KANCHEEPURAM

Muruga is a common South Indian deity for protection. Legend goes to show that once, when Lord Brahma was unable to explain the meaning of the sacred letter OM, Lord Subrahmanya put Brahma under custody and took charge of the work of creation. Lord Siva deputed Nandi to Muruga with a request to set Brahma free. Muruga first declined and then constructed a Siva Linga to expiate his refusal and started penance. It is here that Sri Kachiyappa Sivachariyar got divine grace to start his work on Skanda Puranam in Tamil. Skanda Shashthi and Vaisakha festival are important. This temple is a modern construction.

Satyavrateswarar :

The Sthalapuranam says that there was an Indra by name Sivi; he was disgusted with enjoying pleasures and wanted Mukti. He approached his guru Brihaspati and requested him to enlighten him how to get liberation and where to meditate upon Lord Siva. Brihaspati told him to go to Kanchi in Bhooloka and worship Lord Satyavrateswarar. He further told him that if a real Bhakta took one bath in the temple tank and worshipped Lord Satyavrateswarar he would get the name of Indra. If he took two baths he would become Brahma, and if he took three baths he would get Mukti.

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