Early medieval · Hindu · India

Brahma Sira Kandeeswarar Temple

Thirukkandiyur, Tamil Nadu · 10.8618°, 79.1093°

Shiva (Kandeeswarar)Chola—Paadal Petra Sthalam

Sacred since

900 CE

first attestation / structure

Standing structure

Chola era; Nayak & Maratha additions

Chola

History & significance

A Paadal Petra Sthalam near Thiruvaiyaru revered in the Tevaram and counted among the eight Ashta Veeratanam temples marking Shiva's heroic deeds — here the severing of Brahma's fifth head; unusually, the complex contains a separate shrine to Brahma. Inscriptions record Chola, Thanjavur Nayak and Maratha patronage.

Sthala katha — the legend

Shiva plucked off Brahma's fifth head at this place and was himself freed of the resulting sin after bathing in the temple's Kamala Pushkarani tank.

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