187. KONDAPURAM

PANCHALINGAESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance:

Shiva: Panchalingaeswarar (5 lingas)

Amman: Kamakshi, Kamakshi

Speciality:

The temple faces north.

Appu Linga - This is the first Linga which holds the Amsam of Vaamadheva. Near this Sannidhi are the Sannidhis of Natarajar and Kamakshi. This is a special Sannidhi for the Rasis Meenam, Kadagam and Viruchigam.

Vaayu Linga - This is the second Linga which holds the Amsam of Thathpurusham. This is a special sannidhi for Rasis such as Midhunam, Thulam and Kumbam.

Agni Linga - This is the third Linga which holds the Amsam of Agoram. This is a special Sannidhi for Rasis such as Mesham, Simham and Dhanusu.

Prithvi Linga - This is the fourth Linga which holds the Amsam of Sathyojadham. This is a special Sannidhi for Rasis such as Virushabham, Kanni and Magaram.

Aahaya Linga - This is the fifth and the Pradhana Moolavar of the temple. It holds the Amsam of Eesanam. People of All Rasis worship this Linga and get blessings from the Lord. 

These 5 Lingas were worshipped by the Pancha bhoothas.

Nakshatra Dheepa worship is very special in this temple.

The special feature of this temple is that only in this temple there Lingas for 12 Rasis as 3 Rasis per Linga. 

There are 2 Dhakshinamurthies and therefore this temple is also a Guru Sthalam.

There are 2 Ammans both are Named as Kaamakshi.

The temple was damaged to a great extent in the past. The Kanchi Mahaperiyavar visited here and told the villagers about the speciality of the temple and took steps for renovation of the temple. Now the temple has been built and maintained well. 

History:

Once Amman found that Dharma has decreased in the world and the world was full of unwanted thoughts and actions leading to Adharma. People suffered intensely. So, in order to go to Bhoologa, She started her mischief. She closed the eyes of Lord Shiva. The whole universe became dark. She , too, turned dark in colour. Lord Shiva sent her to the earth and perform penance in order regain her colour and get rid of her worries. 

Amman was born as a baby in Bhadhrigasramam. She was brought up by Sage kathyayana. She was named Kathyayani. When she grew up the Sage gave her certain things. He told her to go to Kaasi and then go to the south. He told her that when she reaches a certain place the things which he gave would show some changes there Shiva would bless her. She started her travel and reached kaasi. At Kaasi she blessed everyone in the form of Annapoorani. Later She came to the south. When she reached Mangaadu She performed penance on a Needle amidst Panchagni. She reached Kanchipuram and there she found the things she had brought change. The Tiger Skin transformed into a Soma Vrutham, pot into Pot dheepam, Rudhraksha into Vilvamaala, Umbrella into Nagaabaranam, Yogathandam into Trisoolam and Sand into Shiva Linga. Amman performed pooja here and obtained Shiva Dharshan but the reason for her earth's visit and sufferings had not come to an end. Lord Shiva told her to go to Thagadoor, now called Dharmapuri where Rama was waiting to worship them after Killing Ravana. On her way she found this place holy. She stayed here for some time. She felt that the reason for people sufferings and problems were due to the Pancha Bhoothas who were each acting in their own way. In order to control them She installed 5 Lingas with the blessings of Lord Shiva. She worshipped and requested lord Shiva to bless and control the 5 elements so that they would shower only good effects on the world. The Lord agreed and graces here as Panchalingaeswarar.