[Solved] Chitragupta Swami Temple Kanchi: History and Myth

The Chitragupta Swami Temple considered to be the only temple of Chitragupta is situated in:

[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

While major Hindu deities have thousands of temples, certain 'subsidiary' or specialized deities like Chitragupta have only a handful of dedicated shrines in India.

Authentic Source Evidence

The Chitragupta Swami Temple is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to the accountant of good and bad deeds, the current stone structure dates back to the 9th-century Chola dynasty. It features a three-tiered Rajagopuram and is the most significant shrine for this deity in South India.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Kanchi (Kanchipuram) is correct; it is a city of a thousand temples including this rare one.

Logic 2: Chitragupta is the primary deity here, unlike most other temples where he appears as a minor figure in a Yama shrine.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Who is Chitragupta according to Hindu mythology?"

He is the assistant to Yama, the god of death, tasked with keeping the record of every human's deeds (Karma).

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The existence of this temple highlights the diversity of temple patronage in medieval India, catering to specific theological niches."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Kanchipuram 2