Chandesha, also known as Chandikeshwara, is a significant figure in Hindu mythology, particularly within the Shaiva tradition. He is one of the primary attendants or Ganas of Lord Shiva, often depicted as a fierce guardian or protector of Shiva's temples. The story of Chandesha is both fascinating and deeply rooted in devotion, with strong cultural and religious significance in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Mythological Story of Chandesha
The legend of Chandesha is mainly derived from the Periya Puranam, a Tamil literary work that details the lives of the 63 Nayanmars, the saintly devotees of Shiva.
Birth and Early Life
Chandesha was born as Vicharasarman to a Brahmin couple in the village of Tirucheinallur in Tamil Nadu. From a young age, Vicharasarman displayed an extraordinary sense of devotion towards Lord Shiva. His commitment to the deity was so profound that he often neglected his worldly duties, much to the dismay of his father.
Divine Devotion
Vicharasarman's devotion was particularly expressed through his love for the sacred bull, Nandi, the vahana (mount) of Shiva. Every day, he would go to a nearby river, gather water, and bathe a clay image of the bull he had created. This act of devotion eventually led him to a life of complete renunciation and dedication to Shiva.
One day, his father, angered by what he saw as his son's neglect of his duties, attempted to destroy the clay Nandi. In a fit of divine fury, Vicharasarman, now wholly possessed by his devotion, struck his father with a stick. At this moment, Shiva appeared before him, blessed him, and accepted him as his foremost attendant. Shiva named him Chandesha and made him the custodian of his wealth, placing him in charge of the temples and their treasures.
Deification and Role as a Gana
After this divine encounter, Chandesha was deified and became known as Chandikeshwara, one of the most revered Ganas of Shiva. He is depicted in iconography with a fierce expression, holding an axe and a noose, symbols of his authority and role as the protector of Shiva’s assets. Chandesha is also sometimes depicted with a flame on his head, representing his burning devotion to Shiva.
Worship of Chandesha
Temples and Rituals
Chandesha is worshipped as a subsidiary deity in many Shiva temples, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In these temples, he is often enshrined near the main sanctum, usually on the northern side, symbolizing his role as the temple guardian. Devotees offer him garlands made of sacred Bilva leaves, coconuts, and other items as a sign of respect and reverence.
In Tamil Nadu, he is revered in the famous Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, where he has a dedicated shrine. Devotees often approach him with the belief that offerings made to Chandikeshwara will ensure that their other offerings to Shiva are accepted.
Current Worship Status in Kerala
In Kerala, Chandesha is widely worshipped, particularly in temples with Shaiva traditions. One unique aspect of his worship in Kerala is the offering of tender coconuts, a practice less common in other regions. This ritual is believed to appease Chandesha and is done to seek his blessings for prosperity and the protection of wealth.
During temple festivals in Kerala, special pujas (worship ceremonies) are conducted for Chandesha, and his idols are taken out in processions, signifying his importance in the temple hierarchy.
Symbolism and Cultural Impact
Chandesha's story represents the ultimate expression of devotion and the idea that true dedication to God can transcend even the most sacred of worldly ties, such as those to family. His transformation from a devout child to one of Shiva’s chief Ganas symbolizes the power of unwavering faith.
In Tamil culture, Chandesha is also considered a model of devotion, and his story is recounted in religious discourses and festivals to inspire devotees. In Kerala, his worship is deeply intertwined with the cultural practices of temple worship, and his presence is a reminder of the importance of safeguarding spiritual and material wealth.
Chandesha, as a devoted attendant of Shiva, holds a significant place in South Indian Shaiva worship. His story, steeped in devotion and divine grace, continues to inspire and influence the religious practices of millions of devotees. The reverence he commands in temples, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, reflects the enduring legacy of his devotion and the belief in his role as a protector of divine wealth.