Sri Satyanathaswami temple

Lord Shiva is facing west as a swayambumurthy. As Mother Kamakshi is the common Ambica for all Shiva temples in Kancheepuram, many Shiva temples do not have a shrine for Goddess. Yet in this temple, Mother has a place in the sanctum sanctorum with Lord Shiva as procession deity facing south. Though a procession deity, all pujas performed to Lord are equally offered to Ambica. On festival days, Mother is not taken out from the sanctum in procession. 

Greatness Of Temple: Generally, Lord Dakshinamurthy appears with four disciples – Sanaka, Sanantana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara. The Lord is different in this temple with seven disciples granting all wisdom and knowledge to devotees. 

Lord Satyanathaswami appears slightly pink in colour. Mother is also known as Kararkuzhali. Nandhi’s – bull vehicle of Lord Shiva – neck alone is south turned. There is an entrance before Nandhi. Budha-Mercury graces in the prakara with Indira nearby. 

Chandra-Moon was learning under his Guru Jupiter. He developed a desire on Dhara, his Guru Patni-wife. He once conducted a Yagna dedicated to Lord Vishnu seeking His grace. Jupiter attended the Yagna with his wife Dhara as Moon’s Guru. Moon allured Dhara and made her stay with him. Budh-Mercury was born to Moon and Dhara. 

Jupiter prayed to Lord Shiva and took back Dhara. Budha was brought up by Chandra-Moon. When he grew older, Budha was pained to learn the nature of his birth and took to penance. He came to this temple and begged Lord Satyanathaswami to give him a place among the planets. Lord appeared before him and assured that he would get the place at an appropriate time. Budha-Mercury is in a shrine in the prakara south of the Lord. 

Temple History: Indira, the king of Devas had a boon to take to any form. His eyes fell on Akalya, wife of Maharshi Gautama. He took the form of a cock and cried near the hermitage of the Rishi indicating the dawn of the day. Rishi set out in the belief that the day is dawn. Waiting for such a chance, Indira immediately took the form of Maharsi, entered the Ashram and behaved with Akalya as Rishi himself. 

However, sensing something wrong, Maharsi Gautama returned to the Ashram and saw Indira escaping as a cat. He cursed him to have eyes throughout the body and also Akalya to become a rock. 

Indira wandered in earth praying to Lord Shiva in many places seeking relief. He saw Lord Shiva among the Karai bushes in this place, worshipped Him in a touching manner and got his relief from the curse. Lord assumed the name Karai Tirunathar following this event. 

Moolavar : Tirukaleeswarar Amman / 

Thayar : Pramarambikai 

Thala Virutcham : Karai plant 

Theertham : Indira, Satyavradha 

Theertham Agamam / 

Pooja : Kameekam 

Old year : 1000-2000 years old Historical 

Name : Karai Tirunagar 

District : Kanchipuram 

State : Tamil Nadu