The Piravatheeswara Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is an ancient and spiritually significant shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It holds great importance for devotees seeking liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth, as it is believed that worshiping here helps attain spiritual freedom. Piravatheeswara Temple is a peaceful, spiritual site that combines architectural beauty with deep religious significance. Whether for worship, meditation, or exploration of ancient art, it is a must-visit temple for anyone seeking connection with Lord Shiva and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
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- History/Legend of the Temple The narrative of the Piravatheeswara Temple in Kanchipuram is related to the concept of moksha (freedom from the cycle of life and reincarnation). According to legend, this temple is unique in that Lord Shiva is revered here as Piravatheeswarar or Apunarbhaveswarar, which means "the one who removes rebirth." It is said that those who pray at this temple are released from the cycle of rebirth. The temple is mentioned in the Kanchi Puranam, an old Tamil scripture that describes the spiritual and historical significance of Kanchipuram's temples. According to certain traditions, famous sages and followers gained moksha after penance at this sacred place. Unlike most temples, the Piravatheeswara Temple is only open once a year on Maha Shivaratri, highlighting its mysterious nature and spiritual significance.
- Name of the Deities Piravatheeswarar (Lord Shiva). Umaiammai (Goddess Parvati).
- Nearby Cities and Distance Chennai (Tambaram) (50.3 km). Vandavasi (42.2 km). Vellore (71.2 km).
- Mode of Transport(from the nearest city) Car. Bus. Train. Bike.
- Duration (from the nearest city) Chennai (Tambaram) 1 hr 9 min.
- Estimated cost of the travel (from the nearest city) car,auto,bus... Car- Rs.2000-Rs.2500. Bus- Rs.100-Rs.150. Train- Rs.50-Rs.100
- Temple Instructions Wear modest attire to respect the traditional temple dress code.
- Special Days and Special Happenings Maha Shivaratri - Celebrated in February or March, this is a major festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, often involving night-long vigils and special rituals. Pradosham - Occurring twice a month, approximately 13 days after the full and new moons, Pradosham is considered an auspicious time for Shiva worship. Panguni Uthiram - Falling in March or April, this festival celebrates the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Rituals Available Not Available.
- Offerings Devotees can offer Abhishekam items to the God. Prepare appropriate offerings based on the puja you intend to perform.
- Prasadham In the Piravathaneswara Temple in Kanchipuram, the most common prasadam offered is "Kovil Idli," a unique type of idli flavored with spices like pepper, ginger, curry leaves, and hing, considered a traditional offering at many temples in Kanchipuram.
- Benefits of Visiting Devotees think that the temple is brimming with potent cosmic energy that can promote wellbeing and spiritual development. According to the Hindu concept of panchabhootha sthalam, the temple symbolizes the element of earth, one of the five components of nature.
- Is this temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? No
- Who Sang | Song and its Meaning | Year No
- Other things to do / places of interest Kanchi Kudil (1.6 km). Varadharaja Perumal Temple (4.7 km). Devarajaswami Temple (4.7 km) Shakuntala Jagannathan Museum (1.2 km) Sri Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple (3.2 km)
- Nearby Temples Kachapeshwarar Temple. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple. Ekambaranathar Temple. Kailasanathar Temple. Chitra Gupta temple.
- Nearby Eateries Green Cafe Food Court. Chola Mess. Hemalatha Tiffan Centre. SHRI VIJAYALAKSHMI BHAVAN. HOTEL NEW RAJA GANAPATHY.
- Hotels / Home stays: Selva Homestay. Chakravarthy Holidays. ICS RESIDENCY. Hotel Aalayam Kancheepuram. Hotel SSK Grand.
- Standard Weather The weather in Kanchipuram is generally hot and humid.
- For the best experience / Must know The temple's name, Piravathaneswara, is thought by devotees to be derived from the Tamil word "Pirava," which means "birthless" or "without rebirth," signifying the achievement of moksha. Legend has it that when Sage Vamadeva was still in his mother's womb, he prayed here for freedom. The sanctum is west facing, which is considered rare and highly auspicious.
- Not to miss Built during the Pallava period (8th century CE), the temple is adorned with intricate carvings. Six standing horned lions (Vyalas) at the temple corners, a signature of Pallava architecture. The two-tiered vimana (tower) is a masterpiece of early South Indian temple construction. The Shiva Lingam here has 16 stripes, symbolizing spiritual liberation.
- Note for Travelers Kanchipuram railway station is the nearest railway station to Piravathaneswara Temple Kanchipuram. It is nearly 0.51 kilometers away from it.
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FAQ's
Where is Piravathaneswara Temple Kanchipuram located?
The temple is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, on Big Kammala Street (Jawaharlal Nehru Street), about 1 km from Kanchipuram Railway Station and 3 km from Kanchipuram Bus Terminus.
What is the nearest railway station from Piravathaneswara Temple Kanchipuram?
Kanchipuram railway station is the nearest railway station to Piravathaneswara Temple Kanchipuram. It is nearly 0.51 kilometers away from it.
What is the significance of Piravatheeswara Temple?
Piravatheeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to grant liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth. The temple derives its name from "Pirava," meaning birthless, symbolizing freedom from rebirth.
What are the temple's daily pooja timings?
The temple follows standard Shiva temple rituals, including morning and evening abhishekam and poojas. Exact timings may vary, so it’s advisable to check locally before visiting.
What is unique about this temple?
The temple is west-facing, which is rare for Shiva temples. The Shiva Lingam has 16 stripes, signifying spiritual enlightenment. It has a rare Jalandhara Samhara Murti sculpture, depicting Lord Shiva slaying the demon Jalandhara.
How can I reach Piravatheeswara Temple?
By Train: The temple is 1 km from Kanchipuram Railway Station. By Bus: It is 3 km from Kanchipuram Bus Stand. By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (about 75 km away).
Is photography allowed in the temple?
Photography inside the temple may be restricted, especially since it is maintained by the ASI. It is recommended to ask the temple authorities for permission before taking photographs. This is a common practice in ancient temples and heritage sites.
Can I visit Piravatheeswara Temple if I am short on time?
Since the temple has unpredictable opening hours, it is best to plan visits on days like Maha Shivaratri or check with local guides or temple authorities for updates on its schedule. If you're short on time, planning around the temple's main festivals might be your best chance to experience its spiritual ambiance.
Is the temple accessible for people with disabilities?
Given that the temple is relatively small and its structure is quite old, accessibility might be limited, especially if there are steep steps or narrow paths. It is advisable to check the accessibility at the temple site directly or inquire with local authorities for more details.
Is the Piravatheeswara Temple well-known among tourists?
While the temple is not as prominent as other famous temples in Kanchipuram, it holds a special place for those interested in Shiva worship and temple architecture. It is considered a historical gem, known for its Pallava-style architecture and spiritual significance
