Deivanayaka Easwarar Temple

The temple's theertham, or sacred water tank, is called Mallika Pushkarini. According to temple lore, the moon deity (Chandra) bathed in these waters after visiting the shrine and found relief from a curse imposed by Daksha. Devotees believe that bathing in Mallika Pushkarini offers liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The temple's presiding goddess is Kanakakujambikai, who faces south from her position on the Sri Chakra Peeta.

Daily worship includes Cow Puja (Gopuja) performed each morning. Rice serves as the primary offering (nivedhana) to the deity. The temple operates on a limited schedule, opening at 6:00 a.m. and closing at 8:00 a.m., requiring visitors to coordinate with the temple priest in advance to ensure darshan. Those seeking relief from adverse planetary influences, particularly unfavorable Jupiter transits, worship Yoga Dakshinamurthy with ritual bathing and prayers.

Festivals and Auspicious Occasions

The temple observes several significant festivals throughout the year. Maha Shivrathri, celebrated in February or March, draws devotees to honor Shiva with special observances. Arudra Darshan, occurring in December or January, marks another major festival period. Tirukarthikai in November or December is also celebrated with temple rituals. Additionally, Jupiter transit days hold special significance for worship at this shrine. The temple notes two periods when the sun's rays are believed to hold particular spiritual potency: April 2 to 7 and September 5 to 11.

Visiting the Temple

The temple is located at Tiru Ilambayankattoor in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. Its precise coordinates are 13.003825, 79.809278. The restricted darshan hours—6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily—mean that advance planning is essential. Visitors should contact the temple priests before arrival to confirm access and learn about any specific protocols. The temple phone numbers are +91-44-2769 2412, +91-94448 65714, and +91-96000 43000.

Devotees visiting during the recommended festival periods will find the temple particularly active. Those seeking blessings for planetary remedies or spiritual liberation should prepare to engage with the temple's ritual specialists. As with most Hindu temples, modest dress is appropriate, and visitors should be prepared for early morning hours if planning to attend darshan.