The Kampaheswarar Temple, also known as Kampa-hara-ishvarar, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Thirubuvanam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, it lies along the Mayiladuthurai-Kumbakonam road. The temple's name reflects the legend of Shiva relieving a king's quaking due to haunting by a Brahmarakshasa. Constructed by Kulothunga Chola III, it is celebrated as the last of the four masterpieces from the Medieval Chola era, showcasing the rich architectural heritage of South India.
One of the temple's unique features is the shrine dedicated to Sharabha, a mythical creature depicted as part-lion and part-bird. This extraordinary beast is described in Sanskrit literature as possessing eight legs and the strength to clear a valley in a single leap. The Kampaheswarar Temple is recognized in the context of other significant structures like the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, and Airavatesvara temple, together forming the Great Living Chola Temples, renowned for their cultural and historical importance.
According to Hindu legend, the temple derives its name from Shiva's intervention to relieve a king of his quaking caused by the unintentional killing of a Brahmin. Additionally, another legend speaks of Shiva assuming a form to pacify Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu. The temple is also noted as a Vaippu Sthalam, a shrine celebrated in the hymns of Tamil Saivite Nayanar Appar, reflecting its significance in devotional traditions.
Historical inscriptions found on the temple's south wall provide insight into its origins, indicating that it was built by Kulothunga Chola III to commemorate his successful campaign in North India. These inscriptions reference contributions toward the construction of the Nataraja shrine and mukhamandapa, linking it to other significant temples such as those in Chidambaram, Kanchipuram, Madurai, and Thiruvidamaruthur. Scholars suggest the temple was established around 1176 CE, marking a critical moment in the history of the Chola dynasty.