoti or lungi. Shirts and pants should be modest and avoid wearing shorts.

For Women: Women should wear modest traditional clothing like sarees or salwar kameez. Avoid wearing revealing clothes or short dresses.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport to Ona Kantheeswarar Temple is Chennai International Airport is located about 62.3 km from Kanchipuram.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram Railway Station, which is well-connected by trains from major cities in Tamil Nadu.

By Road: Kanchipuram is well-connected by road. You can reach the temple by bus or car from nearby cities like Chennai.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Palar River: The Palar River is the major river that flows near Kanchipuram, contributing to the region's agricultural and spiritual importance.
  2. Kaveri River: Although not immediately close to the temple, the Kaveri River is a prominent river in Tamil Nadu and is associated with several sacred places nearby, including Kanchipuram.


Cities:

  1. Kanchipuram: The temple is located in Kanchipuram, a historic city known as the "City of Thousand Temples." Kanchipuram is one of the seven Moksha-puris and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.
  2. Chennai: Located about 72 kilometers from Kanchipuram, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and a major cultural and economic hub of southern India.
  3. Vellore: Around 130 kilometers from Kanchipuram, Vellore is another significant city known for the Vellore Fort and the famous Golden Temple.