Back to Results
Temple Image

Vaaleeswarar Temple

Kuranganilmuttam Valeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kuranganilmuttam, within the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Valeeswarar. His consort is Irayarvalai Ammai. The temple is situated on the Kanchipuram to Vanthavasi route, approximately 10 kilometers from Kanchipuram. From the village of Thusi, visitors can take a diversion road that leads to Kuranganilmuttam, where the temple is located about 2 kilometers away. This temple is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and holds the distinction of being the 6th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu.

Timings

The temple is open all days from 05:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM.

Entry Fee

Free of charge

Sage Markandeya was destined to die at the age of sixteen. To avoid his fate, he undertook a pilgrimage to various Shiva shrines. Upon reaching the age of sixteen, Yama, the Lord of Death, approached him to claim his life. However, when Yama cast the rope around Markandeya’s neck, it accidentally fell on Lord Shiva, who, in turn, cursed Yama for his mistake and dismissed him from his post. Markandeya was saved by Lord Shiva’s grace. Afterward, Yama sought Lord Shiva’s pardon, and the Lord told him that he would have a chance to perform penance on Earth, where he would regain his position. Yama came to Earth in the form of a crow, worshipped Lord Shiva, and visited many temples.

Indira, the king of the Devas, once cast his eyes wrongly on the wife of Sage Gautama. For his transgression, he was cursed by the sage to have eyes on all parts of his body. Seeking relief from his curse, Indira came to Lord Shiva, who advised him to undertake a pilgrimage on Earth. Indira came to Earth in the form of a squirrel to worship Lord Shiva.

It so happened that Yama, Indira, and Vali, the king of monkeys, arrived at the temple simultaneously. Vali, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, worshipped the deity with utmost devotion. Together, Yama, Indira, and Vali worshipped Lord Shiva, and Lord Shiva granted them his darshan, relieving them of their sins. As a result, Lord Shiva stayed in this place as a Swayambumurthy (self-manifested deity), and the place became known as Kurangu Anil Muttam (Kurangu – Monkey, Anil – Squirrel, Muttam – Crow).

Sculptures depicting the worship of Yama, Indira, and Vali can be seen on the pillars of the temple. Lord Valeeswarar is enshrined in the form of a Swayambulinga, and on certain days during the month of Chithirai (April-May), the rays of the sun fall on the deity.


Administration History :



The administration history of the temple traces back to various dynasties, including the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara kings, who contributed through inscriptions and donations for temple maintenance and rituals. The temple witnessed renovations during these periods, and the Kumbhabhishekam was last conducted in 1985. Currently, the temple is managed by the local temple authorities, with regular poojas and activities carried out under the supervision of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to your Ishta Devata before visiting the temple.
  2. Contact the Temple Devasthanam information center for enquiries and Pooja details.
  3. Book travel and accommodation in advance.
  4. Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
  5. Focus on the deity and maintain a devotional mindset.
  6. Maintain silence and recite your mantra quietly inside the temple.
  7. Follow the temple's customs and traditions.
  8. Respect the religious sentiments of others.
  9. Place your offerings in the Hundi.
  1. Do not visit the temple for reasons other than worship.
  2. Do not smoke or consume alcohol within temple premises.
  3. Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the temple.
  4. Avoid using mediators for quick darshan, as it may cause inconvenience to others.
  5. Do not carry weapons inside the temple.
  6. Do not wear headgear (helmets, caps, turbans, hats) inside the temple.
  7. Avoid performing Sastanga Pranama in the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  8. Do not take excessive time for Sparsa Darshanam.
  9. Do not buy prasadams from street vendors.
  10. Do not encourage beggars in the temple area.
  11. Refrain from spitting or creating a nuisance within the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men : Shirt and Trouser, Dhoti, or Pyjamas with an upper cloth.

For Women : Saree or Half-saree with a blouse, or Chudidhar with pyjamas and upper cloth.

How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

Best Season to visit :

The ideal season to visit this temple is during the winter, with the best months being from September to March.


By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, located 65.2 KM away from the temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram East Railway Station, situated 11.5 KM away. You can also reach Kanchipuram Railway Station, which is 10.2 KM away.

By Road: Kanchipuram Bus Stand is 11.1 KM from the temple, making it easily accessible by bus.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Kollidam River: The Kollidam River flows in proximity to the temple, contributing to the spiritual atmosphere and providing water for the temple's rituals and surrounding areas. The river is integral to the temple's historical and geographical context.
  2. Vadavaaru River: Another river near the temple, the Vadavaaru River plays a crucial role in the irrigation and cultural significance of the region. The river contributes to the natural beauty of the area and is part of the surrounding landscape.
  3. Arasalaru River: Flowing nearby, the Arasalaru River also adds to the serene environment around the temple, complementing the sacred setting for devotees and enhancing the spiritual experience.


Cities:

  1. Kumbakonam: Kumbakonam is one of the major cities close to the temple, known for its rich temple heritage and spiritual importance in Tamil Nadu. The city hosts several famous temples and is well-connected to the surrounding areas.
  2. Thanjavur: Thanjavur, another city nearby, is renowned for its historical temples, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple. The region around Thanjavur is famous for its rich cultural, artistic, and religious heritage.
  3. Tiruvarur: Tiruvarur, the district in which the temple is located, is an ancient town known for its historical temples, including the famous Thyagarajaswamy Temple. It is a significant center of worship and cultural activities in the region.