Brahmasira Kandeeswarar Temple, Thirukkandiyur

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Kandiyur, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Temple Tags: Ancient Temple Chola Temple Nayanmar Temple Paadal Petra Sthalam Sambandar Temple South India Temple Tevaram Temple

✔ Verified by Mandirvaas

📍 Open in Maps

⏰ Darshan

Morning: 06:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening: 04:00 PM – 08:30 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

October to March is generally comfortable for pilgrimage.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Thirukkandiyur Brahmasira Kandeeswarar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple and one of the Tevaram Paadal Petra Sthalams. It is one of the Ashta Veerattana Sthalams, where Shiva is traditionally believed to have performed a heroic act by cutting off one of Brahma's five heads. The temple is also one of the seven Sapthasthana temples associated with Thiruvaiyaru. The presiding deity is Brahmasira Kandeeswarar and the goddess is Mangalanayaki. The temple is traditionally associated with relief from Brahmahatya Dosha.

🏛 Temple History

According to the traditional Sthala Purana, Brahma originally had five heads. Shiva cut off one of Brahma's heads, and the place subsequently became associated with the name Kandiyur, derived from the act of cutting the head.

Another traditional account concerns Sage Sadatapa. He regularly travelled to Kalahasti for Pradosha darshan. When he was unable to reach Kalahasti in time, Shiva is said to have granted him the Kalahasti darshan at Thirukkandiyur itself.

The temple was established and expanded through the Chola period and contains inscriptions referring to the deity as "Thiruveerattanathu Mahadevar" and "Thirukkandiyur Udaiya Mahadevar." Later architectural contributions are associated with the Nayak and Thanjavur Maratha periods.

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Daily Poojas

Regular temple worship schedule

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No daily poojas available.

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Special Rituals

Sacred offerings and temple rituals

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No special rituals available currently.

🎉 Temple Festivals

No festivals available.

🔔 Darshan Timings & Rules

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Dress Code

Traditional and modest clothing is recommended.

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Photography

Not allowed

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Prasad

Not available

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Prasad Details

Prasadam is available according to temple arrangements.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Visit early morning for a relatively peaceful darshan.
Combine this temple with the Thiruvaiyaru Sapthasthana circuit.
The temple is only a few kilometres from Thiruvaiyaru.
Devotees interested in Shiva's Veerattana temples should include Thirukkandiyur in the Ashta Veerattana circuit.
The temple has a significant connection with the legend of Shiva cutting one of Brahma's five heads.
The temple has a separate shrine associated with Brahma, which is an important feature for pilgrims.
The temple is traditionally associated with prayers for relief from Brahmahatya Dosha.
On Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham and Sapthasthana festival days, expect larger crowds.
During the Sapthasthana festival, the temple becomes an important stop in the procession connecting the seven temples.
Photography restrictions should be followed inside the temple.
Combine the visit with Thirupazhanam, Thiruchotruthurai, Thiruvedhikudi, Thiruppoonthuruthi and Thiruneythanam to cover the seven Sapthasthana temples.