Kumarakottam Subramanya Temple: Murugan’s Brahma Shasta Avatar in Kanchipuram

 

Location

• City: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
• Street: West Raja Street, near the bus stand

Main Deity and Subshrines

• Presiding Deity: Lord Subramanya Swami (Murugan), also revered as Brahma Shasta—the form he assumed after imprisoning Brahma for ignorance of the Pranava mantra.
• Subshrines:
• Valli and Deivanai: Consorts of Murugan
• Kachiappa Sivachariyar: Saint-scholar who composed the Kanda Puranam here
• Navagrahas, Vinayaka, and other traditional shrines may be present, though not all are explicitly listed online.

Temple Significance

• Spiritual Importance:
• One of the 21 major temples in Kanchipuram
• Located in one of India’s Sapta Moksha Puris—cities believed to grant liberation
• Literary Legacy:
• Kanda Puranam, a Tamil epic on Murugan, was composed here by Kachiappa Sivachariyar. He would write each day’s verses and place them at the moolasthanam (sanctum) of Murugan.
• Symbolic Placement:
• Its location between Shiva and Parvati’s temples reflects Murugan’s divine parentage and his role as a unifier of energies.
• Architectural Style:
• Rebuilt in 1915 CE in Dravidian style, originally attributed to the Pallavas.

History

• Dynastic Origin: Built by the Pallava kings in the 9th century CE, reflecting their devotion to Murugan and architectural patronage.
• Reconstruction: The temple was rebuilt in 1915 CE in its current form, preserving its spiritual and literary legacy.
• Literary Milestone: Kachiappa Sivachariyar, a revered scholar, composed the Kanda Puranam here. He would write verses daily and place them at the sanctum, believed to be divinely corrected by Murugan.

Legends

• Brahma Shasta Avatar: Murugan imprisoned Lord Brahma for not knowing the meaning of the Pranava Mantra (Om). He then assumed Brahma’s role as creator, manifesting as Brahma Shasta, holding a kamandalu and rudraksha beads.
• Penance and Shiva Worship: After defying Shiva’s command to release Brahma, Murugan repented and performed penance here by installing a Shiva Linga called Devasenapatisar—“God worshipped by the commander of the Devas”.
• Sacred Triad: The temple’s location between Ekambareswarar (Shiva) and Kamakshi Amman (Parvati) temples symbolizes Murugan’s divine lineage and his role as a spiritual bridge.

Architecture

• Style: Dravidian architecture, marked by towering gopurams, pillared halls, and sculptural elegance.
• Sanctum Features: The main deity, Subramanya Swami, is enshrined in a form that reflects his Brahma Shasta incarnation.
• Layout: The temple’s axial alignment with Shiva and Parvati’s shrines reinforces its symbolic significance in Kanchipuram’s sacred geography.

Daily Rituals

• Abhishekam (Sacred Bath): Lord Subramanya is anointed with honey, symbolizing sweetness of wisdom and devotion.
• Alankaram: The deity is adorned with traditional garments and ornaments, often reflecting his Brahma Shasta form—with rudraksha beads and kamandalu.
• Archana and Deepa Aradhana: Regular offerings and lamp worship are performed by priests known for their devout and clean puja practices.
• Special Pujas: Devotees often perform Shatru Samhara and Siddhi Puja for protection, clarity, and spiritual progress.

Major Festivals

• Skanda Shashti (October–November):
• Celebrated after Deepavali, marking Murugan’s victory over the demon Surapadman.
• Includes six-day fasting, processions, and Soorasamharam enactments.
• Vaikasi Visakam (April–May):
• Commemorates Murugan’s birth star Visakam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi.
• Features special abhishekams, cultural events, and devotee gatherings.
• Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, and Kanda Puranam Day may also be observed, though not explicitly listed online.

Beliefs and Devotee Sentiments

• Wisdom and Humility: Murugan’s Brahma Shasta form teaches that true knowledge begins with humility. Devotees seek clarity and spiritual insight.
• Ego Dissolution: The legend of Murugan imprisoning Brahma reflects the need to overcome pride and ignorance.
• Triadic Harmony: Worshipping Murugan between Shiva and Parvati’s temples is believed to balance masculine, feminine, and warrior energies.
• Literary Blessings: Writers and scholars revere the temple as a seat of divine inspiration, thanks to Kachiappa Sivachariyar’s Kanda Puranam legacy.

Temple Hours

• Morning: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:15 PM
• These timings allow for morning abhishekam, evening deepa aradhana, and festival processions.

Getting Here

• By Road:
• Kanchipuram is well-connected via NH48 and SH58.
• From Chennai: ~75 km (2 hours by car or bus)
• From Vellore: ~60 km
• By Rail:
• Kanchipuram Railway Station is ~2 km from the temple.
• Trains from Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Arakkonam are frequent.
• By Air:
• Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport (~70 km)
• Taxis and buses available from airport to Kanchipuram
• Local Transport:
• Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common.
• The temple is on West Raja Street, walkable from Ekambareswarar and Kamakshi Amman temples.

Tips

• Temple Cluster Strategy:
• Visit Ekambareswarar, Kumarakottam, and Kamakshi Amman in one walkable circuit.
• Ideal for documenting the Shaiva–Shakta–Skanda triad.
• Best Time to Visit:
• Vaikasi Visakam (April–May) and Skanda Shashti (Oct–Nov) for vibrant rituals.
• Early mornings offer serene darshan and better lighting for photography.
• Footwear & Dress Code:
• Leave footwear outside; wear modest, traditional attire.
• Photography:
• Allowed outside; ask permission for inner sanctum shots.
• Language:
• Tamil is primary; basic English and Telugu understood by priests and vendors.
• Nearby Amenities:
• Lodges, vegetarian restaurants, and pooja shops are available within 500 meters.