Shri Chitragupta Swamy Temple — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Chitragupta temple is a Hindu temple located in Nellukara Street Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the rare temples of the Hindu deity Chitragupta, considered to be the assistant of Yama, the Hindu god of death. Chitragupta is believed to have emerged from a painting and set as the accountant of good and bad deeds of human beings by Brahma. The temple has a three-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower) and a single precinct around the sanctum. The present masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century CE, while later expansions are attributed to various others. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The major festival is celebrated in the temple in Chitra Pournami during April. The temple is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the city. As per Hindu legend, Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction was discussing with his wife Parvathi about maintaining Dharma amidst all human beings on earth and maintaining a good account of their deeds. He felt that he wanted to have someone to have a close watch on the people to prevent them from indulging in crime and involving themselves in good deeds. Shiva drew a picture in a gold plate - Parvathi was impressed and wanted Shiva to detail it. The picture turned into a deity by the divine grace of Shiva and Parvathi. Shiva entrusted the duty of maintaining the account of deeds of all human beings on earth. He came to be known as Chitragupta as he was derived from a Chitra (picture) and Gupta (with secrecy). He was set as the accountant of Yama, who is the Hindu deity of death.

As per another legend, Brihaspati, the Guru of planetary deities had a disagreement with Indra, the king of celestial deities. On account of the confrontation, Brihaspati discontinued his advocacy to Indra. At a later point, Indra realized his mistakes and patched up with his Guru. To expiate himself from the sins created, he started on a pilgrimage and reached the place to find a Linga. He constructed a temple in the place and golden lotuses started appearing in the nearby temple tank. The day was Chitra Pournami.

A third legend states that Indra prayed to Shiva to have a child, but as per the divine wish, his wife Indrani was not supposed have any progeny. Shiva directed Kamadhenu, the holy cow to give birth to a child. Shiva later entrusted the child to Indra and Indrani, who later brought him up as Chitragupta. The temple has a three-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower. The central shrine has the image of Chitragupta in seated posture. He is sported with a ezhuthaani (pen) in his right hand and scripts in his left hand.

Archaeologists have confirmed based on the inscriptions that the temple was built during the 9th century CE by the Medieval Cholas. The temple has various maintenance activities during the subsequent period. During the repair works carried out during 1911, two historical metal idols of Chitragupta and his consort Karnikambal were found. These images are housed in the central sanctum. During modern times, a consecration was performed during 1918 and 1994. The temple has been administered by a group of hereditary trustees. Chitragupta, as per Hinduism is the accountant of Yama, the death god, who keeps track of good and bad deeds of human beings to decide their residence in heaven or hell. The temple is just one of its kind that has a separate temple for Chitragupta. Every new moon, there are special worship practices followed in the temple. The major festival is celebrated in the temple in Chitra Pournami during April. Chitragupta is considered the Adidevata for Ketu, the ninth planet of Hindu astrology. He is the patron and central deity of the Kayastha community, who are known as the descendants of Shri Chitragupt, but is also worshipped by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Women devotees observe fast or consume food without salt during the day to seek blessings of...

The Chitragupta Temple in Kanchipuram is a hidden gem that exudes history, spirituality, and architectural beauty. Dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine accountant who records human deeds for judgment by Yama, this temple stands out as one of the rare places dedicated to this unique deity in India.

The temple’s architecture is quintessentially Dravidian, with intricate carvings adorning the gopurams (tower gateways) and walls. The sanctum houses a serene idol of Chitragupta, holding a pen and book, symbolizing his role as the cosmic bookkeeper. The calm and pious atmosphere within the temple premises offers a sense of tranquility that draws visitors seeking solace and reflection.

The temple’s management is commendable, maintaining the premises clean and well-organized. It’s heartwarming to see how devotees and tourists alike revere the deity, performing rituals and prayers with deep faith. The priests are welcoming and knowledgeable, often explaining the significance of Chitragupta’s role in Hindu mythology to curious visitors.

Situated in the heart of Kanchipuram, the temple is easy to access and is surrounded by the vibrant culture of the city, often referred to as the “City of Thousand Temples.” Visiting Chitragupta Temple can be a humbling and enlightening experience, making it a must-visit for those exploring Kanchipuram’s rich spiritual heritage.

The Chitragupta Temple in Kanchipuram is a hidden gem that exudes history, spirituality, and architectural beauty. Dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine accountant who records human deeds for judgment by Yama, this temple stands out as one of the rare places dedicated to this unique deity in India.

Nestled in the bustling streets of Kanchipuram, this temple is a peaceful retreat from the city’s energy. The temple’s Dravidian architecture is stunning, with intricate carvings and a beautiful gopuram (tower gateway) that immediately catch your attention. Inside, the idol of Chitragupta, depicted holding a pen and book, is both serene and inspiring, symbolizing his cosmic role as the keeper of deeds.

What makes this temple truly special is its atmosphere. The serene vibe makes it a perfect spot for quiet reflection, while the temple priests are friendly and knowledgeable. They’re happy to explain the significance of Chitragupta’s role in Hindu mythology, adding a rich layer of understanding to the visit. The temple’s cleanliness and well-maintained surroundings make the experience even more pleasant.

It’s also conveniently located in the heart of Kanchipuram, making it easy to include in your itinerary as you explore the “City of Thousand Temples.” Whether you’re on a spiritual journey or simply curious about India’s rich cultural heritage, the Chitragupta Temple is worth a visit.

Pro tip: Visit during the early morning hours or weekdays to enjoy the temple in its full tranquility without the crowds. Don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the detailed carvings and the peaceful vibe of this unique shrine.

In summary, the Chitragupta Temple offers a blend of spiritual depth, cultural history, and architectural beauty. It’s not just a place of worship but a gentle reminder of the importance of living a righteous life. Highly recommended for anyone visiting...

The holy temple city of Kancheepuram is famous not only for a number of Shiva temples and the Vaishnava Temple, but also because of the presence of a unique and a separate temple dedicated to Lord Chitragupta. Chitragupta is considered the chief accountant and the minister of Lord Yama, or the God of Death. There is no other separate shrine or temple that has been built devoted to Chitragupta, other than the Chitragupta temple in Kancheepuram. Lord Brahma created Chitragupta through the Sun God , and he is considered the younger brother of Lord Yama. Chitragupta keeps record of all the good and evil deeds of humans and accordingly decides to send them to heaven or hell. People believe that Chitragupta is the Athi Devathai for Kethu which is one of the Navagrahas. So, anyone who worships Chitragupta at the temple would be endowed with prosperity and wealth. The vices of the Kethu would also be mitigated. There are a large number of worshippers and devotees who come to the temple to perform pujas, especially during the Pournami or full moon every month. The Chitra Pournami is celebrated on a grand scale annually.The history of the Chitragupta Temple says that it was in the ninth century during the Chola period that the temple was built in Kancheepuram. There is a particular community in Kancheepuram which looks after the temple.The presiding deity at the Chitragupta temple, Kancheepuram is in a sitting posture holding a pen in the right hand. The left hand holds a palm leaf, both symbols of his work. There is also the Utsava Panchaloka idol of Chitragupta whioch is seen along with his...