Sathyanatheswarar Temple, also known as Karaivananathar Temple or Thirukalimedu Temple, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located near Indira Theertham in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, Shiva is worshipped here as Sathyanatheswarar, while his consort Parvathi is venerated as Pramarambikai. The temple is part of the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, Tevaram, written by the saint poets, the Nayanars, and is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, among the 275 sacred temples.
The temple features a three-tiered rajagopuram (entrance tower) and granite walls enclosing the shrines. Daily rituals are performed twice, from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with three yearly festivals—Margalhi Tiruvathirai, Aipassi Annabishekam, and Mahashivaratri—being celebrated prominently. These festivals, along with other religious practices, draw devotees seeking spiritual solace. The temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
According to legend, the temple was established after celestial deities like Indra and Bhudan (Mercury) worshipped Shiva here, located in a forest known as Kaaraivanam. The presiding deity, Sathyanatheswarar, granted divine blessings to these celestial figures. Stories of Indra and Bhudan's penance are integral to the temple's significance, further emphasizing the place's importance as a center of devotion and worship.
Architecturally, the temple spans 22,500 square feet with two prakarams (outer courtyards), a lotus tank, and sanctum walls featuring deities like Dakshinamurthy, Durga, and Chandikeswarar. The temple's historical value has been recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India as a potential archaeological monument. Regular pujas, along with weekly, fortnightly, and monthly rituals, continue to be performed for both Sathyanatheswarar and Pramarambikai Amman, preserving the temple’s spiritual legacy.