Kundrathur Kandazheswarar Temple is located in Kundrathur, a town near Chennai in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is situated at the foot of the hill on which the famous Kundrathur Murugan Temple stands. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Kandazheswarar (also spelled Kandaleeswarar). He is seen in the form of a Shiva Lingam. Alongside him is Goddess Anandavalli, the consort of Shiva in this temple. Devotees worship Lord Kandazheswarar here for blessings related to marriage, childbirth, and peace of mind.
The temple is built in traditional Dravidian style. Although not very large, the temple is artistically constructed, featuring a small vimana (tower above the sanctum) and beautifully carved pillars and mandapam. The temple complex includes shrines for other deities like Ganesha, Murugan, and Navagrahas. The peaceful atmosphere and classic design give it an ancient and sacred feel.
The temple has a long and rich history. It is believed to have been built during the Chola period, around the 12th century, when Kulothunga Chola II was the ruler of the region. The king is said to have built this temple before constructing the Murugan Temple on the hill. Some historical inscriptions found in the temple refer to donations made by Chola kings and local devotees for temple activities.
According to legend, after Lord Murugan (also known as Kandan) defeated the powerful demon Tarakasura on the holy battlefield of Thiruporur, he traveled toward Thiruttani, another sacred place connected to his life. On the way, he stopped to rest on the hill in Kundrathur.
While staying here, Lord Murugan wanted to worship his father, Lord Shiva, as a mark of gratitude and devotion for guiding him during the war. So, Murugan installed a Shiva Lingam at the foot of the hill and began to worship Lord Shiva with love and dedication.
Because Lord Shiva was worshipped by Murugan (Kandan) here, the deity came to be known as Kandazheswarar, which means “The Lord who was worshipped by Kandan (Murugan).”
This sacred act of Murugan made the temple a highly divine place. It is very rare to find a temple where Lord Shiva is worshipped by his son, and both father and son have separate temples side by side—Kandazheswarar Temple at the foot of the hill, and Kundrathur Murugan Temple on top of the hill.
Devotees believe that worshipping both Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan together here removes obstacles in life, brings family unity, and grants spiritual strength.
Kundrathur Kandazheswarar Temple celebrates Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham, Thiruvadhirai, Navaratri, and Krithika star days with special poojas, abhishekam, and decorations. These festivals attract many devotees who worship Lord Kandazheswarar here for blessings related to marriage, childbirth, and peace of mind.
