Introduction
The Sri
Aksheeswaraswamy Temple, located in Acharapakkam, Kanchipuram district,
Tamil Nadu, is one of the revered Paadal Petra Sthalams of Lord Shiva.
Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Aksheeswaraswamy (Atchikontantar), and
Goddess Parvati as Sundaranayagi. The temple is steeped in mythology,
associated with the Tripurasamharam legend, and is a significant
Shaivite pilgrimage site.
Legends &
Significance
- Tripurasamharam:
The asuras Tarakan, Kamalatchan, and Vithvan Mali built golden, silver,
and iron palaces, troubling the devas. Lord Shiva created a divine chariot
with the sky as its roof, the ground as its base, Surya and Chandra as
wheels, the Vedas as horses, Merumalai as the bow, Vasuki as the string,
and Vishnu as the arrow. Brahma steered the chariot. When Vinayaka was
left out, he broke the caster bolt (Achu), which split into pieces
(Pakkam), giving the place its name Achirupakkam.
- Ganesha Worship:
Shiva realized he had forgotten to worship Ganesha before battle, returned
to do so, and then defeated the demons.
- Sage Legends:
Sages Gautama and Kanva worshipped Shiva here. Another legend speaks of a
Pandya king discovering a linga beneath a tree after a golden iguana
disappeared underground.
- Dual Sanctums:
The king built two sanctums – one for Uamiyatchivarar and another
for Aksheeswarar.
Temple Architecture
- Built in Dravidian style of
architecture.
- Five‑tier Raja Gopuram
with a temple tank in front.
- Shrines:
- Sundaranayagi shrine (west‑facing).
- Images of Saraswati, Lakshmi,
Saptamatrika, and Ayyappa in the first precinct.
- Unique Feature:
A well in front of the sanctum, visible during monsoon even today.
Festivals
- Chittirai Brahmotsavam:
The most significant festival, celebrated for ten days in April–May.
- Other annual rituals and observances
are performed as per Shaivite traditions.
Temple Timings
- Morning:
6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening:
4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Getting Here
- Location:
Acharapakkam, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu.
- By Road:
Well connected via NH‑45 (Chennai–Trichy highway).
- By Rail:
Nearest station – Melmaruvathur (~5 km).
- By Air:
Chennai International Airport (~90 km).
Tips for Devotees
- Visit during Chittirai
Brahmotsavam for vibrant celebrations.
- Explore both sanctums dedicated to Uamiyatchivarar
and Aksheeswarar.
- Offer prayers to Lord Ganesha
before worshipping Shiva, in line with the temple’s legend.
- Respect temple traditions and dress
modestly.
Why Visit Sri
Aksheeswaraswamy Temple?
- One of the Paadal Petra Sthalams.
- Associated with the Tripurasamharam
legend.
- Unique dual sanctums and monsoon
well.
- Rich Dravidian architecture
with five‑tier gopuram.
- Celebrated Chittirai Brahmotsavam
festival.