Cheyyur Kandaswamy Temple

Site Name: Kandaswamy Temple  

Site Type: Hindu Temple

Location:  Cheyyur, near Chennai city, Tamil Nadu state, India

Highlights: 27 Vedalam (ghost) sculptures representing 27 stars are found in the temple

Nearest Railway Station: Melmaruvathur

Nearest Airport: Chennai

How to reach: Connected by road from Cheyyur; the path near the site is not in good condition and very narrow

Hotel: Go to Chennai or Chenglepet 

Restaurants: Go to Chennai for better options

Cheyyur is a small village located near Chenglepet, which in turn is located near Chennai city in South India. The ancient and beautiful temple of Lord Kandaswamy (Subramanya aka Muruga) is located in this village.

Highlights:

• Arunagiri Nathar has revered the temple in his verses in Tiruppugal.
• There are idols of 27 Vedalams (Bhootganas/ghosts) representing 27 stars found in the  temple; it is unique which cannot be found anywhere else.
• Lord Brahma and Vishnu are standing as dwarapalas of Lord Shiva.
• The koshta images of Subramanya are unique - the dancing Skanda, Skanda holding bow and arrow, etc.
• God - Kandaswamy
• Goddess - Valli and Devasena
• Sthala Vruksha (holy tree) - Vanni

Temple Layout:

The south facing temple does not have tower. Although the entrance is facing the southern direction, the main shrine is facing east. The flag post, bali peeth and peacock statue are found facing towards the main shrine.

The sanctum sanctorum has the idols of Lord Kandaswamy with his consorts Valli and Devasena on his either sides. They are found in the standing posture with a peacock at the backside.

The koshta images that are found in the sanctum walls are unique; instead of regular koshta idols, Karthikeya is found in different postures as koshta devta. Nridya Skanda - Karthikeya in the dancing posture, Brahma Shasta with four arms in the sitting posture, Shiva Gurunathar with four hands in the standing posture, Bala Skanda in the standing posture with two hands and Pulindar holding bow and arrow. All these images are rare and unique.

The inner prakara has the idols of Guha Surya, Bhairava, Ganesha, Chandikeshwara and Arunagirinathar. There are few utsava idols found here.

Throughout the outer prakara the idols of 27 vedalams (ghosts) representing 27 stars are found. Outside the main shrine, the sub shrine of Somanathar (Shiva) and Meenakshi is found. Instead of dwarapalas, Vishnu and Brahma are found at the entrance of the sub-shrine. A sub-shrine for Pradhana Ganapati (Ganesha) and Navagraha are also found in the outer prakara.

Valli and Devasena are found in two separate shrines with the separate prakara. The mandapa in front of their shrines is full of beautiful sculptures.

The pillars outside the main entrance of the temple also has few intricate sculptures. There are several beautiful sculpture panels found at the outside of the temple wall.

Happy travelling.

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