Kachabeswarar Temple

Overview

Thirukkachur is a little town located around three kilometres from Singaperumal Koil. This town lies of the west side of Singaperumal Koil off the GST Road. This little town is honored with a colossal temple for God Shiva called Kachabeswarar temple. The primary god here is Sri Kachabeswarar and Goddess Sri Anjanaakshi Ambaal. Built in the Dravidian style of construction modeling, the temple is celebrated in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil group of the Azhwar holy people from the 6th–9th hundreds of years AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam devoted to Vishnu, who is adored as Pundarikakshan and his consort Lakshmi as Pankajavalli.

About the Temple

The temple has three engravings in its two stone cut buckles, two dating from the time of Nandivarman II (732–796 AD) and the other to that of Dantivarman (796–847). It likewise has Pallava sculptural delineations of Narasimha and Varaha, two of the ten symbols of Vishnu. A rock divider encompasses the temple, encasing every one of its altars and six of its seven waterways. The rajagopuram, the temple's passage tower, is unfinished. A swastika molded temple tank constructed in 800 AD by Kamban Araiyan amid the rule of Dantivarman is outside the temple complex. The Vijayanagar and Nayak lords authorized artistic creations on the dividers of the sanctum of Pudarikakshan, some of which are still present. Pundarikakshan is accepted to have appeared to Garuda (the consecrated hawk fowl of Vishnu), Sibi Chakravarthy, and sage Markandeya and Hindu divine beings Bhoomadevi, Brahma and Shiva. Six every day customs and three yearly celebrations are held at the temple, of which the chariot celebration, celebrated amid the Tamil month of Chittirai (March–April), is the most conspicuous.

The celebration is exceptional in the state as a group gala is offered, a custom extending back numerous hundreds of years. The temple is kept up and regulated by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Legend has it that while Devas and Asuras agitated Paarkadal (the Mighty Ocean), Sri Aadhiseshan and a slope called Mandara Malai were utilized. To keep away from the slope from sinking into the sea, God Vishnu took the Avatar of a Tortoise (Koorma Avatar) on whose back (shell) the slope can rest while beating. While he took this Avatar, He came and begged God Shiva at this spot, to give Him the quality to withstand the slope on His shell, till the beating is finished. God Shiva favored God Vishnu in this spot with the quality to withstand the heaviness of the slope. In Sanskrit, Kachaba implies Tortoise. As God Vishnu supplicated God Shiva as Tortoise, God Shiva here came to be known as Sri Kachabeswarar.

There is a different sanctum for 'Virundhitteeswarar' at the northern Praakaaram of this temple. Sri Sundarar has created 10 melodies on the God here. Despite the fact that the fundamental divinity of this temple is Sri Kachabeswarar, this temple is famously known as Sri Thyagaraja Swamy Temple. Sri Thyagarajar is the Urchavar here, who is as Somaskandhar {Shiva, Uma (Parvathi) and Skandhar (Muruga) together}.On the external Praakaaram, God Vinayagar has a different holy place at the south west side of the temple and is called as Sri Gnana Vinayagar. God Vinayagar altar is made wonderfully with fantastic carvings on columns and at the edge of the strides. God Muruga with Sri Valli, Sri Devayanai and Sri Bhairavar has separate hallowed places at the northern piece of the temple. There is an excellent Stone Mandapam at the South side of the temple, which is utilized amid Urchavams. A terrific Nandhi is seen at the eastern side close Dwajasthambham confronting the sanctum.

Before Sri Thyagaraja Swamy holy place, there is a wonderful Stone Mandapam having 27 columns with dazzling carvings on them. This is called as Nakshathra Mandapam as these 27 columns signify 27 stars. One of the columns have the delineation of God Vishnu as Tortoise adoring God Shiva. Another column has Sri Anjaneyar adoring God Shiva, with blossom on His right hand and a Pooja chime on his left hand. Subsequent to intersection this Mandapam, Ambaal holy place is seen, where Sri Anjanaakshi Ambaal is confronting south. Sri Ambaal is tall and excellent with superb elegance all over. Through another passage towards east, the primary sanctum is come to. Appar, Sundarar, Sambandhar and Maanickavaasagar (the Naalvar) are seen supplicating the God outside the sanctum on the left. The sanctum is delightfully built with a Maha Mandapam having number of solid columns. The whole stone structure had stayed undisturbed for quite a long time. The whole place around the sanctum is so quiet and cool. Around the Praakaaram of the sanctum, God Vinayagar and Sri Dhakshinamurthy are available confronting the south. Sri Mahavishnu is available confronting the west. Sri Brahma and Sri Durga are seen on the external dividers of sanctum confronting north. There stands a 16 pillared stone Mandapam outside the temple on the eastern side, at a separation. Every one of the columns have stunning carvings on them having both Saivite and Vaishnavite pictures, similar to God Vishnu, God Shiva's Oordhuva Thaandavam, Goddess Kamakshi grasping Shiva Lingam, God Shiva on Rishaba Vaahana and numerous more.

There is additionally an excellent lake for this temple called 'Koorma Theertham', which is spread on a limitless zone and completely loaded with water, giving a wonderful sight. The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is 'Aala Maram' (Banyan tree). The Temple Chariot has a different spot (Theradi). In any case, the Chariot is in weather beaten state, which makes the heart feel heavy. Sivarathri and Pradhosham days are praised fantastically at this temple. Brahmorchavam happens amid the Thamizh month 'Chithirai'. It is said that God Shiva (Urchavar) performs 18 types of divine move (called Amirtha Thaandavam) amid this celebration, which is a shelter to watch. This move was accepted to have performed by God Shiva according to the wish of God Vishnu, after the Gods produced the Amirtham (heavenly nectar) from the Paarkadal. Thus, this spot had another name called 'Nadana Vinodha Nallur' before. 'Nadana' means move in Thamizh. As per Hindu legend Ramanuja (1017–1137), the main expounder of Vishishtadvaita theory, went to the temple. One of his followers set Ramanuja's shoes alongside the picture of Varadarajar. Ramanujar got to be incensed at this, for which the supporter clarified that for Ramanuja Varadarajar is god, however for him, Ramanuja is incomparable. Thiruvellarai is the origin of Uyyakondar, a devotee of Nathamuni and Thirukurukai Piran pillan. Acharya Uyyakondar (Engalazhwan) is accepted to have taught Sri Bhasyam to Nadadhoor Ammal in the temple.

About the Deity

In this temple God Shiva is called Kachabeswarar, who is as Shiva Lingam, which is said to be 'Swayambhu' (self-developed).

Legend and Stories

The temple has another superb history behind it. Sri Sundaramurthy Naayanaar, who is one among the Naalvar, needed to visit Sri Kachabeswarar here and had drop by stroll to this temple. When he came to the temple, it was early afternoon. Sri Sundarar sat in the temple and was excessively hungry.God Shiva, not having any desire to see His fan experiencing appetite, showed up as an elderly Brahmin man and went to the places of the town for Bhiksha (charity). To check this occurrence, there is another little temple inside this town with a Shiva Lingam, where the God is called as Irandhiteeswarar . In Thamizh 'Irandhu' signifies 'requesting alms'.After gathering Bhiksha from different boulevards of the town, God Shiva came to Sri Sundarar and bolstered him with the sustenance he got as Bhiksha. This is the main spot where the God Himself performed Bhiksha to encourage His fan. Henceforth the God here is additionally called as 'Virundhitteeswarar'. Virundhu signifies 'feast' in Thamizh.

Rare Facts

The temple was constructed by Shivi Chakravarthy, lord of Ayodhya in Treta Yuga 15 lakh years back. This temple is more seasoned than Srirangam temple.

Significance

People approach this temple for good vision and to seek a cure from terrible illnesses.

Festival

This is a twin temple, one at the hill top and the other at the foot hill. Chithirai Brahammotsavam and Chitra Poornima-full moon day are celebrated in April-May at Kachabeswarar temple. Masi Brahmmotsavam in February-March; Girivalam on Poornima day and Padi Puja – puja to the steps- on Mondays and Tirukarthigai in November-December are followed in Marundeesar temple.

Prasad & Offering

Devotees firmly believe that any prayer before the Lord would bring them all benefits in life. People pray to Ambica seeking good vision and cure from eye troubles. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras and nivedhanas.

ARULMIGU KACHABESWARAR TEMPLE - ANNADHANAM

Every day, a minimum of fifty devotees eat a meal at noon at the temple. Those who are interested in depositing Rs. 20,000 in the temple may do so for an Annathanam to be done once a year from the interest on the amount so deposited. Those who are willing to offer donation are requested to contact the Executive Officer in the temple. Donations are eligible for deduction under section 80G of the IT Act.

ARULMIGU KACHABESWARAR TEMPLE - POOJA TIME

Ushakalam: 6:00 A.M

Kalasandhi: 7:00 A.M

Uchikalam: 12:00 Noon

Pradhosam: 5:00 P.M

Sayaracthai: 6:00 P.M

Arthajamam: 8:00 P.M

ARULMIGU KACHABESWARAR TEMPLE - POOJA DETAIL

Archanai: 1.00

Maavilaku: 1.00

Special Dharishanam: 10.00

Abisegheam: 15.00

Bride Invitation: 25.00

Pongal : 1.00

Ordinary Photo: 10.00

Accessibility

Air

The closest airport to Kanchipuram is the Chennai Airport, with domestic connections to all the major cities in India. Chennai is also well connected to the important cities of Tamil Nadu. Some international airlines also fly into Chennai.

Rail

Kanchipuram can be reached via Chengalpattu Railway Station on the Chengalpattu - Arakkonam line. Daily passenger train service between Chennai and Kanchipuram - # 173 Chennai Beach Kanchipuram Passenger departs Chennai’s Tambaram Station at 17:55hrs arrives at Kanchipuram at 20:10hrs

Road

The distance is negligible (2 hrs) and the road is in good shape. Frequent bus connections also make it convenient to travel by road. Bus services are privately owned or operated by the government. Guided tours are available at travel/tour operators in Chennai. To get around within Kanchipuram cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws or roadways buses can be hired. All fares should be negotiated in advance. Cycles can be rented from cycle shops near the city bus stand.

Address

Sri Kachabeswarar, Marundeeswarar Temple,
Tirukachur – 603 204,
Kancheepuram district.