Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

Lord Muruga correcting Kachiappar’s Kandha Puranam by himself -

In this temple, the sacred Kanda Puranam in praise of Lord Muruga was composed by the saintly scholar Kachiappa Sivachariyar. According to the account of Kachiappa, each day he would write his inspired account of the career of Lord Murugan or Skanda, and in the evening deposit his day's work in the Mulasthanam of Lord Subrahmanya at Kumara Kottam. Each night, miraculously, the lord himself would modify Kacciappa's manuscript with his own corrections. Hence, the Kanda Puranam is considered to be the absolutely authoritative account of Lord Murugan's career bearing the seal of approval of none other than the lord himself. Kandapuranam was staged here in a mandapam which is in good condition even today (It belongs to the 11th century).

Lord Muruga imprisoning Brahma -

Brahma, who was returning from Kailash after worshipping the lord there, passed by Lord Muruga on the way and ignored him as if he had not seen him. This enraged Muruga who enquired Brahma his name, where abouts and his occupation and his knowledge of books. Brahman introduced himself and said that his (Lord Muruga’s) father had taught him all arts an ordained him to create the world and that he was doing that living in Sathyaloka. Lord Muruga accepted it and asked Brahma the ‘Word’ that precedes all there and the meaning of that word. Brahma pleaded ignorance and craved for mercy. Lord Muruga ordered that Brahma be imprisoned for not knowing the meaning of ‘OM’. Lord Subramaniyar adorned himself with a garland of Rudhratcha Seeds and with a Kamandala carried on with the work of creation. In this temple the Moolavar holds in his hand a garland of Rudhratcha Seeds and Kamandala. In this Kumara Kottam Temple, Lord Muruga installed himself in the sanctum in the 'Creator' (Brahmasasta) form.

Muruga worshipped Shiva to get rid of his sin by imprisoning Brahma -

The extension of the legend above states that Lord Shiva ordered Murugan to release Brahma. Murugan worshiped Shivalinga to get rid of his sin of punishing Brahma. Linga is found in the temple in the name of Senapateeswarar.

Murugan guiding Pamban Swamigal to Kumarakottam -

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

Story behind Vishnu Shrine next to Murugan Shrine -

There is also a little known legend associated with Vishnu related to this site. When there was a disastrous flood all over the world, the sage Markandeya swamy through and reached Kanchipuram. The city was the only place which was not affected by the flood. Lord Vishnu followed the sage and he too reached Kanchipuram. He bathed in the holy waters of the temple and worshiped Lord Subramanya of Kumara Kottam temple. As per his request, Lord Subramanya made him to be present next to his shrine in the same temple. There is a separate shrine for Vishnu called as Ullam Urugum Perumal in this temple. Arunagirinathar, who authored the 'Thirupugazh' in praise of Lord Muruga, has composed the Thirupugazh song 'Arivilappittar' eulogizing Lord Muruga presiding over this temple. Kanda Puranam in praise of Lord Muruga was composed by the saintly scholar Kachiappa Sivachariyar in Kandapuranam mandapam located in this temple.