Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple

Ashtabujakaram Temple or Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple located in Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Ashta Bhuja Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Alamelumangai.

History and Significance

Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple was built by Thondaiman Chakravarthy who is popularly named as Vayiramoghan.

As per Hindu legend, once there was an argument between Saraswathi, the consort of Brahma and Lakshmi on superiority. They went to Indra, the king of celestial deities. Indra judged Lakshmi as superior and not satisfied with his argument, Saraswathi went to her husband, Brahma. He also chose Lakshmi to be the superior one. Saraswathi was unhappy with the decision and decided to stay away from Brahma. Brahma did a severe penance praying to Vishnu and did an Aswametha Yagna. Saraswathi was still angry that the yagna, which usually is done along with consorts was done alone by Brahma. She tried to disrupt the penance in various ways, but Vishnu interfered in all her attempts. After all the demons were killed by Vishnu, who were sent by Saraswati to destroy the yagna (penance) done by Brahma, she finally sent a ferocious Sarpam (snake). Lord Vishnu took the form of Ashtabhuja Perumal holding 8 different weapons to kill the snake. The snake is found on the Vaayu end of the yaaga sala as “Sarabeswaran” in this temple.

Another legend associates this temple to Gajendra moksham given by Vishnu to the elephant king Gajendra. As per the legend, the elephant Gajendra, used to worship Vishnu with the lotus fetched from the temple tank everyday. Once while picking up lotus, a crocodile caught the leg of Gajendra, who started calling the name of Vishnu for help. Vishnu sent his discus to punish the crocodile and relieve the elephant.

Festivals

Vaikunta Ekadesi is celebrated with pomp and glory. Masi Pooram in February-March and Panguni Uthiram in March April are the important festivals of the temple. On the last Friday of Panguni (March-April) or on the last Friday of Chithirai, Tirumanjanam is simultaneously performed for Lord Adikesava Perumal, Mother Yathiraja Valli, Sri Andal and Acharya Sri Ramanuja.

Special Rituals performed in temple

Paal Payasam (Milk Kheer), Aval and Appam are delicious prasadams at this temple.

Info on the deity – Specific to the temple deity

The Moolavar of this Sthalam is Sri Aadikesava Perumal. Other names are Gajendravaradhan, Chakrathaarar. He is in standing position facing West direction. The Perumal in this sthalam is seen with 8 hands. Chakaram, Sword, a Flower and an Arrow on the 4 right hands and Sangu, Bow, Kedayam (which is used to protect while fighting using a sword) and Gadha (Which can be found along with Hanuman and Bhima) found in the hands of the perumal is said to be against the evil and helps for good things. All the eight things (or) Aayudham (weapon) found on the hands of the Perumal is called as “Divya Aayudha Aazhwargal”.

There is a separate shrine for Alamelumangai. The temple also has shrines dedicated to Hanuman, Alwars, Andal, Chakra and Sarabeswara.

Temple Pooja Daily Schedule

Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

How to reach

By Road

Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple is 2 km from Kancheepuram bus stand at Tirukachi Nambigal Street in Chinna Kancheepuram.

By Rail

Nearest Railway Station is Kanchipuram

By Air

Nearest Airport is Chennai