Ashtabujakaram Kancheepuram

God

Aadhi Kesava Perumal (also Chakradarar), facing west

Goddess

Alarmelmangai Thaayar, facing east

Other Deities

Aandal, Garuda, Sarabeswara

Ashtabujakaram Kancheepuram is a temple dating back from the Chola period. The lord here is seen in a standing posture with eight hands holding conch, disc, sword, flower, bow, arrow, shield and mace. Entrance is from north and the temple is situated on an acre of land with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Temple tank is on north side adjoining the entrance.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Gajendra Pushkarini

Vimaanam – Ganganakkruthi, Sanganakkruthi Vimanam

History

Mangalasasanam has been done by Thirumangai Azhwar and Paei Azhwar (5th to 10th Century CE). Manavala Mamunigal (15th Century CE) and Vedanta Desikar (14th Century CE) have also sung the praise of the lord here.

Legend

The lord killed the demons sent by goddess Saraswathi to destroy a Yaga being performed by Brahma. She finaly sent a ferocious Snake and the lord took the form of Ashtabhuja (8 handed) Perumal holding 8 different weapons and killed the snake. The snake is seen as “Sarabeswara” here. The lord is said to have come to the aid of Sage Mahasandha, who had been turned into an elephant by Indra, when he was caught by a crocodile.

Directions

Ashtabujakaram Kancheepuram is near Rengaswamy Kulam inside Kancheepuram town

Stay and Food

Kancheepuram town has innumerable temples which could be combined as preferred. Refer our map to plan your day. Good hotels and restaurants are available.