Visited on: 27th August, 2016
Location
Thirukachur is at a distance of about 6 kms from Maraimalai Nagar and 2 kms from Singaperumal koil en-route Sriperumputhur. Both Maraimalai Nagar and Singaperumal Koil are on the Chennai to Chengalpattu route. Nearest Railway Station is Singaperumal Koil.
General information
- Moolavar
- Sri Kachabeswarar, Sri Virunthitteeswarar
- Ambal
- Sri Anjanakshi Amman, Sri Kanniumai Ammai
- Theertham (Holy water)
- Koorma Theertham
- Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree)
- Banyan Tree
- Pathigam (Hymn) rendered by
- Saint Sundaramurthy Nyanar (Sundarar)
- This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 26th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu.
- Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthy (self-manifested).
- There is no main tower (Rajagopuram) in this temple. It has two corridors (praharam) and is an east facing temple.
- The sanctum tower (Vimanam) of Lord Shiva here is of Gajabrushta form (looks like the back of an elephant).
- Thirukachur is mentioned as “Aadhi Kanchi” in Kanchi Puranam.
History of the temple
The temple was believed to have been constructed in the Chola period by the Chola King Kulothungan-I. This is a typical Chola period temple with beautifully engraved pillars, sculptures and halls (mandapams). Lots of engraved reliefs depicting the history of the temple can also be seen on the pillars.
This is a twin temple - Sri Kachabeswarar temple is at the foothill and in the midst of the village and the other one is Sri Maruntheeswar temple, which is at the top of a small hill at a distance of about one kilometre.
As the sacred tree of this temple is the banyan tree (Kal-ala Maram in Tamil), this temple is also known as Alakkoil.
Legend
The legend of this temple finds a reference in the “Samudra Manthan” episode in the Hindu mythology. The Samudra Manthan (literally translated as churning of the ocean) explains the origin of “amrit” – the nectar of immortality. It is believed that when the celestial gods (Devas) tried to churn the ocean using the “Mandhara hill” as the churning rod (mathu), the hill began to sink. To hold the hill in its place, Lord Mahavishnu incarnated as a tortoise (Kachaba) and supported the hill on his back. However, in order to accomplish this task, it is believed that Lord Mahavishnu came to Thirukachur, created a spring, bathed in it and prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva gave Lord Mahavishnu his blessings to complete his endeavour. Hence Lord Shiva here is named “Kachabeswarar” and this place is known as Thirukachur.
Another legend associated with this place is that Saint Sundarar, after visiting Thirukkazhukkundram, came to Thirukachur. Due to long arduous journey, Sundarar and his followers were tired and hungry. They decided to rest for a while in the 16 pillar Mandapam near this temple’s tank. It is believed that Lord Shiva came there in the form of an old man and advised them to wait for a while so he could bring them some food. It was believed that the old man went out with his bowl (Thiru Odu) for begging, collected food and came back to offer it to them. While Sundarar and his followers were eating the food, the old man suddenly disappeared. Sundarar realized that the old man was none other than Lord Shiva himself and rendered a hymn (Pathigam) exclaiming his shock and grief that the lord took the form of a beggar in order to feed them.
Saint Sundarar while rendering his pathigam about Lord Kachabeswarar, also mentioned about Lord Marundheeswarar (the lord in the temple at the top of the hill). While praising Lord Marundheeswarar, Sundarar said that both the lord and hill itself are a form of sacred medicine.
The hall (Mandapam) where Sundarar and his follower took rest can still be seen.
Deities in the temple:
Goddess Anjanakshi in Kachabeswarar temple blesses the devotees from a separate shrine. Shrine of Lord Thiyagaraja is behind the 27 pillars Nakshatra Mandapam. Separate shrines for Lord Virunthitteswarar” (“Virundhu” in Tamil means hospitality) and Saint Sundarar are in the outer corridors. Idols of lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, and Bairaver can be seen in the corridors.
There are five separate lingams in the corridors - Ramanathar, Naganathar, Soleeswarar, Margasakayar and Kasi Visvanathar.
There is also a small Shiva shrine outside this temple called “Irandeeswarar” (“Irandha” in Tamil meaning begging).
There is another shrine outside this temple for Lord Vinayakar called Thalamoola Vinayakar (Karukkadi Vinayakar). Those aspiring for excellence in arts can worship Lord Vinayakar here.
Salient features
This is one of the important Thyagaraja Swamy temples (the other important ones being -Thiruvotriyur, Thiruvarur and Thiruvanmiyur).
It is believed that Lord Shiva staged his “Ajaba Dance” here for Lord Mahavishnu.
The Sanskrit word “Anjana” can be translated as eyes and the Goddess at this temple is believed to be protecting her devotees as if they were her own eyes. Hence the Goddess gets the name “Anjanakshi”. This Ambal is also praised as Sundaravalli.
Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.
Greatness of this temple
The sacred tree of this temple - banyan tree is believed to be representing the “Maka nakshatram” (a constellation). Devotees who are born in the period of this constellation (Maka nakshatram) visit this temple for worship.
Devotees often pray to Goddess Anjanakshi here for good eye sight and to seek cure from eye related illnesses.
Important festivals
Brahmotsavam and Chithirai Poornima (full moon day) in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) are celebrated at this temple.
Other important festivals celebrated in this temple are –
Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept),
Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct),
Skanda Shashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov),
Thiru Karthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec),
Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan),
Makara Sankranthi in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb),
Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) and
Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr).
Pradosham is also observed regularly.
Temple timings
From 08.00 AM to 11.30 AM and from 05.00 PM to 07.30 PM.
Temple address
Sri Kachabeswarar Temple,
Thirukachur, Chengalpattu Taluk
Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu-– 603 204.
Tele: +91- 44 - 27463514, 27464325, 09445356399, 9381186389.
Sri Oushadheeswarar / Marundheeswarar temple
- Moolavar
- Sri Marundheeswarar, Sri Oushadheeswarar
- Ambal
- Sri Irul Neeki Ammai
- Theertham (Holy water)
- Oushadha Theertham
- Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree)
- Jackfruit Tree
- Pathigam (Hymn) rendered by
- Saint Sundaramurthy Nyanar (Sundarar)
The legend is that Lord Indira (the king of celestial gods) was suffering from the adverse effects of some curse he had incurred. Even the reputed physicians from the celestial world failed to cure him. They came to earth in search of a cure. Maharshi Narada advised them to pray to Lord Shiva in the “Oushada Giri” at Thirukachur. Their prayers were answered and Lord Shiva directed them to a medicinal herb that would cure Indira.
However, when the physicians tried to procure the herb they found that the place was engulfed by darkness. Goddess Parvathi came to their rescue and lit up the place to enable them to find the herbs. They found the herbs - Bala and Athibala, took it to the celestial world and successfully cured Lord Indira. The Goddess here is praised as “Irul Neekkia Ambal” – the one who drove darkness away.
This temple has the idols of lords Vinayakar and Murugan in front of the sanctum. Idols of lords Dakshinamurthy, Suryan, Navagraham, and Bhairavar can be seen in the corridors.
It is said that Lord Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. The unique aspect of this temple is that the idol of Chandikeswarar in this temple has four faces similar to Lord Brahma. Hence Chandikeswarar here is also referred to as Brahma- Chandikeswarar.
There is also a 60-feet deep well here called “Oushada Theertham”.
There is a small pit near the flag post (Kodimaram) and the sand in that pit is considered as sacred ash (Viputhi). Devotees believe that swallowing a little bit of this sand can cure all kinds of illnesses. Farmers from nearby villages take this sand and sprinkle it in their fields to obtain a better yield.
Important festivals
Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March), Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (November-December), Girivalam (circumambulation of the hill) on Poornima days and Padi pooja (pooja on the steps) on all Mondays are the important festivals celebrated in Lord Marundeeswarar temple.
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