History
Karanthai Temple
• The Karanthai Temple is dedicated to Paramaśiva and has existed from time immemorial.
• It is called the “Kashi Vishwanatha temple” having the same presiding deities of Kasi Vishwanatha and His Divine Consort Kasi Vishalakshi as in the world-renowned Kashi Vishwanatha temple in Varanasi (Kashi), North India.
• The Śiva Linga was brought here and installed by King Karikala Cholan (almost 2000 years ago) when he returned from a visit to North India where Kashi is located.
• It is worshiped as a “mukti sthal” meaning “sacred place of liberation” just as Kashi.
Deities of the Ruling seat of Karanathi Sarvajnapeetha
Deities of the Ruling seat of Karanathi Sarvajnapeetha
History of Karanthai
This kingdom’s ruling Seat is the “Kashi Vishwanatha temple of the South” having the same presiding deities in the world renowned Kashi Vishwanatha temple in the North (Varanasi or Kashi). The deities are Kashi Vishwanatha and His Divine Consort, Kashi Vishalakshi.
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Field sketch of the Karanthai land location in the larger survey area
Map showing the Vadavaaru river and the Kashi Vishwanathar temple in Karanthai.
Google earth view of the Karanthai location (circled black) in Thanjavur.
King Karikala Chola
Around 200 years ago
The Paramaśiva Linga from Kashi was installed by King Karikala Chola (almost 2000 years ago) when he returned from a visit to North India
A ancient mural of King Karikala Chola
Karuvurar Siddhar, the Kula Guru of King Rajaraja Chola.
Another presiding deity here is Karuvurar Siddhar, the Kula Guru of King Rajaraja Chola. The temple is worshiped as a sacred place of liberation (mukthi stal) just like Kashi, giving liberation to departed souls.
