SRI KATHRA SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE KANJANAGARAM

Lord Shiva graces as a swayambumurthy in the temple facing west considered a significant feature of the temple. Of the 63 Saivite Nayanmars, Manakkanjarar was born in this place. It is also believed that the Kruthika maidens taking care of Lord Muruga in His childhood were born here.

Sri Kathra Sundareswarar Temple, Kanjanagaram Post–609 304.

Tharangambadi Taluk, Via Keezhayur, Nagapattinam district.

Phone: +91 4364- 282 853, 94874 43351

The temple is open from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Jallika, though belonging to the demon community, was a staunch Shiva devotee.Unable to bear the atrocities of the demons Padmasura, Singamukha and others, the sages appealed to Mother Parvathi for protection. Mother prayed to Lord Shiva who was in Katrajyothi (light in fire form) yoga. Interrupted by the prayer of Mother Parvathi, Katra Sundareswarar opened His eyes from where came out six sparks. They united together and became Karthikeya. The place has the reputation of giving birth to Lord Muruga. A golden light – Kanchana prakasa appeared from the Lord, thus naming the place as Kanchana Nagar. The name had many changes during the time that followed and presently it is Kanja Nagar meaning Golden town. Karthika Sundareswarar means the deity producing six sparks. Thus the shrine is attributed to Krithika star.

It is believed that Kritikka nakshatra natives will have a problem-free life if they visit and worship in this temple on the star days and light lamps on the Pradosham day (13th day either from new moon or full moon days). Women of this star awaiting marriage are advised to perform abishek to Mother with water fetched from holy rivers and perform Sumangali Pujas.

Parrot chanting Vedas: As in the hands of Sri Meenakshi in Madurai, Mother Tungabalasthanambikai also holds a parrot called Vedamirt Keeram. Mother has Neelothpal flower, discus and conch in other hands. It is believed that Lord Shiva Himself is in the form of a parrot on the left shoulder of Mother. It chants Vedas. Baghwan Veda Vyasa and Sukabrahmma Rishi are believed to have worshipped Mother in this temple. For a happy married life, women of Krithika star are advised to have the darshan of this parrot on Fridays or on the star days. There is a shrine for Lord Sattanadha above the vimana of the sanctorum. Special pujas are performed here on Friday nights..