Kanchipuram Sri Chevandheswarar Temple
Sri Chevandheswarar Temple is a Shiva temple situated in Panjupettai, Kanchipuram, close to the rear side of the famous Ekambareswarar Temple. The temple is particularly important among the Sevvai (Mars) Graha Parihara Sthalams of Kanchipuram.
The presiding deity is Lord Chevandheswarar / Chevvandheeswarar, with Kamakshi Ambal as the consort. The temple is traditionally associated with Sevvai (Angaraka/Mars) and is visited by devotees seeking relief from difficulties attributed to Mars in astrology, especially Sevvai Dosham / Manglik Dosha.
A traditional account also connects the temple with Vayu Bhagavan, who is said to have worshipped Shiva here with Sevandhi flowers (chrysanthemum flowers).
The temple underwent significant renovation in 2025. New shrines including Vallabha Ganapati, Vayu Bhagavan, Shiva Durga and Kala Bhairava were established, and a Kumbabhishekam was performed on 5 June 2025.
| Moolavar | Chevandheswarar |
|---|---|
| Goddess | Kamakshi Ambal |
| Tradition | Shaivam |
| Theertham | Soola Theertham |
| Timings | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Best Time to Visit
While it can be visited year-round, the Tamil months of Chithirai (Apr-May), Karthigai (Nov-Dec), and Margazhi (Dec-Jan) are wonderful times. Regardless of the month, Tuesday is the absolute best day of the week to visit.
Why this temple is a Parigara Sthalam
It is believed that Angarakan attained his planetary status and received Shiva's divine blessings at this exact spot. Because the main deity was installed and worshipped by Mars himself to alleviate his own planetary hurdles, the temple naturally became a potent Parihara Sthalam (remedial site) to cure the malefic effects of Mars in a devotee's horoscope.
Who should worship?
According to traditional Jyotisha, worship of Chevvai/Mars is recommended particularly for people whose horoscope shows a weak, afflicted or otherwise problematic Mars, especially when Mars is believed to be causing difficulties in the areas it signifies.
People traditionally seek Mars-related Pariharam for:
- Sevvai Dosham / Kuja Dosham / Manglik Dosha
- Delays or obstacles in marriage attributed to Mars
- Repeated conflicts and excessive anger
- Lack of courage or initiative
- Problems traditionally associated with land and property
- Difficulties involving younger siblings
- Obstacles in technical, engineering or mechanical pursuits
- Excessive impulsiveness or aggressive behaviour
- Mars-related periods such as Dasha or Bhukti
- Mars placed in difficult houses or afflicted by other planets, according to the astrologer's assessment
However, not everyone with Mars in a particular house automatically has Sevvai Dosham. Dosha assessment depends on the entire horoscope, including Lagna, Moon, Venus, Mars' dignity, aspects, conjunctions, cancellation factors and the specific tradition being followed.
Mantra & Slokam
Om Angarakaya Vidmahe · Shakti Hastaya Dhimahi Tanno Bhaumah Prachodayat
May we know Angaraka, who holds the Shakti weapon. May we meditate upon him. May Bhauma illuminate and guide our intellect.
Parigaram Items
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Red Gram (Toor Dal) | Donate |
| Red Oleander (Arali) Flowers | Pooja |
| Copper (Vessel/Coin) | Donate / Use |
| Red Cloth | Donate |
How to perform Parigaram at home
Fasting: Observe a fast on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset.
Lighting Lamp: Light a ghee lamp (deepam) using a red wick in front of Lord Murugan or a Chevvai Yantra.
Chanting: Recite the Chevvai Gayatri Mantra 108 times or read/listen to Kanda Sashti Kavacham.
Offering (Naivedyam): Offer a dish made of Red Gram (Toor Dal/Thuvaram Paruppu) or a sweet pongal, along with red flowers like Oleander (Arali).
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
The principal traditional legend associated with Chevandheswarar Temple connects the shrine with Vayu Bhagavan.
According to the temple tradition, Vayu, the Lord of Wind, worshipped Lord Shiva here with Sevandhi flowers. Because of this association, the shrine came to be known as Chevandheswarar / Sevandheeswarar.
Another important tradition is that Mars (Angaraka/Sevvai) worshipped Shiva at this place. Consequently, the temple became associated with Sevvai Graha Pariharam.
Thus, two important associations are preserved in the temple tradition:
- Vayu Bhagavan → worship with Sevandhi flowers
- Sevvai/Angaraka → worship of Shiva
The 2025 renovation strengthened these traditional associations by establishing a dedicated Vayu Bhagavan shrine and an Angaraka shrine within the temple.
Parigaram (Remedy)
Devotees primarily visit to perform Chevvai Dosham (Manglik Dosha) pariharam. The core remedy involves offering Sevanthi (Chrysanthemum) flowers and red cloth (Vastram) to the Lord. Lighting ghee lamps and offering red lentils (Thuvaram Paruppu) on Tuesdays are considered highly auspicious for neutralizing astrological afflictions.
What to do when you visit
Upon entering, first pay your respects to Lord Ganesha and Nandi. Offer the Sevanthi flowers and red cloth you brought to the priest for the main deity's Archana. Circumambulate (pradakshina) the sanctum, and ensure you sit quietly in the temple mandapam for a few minutes to absorb the serene, remedial energy of the shrine before leaving.
Before You Visit
This temple has a very unique location: it is situated directly inside the Tamil Nadu Government's Agricultural Seed Farm (Vithai Pannai). Because it is inside a government campus, there are no pooja shops outside. You must buy your Sevanthi flowers, red cloth, and other pooja items in main Kanchipuram town before heading to the temple. Also, strictly adhere to the timings, as the farm gates close outside of temple hours.
Special Rituals / Abhishekam
Special Abhishekam and Archana dedicated to Lord Chevandheswarar are conducted on Tuesdays. Grand Abhishekam using milk, honey, sandalwood, and holy water is also performed during the bi-monthly Pradosham days.
Learn More
Chevvai (Mars) is known as the commander-in-chief of the planetary cabinet. It represents courage, valor, physical energy, and action. Astrologically, it is the Bhoomi Karaka (significator of land/real estate) and Bhratru Karaka (significator of brothers). It rules over professions related to engineering, surgery, military, police, and construction. A well-placed Mars gives unmatched leadership and drive, while an afflicted Mars can cause anger issues, impatience, and impulsiveness.
Charity / Daana
The best day for Chevvai Daana is Tuesday. You can donate Red Gram (Toor Dal), red clothing, copper vessels, or jaggery to the needy or to temple priests. Blood donation on a Tuesday is considered one of the highest forms of modern remedies for an afflicted Mars.
Key Facts
Favorable / Unfavorable Signs
Favorable (Own Houses): Aries (Mesham) and Scorpio (Viruchigam).
Highly Favorable (Exalted / Ucham): Capricorn (Makaram).
Unfavorable (Debilitated / Neecham): Cancer (Kadagam).
Festivals
For a small Shiva temple such as this, the principal occasions of devotional importance include:
- Maha Shivaratri
- Pradosham
- Monthly Shivaratri
- Tamil New Year / Tamil month observances
- Karthigai Deepam
- Special Tuesdays for Sevvai Pariharam
How to Reach
The temple is located roughly 2 km from the Kanchipuram Bus Stand. It is situated right behind the massive Ekambareswarar Temple. You can easily take an auto-rickshaw and ask them to drop you at the "Panjupettai Seed Farm" (பஞ்சுப்பேட்டை விதைப் பண்ணை). The shrine is located inside the gates of this farm.
Location Map
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