History of the place

Lord Brahma planted a perennial fruit yielding jack tree at this place as a token of gratitude for the Lord here. King Rajendra Chola was carried away by this wonder tree, ordered the village people to offer one fruit everyday to Chidambaram temple as nivedhana to the Lord. When it was the turn of a brahmin boy to carry the fruit, he deviated the villagers to carry on his behalf as it is very heavy for him. At the same time, he burnt the tree as it would stop his village people's problem. The king exiled the boy and accompanied him. The king saw a gold chameleon hiding into an anthill. When the soldiers tried to destroy the anthill, blood started to come from the chameleon's tail. A voice condemned the king's action and ordered to build a temple at that place as it is Lord Shiva who appeared as Chameleon. It is to be noted that the lingam in the sanctum sanctorum is just the size of the tail of the creature.

Saints who worshiped

Thirugnana Sambandhar. This is the 239th of the 274 devara sthalams.

Temple History, Speciality, Miracle and Greatness

The Lord Shiva here is Swayambu murthi and the Vimana is Gajabrushta in shape (back of the elephant). When Lord Muruga was destroying Surapathman and other demons, Makkaran, a demon escaped and came here and worshiped the Lord and hence the name "Maakaralesswarar" Lord Muruga's wedding procession darshan on the elephant (Iyravatham) was given to Lord Vishnu at this place.

Pariharam

Consuming the abishek theertha acts as medicine to cure blood related diseases, fractures, vision, paralysis.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform pujas for unity among the couples and Angapradaskshinam (rolling around the prahara) is done for child boon.

Festival Period

10 day Masi Brahmmotsavam

Dharshan Timings

IST 07:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

How to reach

This village is 16 kilometres from Kanchipuram. Buses to Uthiramerur via Keezhroad will reach to this temple.

Nearest Location

Railway Station: Kanchipuram Airport : Chennai