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The temple town of Kanchipuram
has several Shaivite and Vaishnavite temples glorified by the Tevaram
hymns of the Nayanmars and the Prabandam hymns of the Alwars. Kumara
Kottam is located in between the Kamakshi and Ekambreswara temples in the
Somaskanda formation in the town of Kanchipuram. It is a well-visited
temple with two Prakarams and a complete pantheon of parivara devatas
enshrined in their respective shrines.
About The Temple
In the sanctum, Muruga is in a seated pose. Valli, Deivayani are absent
here, but their festival idols are kept here. In accordance with the
function of Creation he has assumed, his right arm is in Abaya pose, the
upper hand holds the rosary, the lower left arm is on the thigh in
Katyavailambita pose with the left arm holding the Kamandalam. The posture
is also called "Brahma chattam". Here only honey is used for
ablutions. When we come out after worshipping the main deity, we can see
the festival idols. In the front part of the temple in the mirror, room
one can see the marble figure of Ramalinga Swamigal.
In the inside Prakaram is Santana Ganapati and on an artificial hill to
the north is Dandayuthapani. Look at the Ardha Mandapam. That is the
sanctum of Devasenapathisar. In this circuit to the south facing Vinayagar
is the image of Kachiappar. Here is Arumugam as festival idol facing
south. Next is Bairavar. Next to him devotees can have a Darshan of
Vishnu.
It was he who begged Lord Shiva to release Brahma, when Muruga imprisoned
him. His heart melted at the fate of Brahma and hence here he got the name
"Urugum Ullathan". Somaskandar, Nava virar, Muthukumarsamy and
Gajavalli - all these festival idols are kept here. In the eastern part of
this circuit Valli in the north end and Deivayani in the south end are
stationed. In the middle is Navagraha sannadhi.
Legend Connected With The Temple
Kumara Kottam is located between Kamakottam and Ekambaranatha shrine.
While all the Devas paid homage to Muruga, only Brahma neglected and went
on his way. This naturally irked Muruga and he summoned Brahma and asked
for the meaning of 'OM'. Brahma could give no proper reply to this sacred
word. Muruga chastised him as to how he can administer the function of
Creation without knowing the meaning of the word 'OM'. Muruga imprisoned
Brahma and took over the work of Creation himself.
The Devas of the celestial world rushed to Lord Shiva, father of Muruga
and complained about the action of Muruga. Lord Shiva sent for Muruga and
asked him whether he knew the meaning. Promptly retorted Muruga that he
will explain the meaning if only Lord Shiva approached him as a disciple.
Lord Shiva took Muruga on his shoulders - a higher position - from where
Muruga whispered the meaning in the ears of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was
delighted. But whatever it is, the sin of not respecting his father laid
on him and to get rid of that he was asked to worship a Linga (also spelt
as lingam). Muruga established a Linga between his mother's place and
father's abode (Kamakottam and Ekambaram) and worshipped it. This
Kumarakottam is also called "Devasenapathisam".
Worship Services
The priests here are said to come down the lineage of Kachiappa
Shivachariyar associated with the "Skanda Puranam" (also spelt
as Purana). The Kartikai asterism each month attracts large crowds.
'Visaka' star belongs to Lord Muruga and in the month of Vaikasi on full
moon day, a great festival takes place for Muruga. Besides this, Adi
Krithigai, Kanda Shasti and some other festivals too are performed for
Muruga here. Crowds gather on every Tuesday, that day being a favorite for
Lord Muruga.
Air: Chennai is the nearest airport to
Kanchipuram. One can take
flights for most of the important Indian cities and important cities
abroad from Chennai.
Rail:Trains for Kanchipuram are available from Chennai,
Chengalpattu, Tirupati,
and Bangalore.
Road: Kanchipuram is
75-km away from Chennai and is well connected by a network of roads. There
are frequent buses from the city to
Chennai,
Bangalore and
other places. For local transportation bicycles can be hired from the
shops near the bus stand. Cycle Rickshaws and auto rickshaws are also
available on hire to move in and around the city.
Accommodation is available at the moderate class and small budgeted hotels, lodges and choultries in Kanchipuram.