Soleeswarar Kancheepuram

Saivite Temples, Kancheepuram Taluk

God

Samhara Bhairaveswarar, facing east

Goddess

Kamakshi Amman

Other Deities

Ashta Bhairavar, Ganesha, Subramania, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Chandikeswara, Durga, Kanniamman, Naagar, Nagakanni, Bhairava, Navagraha

Soleeswarar Kancheepuram is a small east facing temple which is unique in the presence of 8 Bhairavas in the form of Shiva Lingams. The temple has an entrance gateway in the east. The 8 (Ashta) Bhairavas installed here at Soleeswarar Kanchipuram are Ruru Bhairaveswarar (with a bull mount), Adhisthanka Bhairaveswarar (with a swan mount), Samhara Bhairaveswarar (with a dog mount), Vachalana (Chanda) Bhairaveswarar (with a peacock mount), Krodhana Bhairaveswarar (with an eagle mount), Unmatha Bhairaveswarar (with a horse mount), Kabala Bhairaveswarar (with a elephant mount) and Bheesna Bhairaveswarar (with a lion mount). This is probably the only temple where they are seen in Linga form. Two of the Naagar idols in the Prakaram have Kalinga Narthana (Krishna) and Lord Shiva each in them.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No Information

History

Soleeswarar Kancheepuram is an old temple, but historical information is not available as of now.

Legend

Bhairava is the wandering form of Lord Shiva guarding the cardinal directions. There are 64 Bhairavas grouped under 8 categories and each category is headed by one major Bhairava. The eight Bhairavas are called Ashtanga Bhairavas.

Directions

Soleeswarar Kancheepuram is off Thirumal Raja Street, which takes off east from Krishnan Street after the Thirumetrali temple road. See our map below for the exact location.

Stay and Food

Kancheepuram town has innumerable temples which could be combined as preferred. Refer our map to plan your day. Good hotels and restaurants are available.

Saivite Temples

Kancheepuram Temples

Tamilnadu Temples