Subramanya became the Creator - Kumara Kottam Temple, Kanchipuram

Sri Kumara Kottam temple is the most important Murugan (Subramanya) temple of Kanchipuram, the city of thousand temples. It is located in west Raja street near Kamakshi Amman temple and Sankara Mutt.

Legend:

The legend states that Brahma, who holds the creation duty, forgot the meaning of the Pranava mantra. Hence, Subramanya imprisoned him and took over his role. Therefore, the presiding deity of the temple, Subramanya, is in the form of Brahma Shasta.

Later, as per his father's (Shiva) advice, Subramanya released Brahma. He installed Shiva Linga and worshiped it on this site to cleanse his sin. Shiva Linga is found in the name of Senapateeswarar.

As per another legend associated with this temple, Kachiappa Sivachariyar used to compose Skanda Purana hymns and deposit his works in the sanctum sanctorum. Every night, Subramanya would review his manuscript and make corrections.

A 20th-century period saint named Pamban Swamigal came to Kanchipuram. When he could not find the location of Kumara Kottam temple, it is said that Subramanya himself took the form of a boy and guided the saint to this temple.

There is also a little-known legend associated with Vishnu of this temple. When there was a disastrous flood worldwide, the sage Markandeya swam through and reached Kanchipuram. The city was the only place that was not affected by the flood. Lord Vishnu followed the sage, and he too came to Kanchipuram. He bathed in the holy waters of the temple and worshiped Lord Subramanya of Kumara Kottam temple. As per his request, Subramanya made him present next to his shrine in the same temple. This temple has a separate shrine for Vishnu called Ullam Urugum Perumal.

History:

The Tamil version of Skanka Purana (the story of Lord Subramanya/Murugan) was composed by the saint scholar Kachiappa Sivachariyar in this temple.

Another highlight of the temple is that the famous 'Tiruppugazh' was composed by Arunagirinathar in praise of Lord Murugan in this temple.

The temple belongs to the Chola period.

Temple Layout:

The temple has west facing tower (Raja gopuram).

The sanctum sanctorum enshrines the attractive icon of Murugan. He has two arms and is found in a standing posture. As stated above, he is in the form of Brahma Shasta. Only a few temples depict this form of Murugan, which is considered a rare form. 

The entrance of the temple's area enclosing the main shrine and inner prakara has the sub-shrine enshrining a significant icon of Ganesha.

There are two prakaras around the main shrine. The outer prakara is an open space, whereas the inner prakara has many sub-shrines and images.

The mandapa where Kachiappa Sivachariyar composed Skanda Purana is found in the outer prakara.

In the maha mandapa, facing the presiding deity, the icons of Shiva Linga named Senapateeswarar and Santana Ganapati are situated.

The inner prakara has the following sub-shrines:

• Palani Andavar with Ganesha at the entrance
• Arumugam with Valli and Devasena - Utsava images
• Urugum Ulla Perumal (Vishnu) with his two consorts
• Somaskanda - Utsava images
• Muthukumaraswamy - Utsava images
• Nava Veeras - Utsava images
• Gaja Valli - a combine form of Valli and Devasena - Utsava icon
• Valli - Utsava icon
• Devasena - Utsava icon
• Murugan with his two consorts - Utsava images

The following Murtis are also situated in the inner prakara:

• Nava Veeras
• Pamban Swamigal
• Ramalinga Adigal
• Kachiappa Sivachariyar
• Veerabhadra
• Dakshinamurti
• Vishnu
• Chandikeshwara
• Navagrahas

Kumara Kottam temple is definitely one temple in Kanchipuram that should not be missed.

Happy travelling.

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