Statue of Chandikeshvara (Chandeshwara)

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Chandesha or Canda or Chandeshwara Sharma is one of sixty-three Nayanmars recognized for his spiritual devotion. Typically, bronze statues depict him as a young boy with unruly locks of hair, standing still with his hands in the Anjali Mudra position and an axe leaning against his arm. In South India's Shaiva temples, Chandesha's shrine is usually situated within the temple complex's first enclosure wall and to the northeast of the lingam. He is often shown sitting cross-legged, one leg hanging loose, a hand resting on one thigh and an axe clasped in the other. His gaze is inward, focused on the main temple wall as he meditates deeply. Devotees snap their fingers or clap their hands to grab his attention, assuming him lost in thought. Some believe it's also customary for devotees to leave even sacred ash inside the temple to show they are empty-handed, signifying respect for Chandesha's role as guardian of temple belongings. Originally, he received offerings of food and garlands that had been initially offered to Shiva.