Anandeeswarar, Chidambaram
Saivite Temples, Cuddalore District
God
Anandeeswarar, facing east
Goddess
Soundaranayagi, facing south
Other Deities
Sanctum Niches – Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara. Kannimoolaganapati, Subramanya with consorts, Gajalakshmi, Saneeswarar, Navagraha, Bairava, Rajachandikeswarar, Pathanjali, Anjaneya, Chandra, Surya
Anandeeswarar Chidambaram is an ancient temple. Anandeeswarar Chidambaram is east facing with 2 Prakarams, a huge entrance arch and a deep temple tank in the east. There are a large Lingam and a large Ganesha outside. The processional deity here is Somaskandar. An unique feature here is the presence of Raja Chandikeswara who is believed to give high status to those who pray to him.
Holy Water – Pathanjali Theertham
Holy Tree – No information
History
Anandeeswarar Chidambaram is a very ancient temple. There are a couple of inscriptions inside, the details of which are not available as of now.
Legend
Anandeeswarar Chidambaram is connected with the life of sage Pathanjali. It is believed that Adisesha was born as Sage Pathanjali when he expressed his desire to witness the dance of Lord Shiva and was advised to visit Chidambaram. He came to this place which used to be called Thillaivanam, created a spring and installed a Shiva Lingam. Anandeeswarar Chidambaram is also considered a Nithya Amavasya (New Moon on all days) temple.
Directions
Anandeeswarar Chidambaram is inside Chidambaram Town. Take the bazaar street right behind Nataraja Temple (west side) and go straight down to reach this temple on your right.
Stay and Food
Chidambaram has a lot of places for good food.
