Chandigarh is a cosmopolitan city, where people from all over India come to, in search of good business and employment opportunities. The city of Chandigarh is also home to a good number of people from Tamil Nadu. These people have come together to build Sri Kartikeya Swami Temple in Chandigarh. The temple is dedicated to the Tamil God, Kadavul Murugan. It is believed that Lord Murugan protects them from all adversities and provides them with prosperity.

The temple features idols of Lord Murugan, on either side of which are idols of Devasena and Valli. The temple premises, or praharam, also has idols of Goddess Krishna Mariamman, Lord Ganesha, Vishnu, Durga, Brahma, Dakshina Murti, Chandigeswar and Narthana Ganapati. All the idols in the temple have been sculpted by artists from Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. The deity was named as Lord Kartikeya Swami by the Maha Swami of Kanchi Sankara Mutt. The idols were transported from Mahabalipuram to Chandigarh with utmost care. The temple is constructed in architectural styles pertaining to the pallava, chola and pandiya dynasties.

The Sri Kartikeya Swami Temple has been designed in such a way, that devotees can view the traditional tower and also the idol of the main deity, at the same time. The tower is also known as the vimhanam. This practice of viewing the tower and the idol at the same time has been mentioned in the puranas; it is believed to be a good omen and helps in forgiveness of one’s sins. The temple is located in the 31 D sector of Chandigarh.

History of Sri Kartikeya Swami Temple

The Sri Kartikeya Swami Temple was established when the area of Punjab was undergoing the militancy threat. During 1980’s, when militancy was at its peak, the Tamilians in Chandigarh were in need of a Murugan Temple. Lord Murugan is the warrior who fights evil and safeguards his devotees. First, a small spear or vel was constructed at the site of the temple on a pedestal. Devotees started praying to the vel. After the temple was established, not even a single family left the area because of the faith that they have in Lord Murugan.

In 1992, a ‘Mahakumbhabhishekam’ was performed at the temple by the Shivacharyas of Kanchipuram. In the past few years, the temple has grown and has been visited by several renowned swamis and gurus from South India. Another Mahakumbhabhishekam was performed in the temple in 2002 by the same Shivacharyas. It is believed that the powers in the idols makes from black stone gradually diminish and a consecration process is carried out with an ashtabandan and kumbabhishekam. During this celebration, two new additions were made to the temple recently, a sannidhi for Lord Hanuman and Navagrahas. A new hall or a mandap is also built in the temple, for conducting community functions and cultural events.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sri Kartikeya Swami Temple is during the Thaipusam festival. The festival is celebrated for Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan is the son of Lord Shiva, and is also known as Kartikeya. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati gifted her son Lord Murugan, with a powerful spear with which he defeated several demons. The festival is celebrated by several Indians all across the globe.

There are several other temples located close to Sri Kartikeya Swami Temple, such as the Aiyappa Temple, Balaji Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, etc. Sri Kartikeya Swami Temple is open during the summer months from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and during the winter months from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

How to Reach

By Road

Chandigarh is conveniently connected by an excellent network of roads. The city is accessible by two National Highways, namely, the National Highway 21 enroute from Ambala to Kinnaur and the National Highway 22 on Chandigarh-Leh route. There are several other temples and religious sites around Chandigarh, that can be reached by road from Chandigarh.

By Train

The railway stop at Chandigarh is connected to various towns and cities across India. From the railway station, visitors can take buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis to reach the temple.

By Air

The Chandigarh airport is located about 15 Kms from the bus stand in the city, and has flights connecting to New Delhi. Taxis and car rentals are easily available from the airport to the temple.