96. KADAPPERI

VENKATTEESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 26kms from Chengupet

Shiva: Venkatteeswarar

Amman: Meenakshi

Sthala Viruksham: Vilva

Theertham: Sarvaroga Nivarthi Theertham

Speciality:

Kadapperi is a part of Madhurantakam.

The name of the Shiva is Thiruvenkattudaiyamahadevar.

The Linga is very big in size.

Shiva faces wast and Amman faces south.

This temple was built during the period of Parantaka Chola I.

The inscriptions of the period of Parantaka Chola I to Vikrama pandiyan are found here. The inscriptions mention about their grants, their service to the temple.

We find the inscriptions of the period of Kulothunga Chola I on the walls of this temple.

This temple was built by Sengeni Chettan Cholan who was a chief of Parantaka Chola I.

In the eastern wall of the central shrine the inscription states the donation of sheep for lighting lamps for the temple by the Sengeni chief. 

On the outer side of the eastern wall we find inscriptions of Rajaraja Chola II.

The inscription gives us the detail of the celebration of Utasavams in the temple.

Another inscription states the name of the place as Madhurantaka Chadhurvedhimangalam in Kalathur Kottam in Jayamkonda Chola Mandalam.

Kulothunga Chola I reconstructed this temple which had only one prahara. The second Prahara was added during the days of Kulothunga Chola II who was also called Anabhaya Chola. 

The Pancha Koshta deities are found  here. Vinayaka, Valli Devasena Subramaiyar, Naalvar, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas and Bhuvaneswari Sannidhis are present.

Many Brahmins lived here and chanted Vedhas in the temple.

The Pandya King was affected by Leprosy. He came to this temple and had a dip in the holy pond which was outside the temple. Since he was relieved from the disease he installed a Linga in his name near the temple as a record of his visit and named it as Pandeeswarar. Now the Linga is placed near the Amman Sannidhi. He also reconstructed the Venkatteeswarar temple.

The Arumugar of this temple is a very special one. Saint Arunagirinadhar has sung about this Arumugar in his Thirupugazh.

There are 27 inscriptions in the walls of the temple.

There are 4 Bhairavars namely Kalabhairavar, Unmatha Bhairavar, Asithanga Bhairavar and Swarna Akarshna Bhairavar. These Bhairvars were installed during the period of Parantaka Chola I which are said to represent the 4 Vedas Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana. The Kings had the habit of worshipping these Bhairvars before wars.

There is a damaged Mandapam outside the temple. In early days this Mandapam was used for playing music, dance and drama. People normally used to sit in front of the Mandapam to enjoy the music and dance. During temple celebrations the decorated Utsava deities were placed in the Mandapa for worship.

The Brahmotsavam of this temple is celebrated in the Month of Vaikasi in a Grand Manner.

There is a Mandapa outside the temple where music and dance consorts were conducted on special occasions during the Chola period.

Theertham outside the temple.

This place was known as Vagularanyam

The Rajagopuram is 5 tiered facing east.

Venkatteeswarar is a Suyambhu Linga.