Deity brought from Varanasi
P. V. V. MURTHI
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KUMBABHISHEKAM It is believed that a prostration before the Ambal here would help one overcome the fear of death.
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ancient edifice: The towering gopuram of Kasi Viswanathar temple, where renovation is in progress.
The 800-year-old Sri Kasi Visalakshi Samedha Sri Kasi Viswanathar temple, built by `Rayaji' Achanna Pandithar who served as the Dewan Bahadoor (tax collector) in the kingdom of the then Nawab of Arcot, Chanda Sahib, is located 110 kilometres west of Chennai and 30 km east of Vellore on the Chennai-Mumbai Trunk Road in Walajapet Municipality.
A unique feature of this temple is that the presiding deity, Kasi Viswanathar, was brought from Varanasi and installed in Agastheeswaram, later known as Walajapet.
Agastheeswaram
Another special `agama' feature of the temple is that the presiding deity is facing the east while that of Kasi Visalakshi is facing the south.
Agama Sastras describe such temples as `Misralayam' or `Agastheeswaram.'
It is believed that a `Sashtanga Namaskaram' (prostration) before the deity of `Ambal' in this temple would help one overcome the fear of death.
Lord Siva is also known as `Abhishekapriyar.' Abhishekams and aradhanas are therefore conducted daily.
Separate shrines have been established in the temple for Lord Vinayaka, Lord Subramanya and Lord Nataraja.
The temple also has a `Pushkarani Theertham' (sacred water tank). The `Vilvam' is the sthala vriksham, while the `Nagalinga' tree is the upavriksham.
According to Padma Puranam, Lord Parameswara had told his Consort, Goddess Parvathi that worshipping Lord Siva and Lord Vinayaka with one `vilva' leaf would confer on a person the beneficial effects of worshiping the gods with `Sahasrakoti Swarna Pushpas' (thousand crore golden flowers).
The temple, having a five-tier `gopuram' is also a place for obtaining `nivardhi' (relief) from `Sani Dhosham' (the evil effect of Saturn) as the sannidhis of Kala Bhairavar and Saneeswarar are facing each other.
Daily rituals are being performed by archaka Subramania Sivachariar whose family has been performing pujas for five generations.
Renovation
Renovation of the temple is in progress. The Kumbabhishekam is to be performed on April 27 (5-7 a.m.), after 26 years. Contributions are invited towards the renovation work in the form of DD/cheque drawn in favour of Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple Renovation Committee, Walajapet.
They may be sent to the president, Renovation Committee, Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Chennai-Mumbai Trunk Road, Walajapet-632 513, Vellore. For details, call: 094 432 - 29454.
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