Chitragupta Temple, Kanchipuram
Also known as: சித்திரகுப்தர் கோயில் (காஞ்சிபுரம்) · చిత్రగుప్త ఆలయం, కాంచీపురం · चित्रगुप्त मंदिर, कांचीपुरम
Tamil Nadu Other deities
One of the few temples of Chitragupta, who keeps the account of human deeds. Chitra Pournami is the big day.
- Deity
- Chitragupta, Karnikambal
- Tradition
- Other deities
- Place
- Kanchipuram (Nattapettai)
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Era
- The present stone structure was built in the 9th century CE in the Chola period, according to inscriptions.
Sthala Puranam
Shiva and Parvati were talking about dharma and the record of human deeds. Shiva drew a picture on a golden plate. Parvati admired it, and the picture came alive as a deity. Shiva named him Chitragupta ('picture' and 'secret') and made him the keeper of the accounts of deeds, under Yama.
In another story, Brihaspati stopped advising Indra after a quarrel. Indra repented and went on a pilgrimage. He found a linga and built a temple. Golden lotuses began to appear in the temple tank on Chitra Pournami.
In a third story, Indra prayed for a child. Shiva told the cow Kamadhenu to give birth, and Indra and Indrani raised the child as Chitragupta.
Speciality
- One of the rare temples of Chitragupta.
- Chitragupta is seen as the presiding deity (adidevata) of Ketu in astrology.
- He is the patron deity of the Kayastha community and is worshipped by both Shaivas and Vaishnavas.
- The image shows him seated with a pen in the right hand and scripts in the left.
- Three-tiered rajagopuram.
Festivals
- Chitra Pournami in April (the main festival)
- Special worship every new moon (Amavasai)
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Women devotees keep a fast or eat food without salt on the day, to seek his blessings.
- Chitra Pournami is very crowded. Go early.
Prayers for this temple
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