Mukkadeswarar Temple - Kanchipuram

பூமிமேல் புகழ்தக்க பொருளே உன்னை
என்னானாய் என்னானாய் என்னின் அல்லால்
ஏழையேன் என்சொல்லி ஏத்துக்கேனே!
- Devaaram

Yet another drive to Kanchipuram. Headed straight to Kamatchi Amman dharisanam. Being a Wednesday morning and summer vacation, it was sparsely crowded so had a quiet long dharisanam of the goddess with half moon alangaram. Came out of the temple with in 45 minutes this time. Visited Kumarakottam next and here again had a fulfilling dharisanam of Murugarar. This temple does Annadhanam every day from donations received from devotees, its INR 1250 per day.

With ample time in hand, decided to explore some of the lesser known temples. So we headed to Mukkadeswarar Temple which is just on the way out of Kumarakottam. Covered by various shops, a small entrance leads to this age old temple belonging to the Pallava dynasty. Similar to Kailasanaadhar temple this temple too is under the Archaeological survey of the Indian Government. The main deity morning dharshan time is very limited, so not able to visit for prayers.

There is no gopuram to the temple hence the narrow entrance. Nandi is the first to welcome us. On either side of the Nandi, its green. Beyond this is the sanctum of Mukkadeswarar.

This sanctum is on a high raised platform. Few steps climb will take us to the main deity. On either side of this are the carved scripts and statues.

On either side of Mukkadeswarar we can see sculptures as in the below picture. Also the sanctum is supported by finely carves pillars.

This board in the temple clarifies that the temple was erected by Nandivarman in 800 - 900 A.D. as per the stone inscriptions. Though small every small detail is minutely craved by the sculptural talents of the Pallava era.

Temples like this stand testimony to the talents of the ancient Tamils. We have to take this opportunity to admire and appreciate them.

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