Chandikeshwara Shrine (Map 12)

Between the Subrahmanya shrine and the main temple, sits a smaller shrine dedicated to Chandikeshwara. This shrine, per tradition in South India, was built and consecrated before any other parts of the temple including the main sanctum.
 

According to the Hindu mythology, as a young boy, Chandikeshwara spent all his time making Lingams out of sand and meditating instead of tending to the cows. One day, annoyed at him, his father kicked the lingam. The boy got angry and cut off his father’s leg for daring to destroy the image of his Lord. At this sign of his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared from the Lingam, blessed the boy, gave him a permanent place in his temple and restored his father’s leg. Chandikeshwara’s story is inscribed on the east wall of the Ashtamangala Vayil.

 

This one level shrine with a vimana contains an idol of Chandikeshwara in a seated position. The first inscriptions of the temple were inscribed on the three sides of the base of the walls of this shrine.
 

It is believed that Chandikeshwara keeps records of who visits to the temple and so, per tradition, tap your hands together silently and chant the name of Lord Shiva 3 times to mark your presence in the temple, without disturbing the meditation of Chandikeshwara.  

 

Chandikeswara is also the caretaker of Lord Shiva’s properties. Rub your hands in front of his shrine to assure him that you are not taking anything from the temple.