Koonancheri Kailasanathar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Sri Kailasanathar Temple,

Koonancheri,

Thanjavur – 612301.

Phone: +91 9843138641

Moolavar

Kailasanathar

Amman

Parvati

Introduction

Swamimalai Temple is situated near Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur district. Approximately 10 kilometers away, along the route to Thiruvaikavur, lies the Koonanjeri Temple — a uniquely significant Shiva temple. It is nestled between two Divya Desam Vaishnava temples, namely Pullabhutangudi and Athanur. In Koonanjeri, the Kailasanathar Temple stands alongside the shrine of Goddess Parvati.

Puranic Significance

King Janaka was performing a grand yajna in the city of Mithila. At the entrance of the yajna hall, a young boy stood waiting to enter. His appearance was extremely disfigured — he had eight physical deformities, including a hunchback, twisted limbs, and deformed hands. Because of his appearance, no one greeted or welcomed him. Yet, the boy insisted on meeting Vandhi, the chief of the assembled scholars. This led to a heated exchange between the boy and the others.

When King Janaka was informed, he personally came out to understand the boy’s purpose. The king explained that Vandhi was undefeated in debates on Vedantic philosophy and that many scholars who dared to challenge him had been defeated and drowned in the Ganga, as per the condition of the debate. He advised the boy not to risk such a fate.

Calmly, the boy replied that Vandhi had only triumphed over those who were not truly learned. He pointed out that pride is the greatest enemy of wisdom and added that Vandhi had even caused the death of his own father. The boy had come, he said, to settle that score.

The boy was none other than Ashtavakra. His grandfather, Uddalaka, was a renowned teacher of the Vedas, and one of his students was Kahola — a man known not for brilliance, but for his humility, good character, and disciplined life. Despite Kahola’s dullness, Uddalaka gave his daughter Sujatha in marriage to him.

Ashtavakra was their son. Even while in the womb, he had absorbed his grandfather’s teachings. Hearing his father mispronounce Vedic chants, the unborn child would twist in discomfort. This caused his body to be deformed at eight places — hence the name Ashtavakra, meaning “one with eight bends.”

Despite his physical challenges, Ashtavakra became a brilliant scholar before the age of twelve. Upon learning from his mother how his father had lost his life to Vandhi, he vowed to avenge him.

The debate between Ashtavakra and Vandhi lasted for several days. Everyone was amazed by the young boy’s profound knowledge. Despite all his efforts, Vandhi was ultimately defeated. As per the rule, he was to be drowned in the Ganga.

At that moment, a hidden truth emerged. Vandhi’s father, Varuna, was performing a yajna in his celestial realm and needed learned scholars. Vandhi had been sending them by defeating them in debates and drowning them in the Ganga, which carried them to Varunaloka. Realizing his mistake, Vandhi begged for mercy and promised to return all the scholars, including Kahola, back to life. Varuna, for his actions, had to face the curse of the great sages.

Ashtavakra had fulfilled his purpose. Pleased with his mastery of the scriptures, the Divine blessed the boy, transforming his deformed body into a handsome form. This miraculous transformation occurred at the sacred site of Koonancheri, located on the banks of the river Cauvery.