Kachi Anegathangavatham

The temple is estimated to be between 1000 and 2000 years old, placing it among Kancheepuram's venerable sanctuaries. According to temple tradition, the site's origins involve the sage Maharshi Mareechi, who discovered a female child named Vallaba on lotus leaves while bathing in a tank. Vallaba grew to become a devoted worshipper of Lord Shiva. When she was abducted by a demon named Kesi, she appealed to Lord Shiva for protection. Lord Shiva instructed Vinayaka to worship at this location, assuring him of victory in battle. After Vinayaka installed the Shivalinga and defeated the demon, Lord Shiva himself performed the wedding ceremony of Vinayaka and Vallaba at this place. The temple is also recognised as the fourth shrine in the Thondaimandalam region to be praised in the Thevaram hymns, specifically in the compositions of Saint Sundarar, who described it as a place of enlightened souls, bright with sunlight and the song of nightingales.

Architecture and Layout

This is a modest temple with a single corridor surrounding the sanctum sanctorum. The main entrance faces north, and notably, the temple has no Rajagopuram (the tall gateway tower typical of larger temples). Lord Vinayaka is honoured in a separate shrine in a large form, known as Peria (big) Vinayaka. The temple's simplicity reflects its age and character as a neighbourhood shrine rather than a grand institutional complex.

Daily Worship and Rituals

The temple operates on a limited schedule, open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily. Four main ritual services are performed: Ushakkala pooja at 6:00 a.m., Kalasandhi pooja at 7:00 a.m., Uchikkala pooja at 12:00 p.m., and Sayaraksha pooja at 6:00 p.m. Devotees visiting during the morning hours can participate in or witness these observances. The temple's sacred water is known as Thanu theertham. Devotees typically offer prayers for the removal of obstacles in marriage proposals and for advancement in employment. Those seeking blessings related to marriage matters often make offerings of Arugampul (grass) along with nivedhanas (food offerings) to Lord Vinayaka, hoping for swift resolution of their concerns. Devotees also perform abhishek (ritual bathing) of the deity and offer cloth garments as expressions of gratitude.

Festivals and Observances

Two major festivals are celebrated annually at the temple. Mahashivrathri, observed in February or March, is a significant occasion honouring Lord Shiva. Tirukarthikai, celebrated in November or December, is another important festival at the shrine. These festivals represent the primary occasions when the temple draws larger numbers of devotees and when extended worship may be available beyond the usual morning hours.

Visiting Information

The temple is located in Anekadangavadham, Kancheepuram, approximately 2 kilometres from the Kancheepuram bus stand. The nearest railway station is Kancheepuram, and Chennai airport serves as the nearest major air terminal. The temple's phone number is +91-44-2722 2084. Given the restricted morning-only opening hours, visitors should plan their visit accordingly. Kancheepuram offers several accommodation options including Hotel Tamilnadu and other lodges in the town. Visitors to Shiva temples typically observe modest dress and remove footwear before entering the sanctum. The temple's small size and intimate character make it a quiet place for personal devotion rather than a major pilgrimage destination.