Velangudi Kandeeswarar Temple, Chettinadu - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 6 Km from Karaikudi, and 9 Km from Chettinad, the Kandeeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple located in Velangudi Village near Karaikudi in the Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the top places to visit as part of Chettinad tour.

Also known as Velangudi Natukkottai Nagarathar Temple, the Kandeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and His consort Kamakshi Amman. The temple is recognized as a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam due to the mention of this temple in Thevaram hymns. It is one of the nine temples associated with the Chettinad Nagarathar community. It is believed that this temple was gifted to the Nagarathar Community by the Pandya King in 718 AD.

The architecture of the Kandeeswarar Temple in Velangudi exemplifies the typical Dravidian style of South India, featuring a sanctum, antarala, ardha mandapam, maha mandapam, and a prominent five-tiered rajagopuram. The sanctum houses the main diety Lord Shiva, and is guarded by dvarapalas. The 3-tier vesara Vimanam was constructed with bricks and cement concrete, on the sanctum sanctorum. In the secondary precinct of the temple consists of a flagstaff and the shrine for Ambal (Parvati). Ambal Kamakshi is positioned facing south, standing in a posture with abhaya varada hastam.

The mandapam, which accommodates the dhwajasthambam, bali peetham, and pradosha Nandi, is adorned with several pillars that showcase intricate bas relief work. In the koshtam and prakaram, the usual deities are present. within the temple, one can observe depictions of various deities such as Sapthastana lingas and Panchabhoota lingas, along with a separate shrine dedicated to Brahma. Sannidhis for Vinayagar and Murugan are located on both sides of the east side of the rajagopuram.

Timings: 6 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 7:30 PM

Entry: Free