Kanchipuram Ashtabhuja Perumal Temple – History, Legends, Rituals & Significance

 

Location

• Situated on Gandhi Road, Chinna Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• Known as one of the prominent Vishnu temples in South Kanchipuram, easily accessible from the city center.

Deities

• Moolavar (Main Deity): Adi Kesava Perumal (Ashtabhuja Perumal) – depicted with eight arms, symbolizing supreme protection.
• Thayar (Consort): Alarmel Mangai / Padmasani.
• Urchavar (Processional Deity): Aravinda Madhavan.

Subshrines

• Dedicated shrine for Alarmel Mangai Thayar.
• Sacred tank (Theertham): Gajendra Pushkarini, linked to the Gajendra Moksha legend.
• Other smaller shrines for Vaishnava deities are present within the temple complex.

Temple Significance

• Divya Desam: Glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Alvar saints like Peyazhwar and Tirumangai Alvar.
• Unique Form: Vishnu here is worshipped with eight arms, holding weapons and symbols to protect devotees.
• Legend: Associated with the Gajendra Moksha episode, where Vishnu saved the elephant king Gajendra from a crocodile, symbolizing divine rescue of devotees in distress.
• Age: Believed to be 1000–2000 years old.
• Architecture: Built in Dravidian style, with a modest gopuram and sanctum reflecting Kanchipuram’s temple heritage.
• Festivals: Celebrates Vaishnava traditions with Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and other annual utsavams.

History

• The temple is located in Chinna Kanchipuram, about 2 km from Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
• It is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham (6th–9th century CE), the Tamil hymns of the Alvar saints.
• Tradition holds that the temple was patronized during the Pallava period, later maintained by Chola and Vijayanagara rulers.
• It is considered the 4th largest temple in South Kanchipuram, highlighting its prominence in Vaishnava worship.

Legends

• Ashtabhuja Form: Vishnu here is depicted with eight arms (Ashta = eight, Bhuja = arms), holding weapons and symbols — arrow, sword, lotus, discus, mace, shield, bow, and conch. This form symbolizes his readiness to protect devotees from all directions.
• Gajendra Moksha: The temple is associated with the story of Gajendra, the elephant king, who was saved by Vishnu from a crocodile in the temple tank (Gajendra Pushkarini). This legend emphasizes divine rescue of devotees in distress.
• Brahma’s Penance: Another legend narrates that Lord Brahma performed penance here, and when obstructed by Goddess Saraswati, Vishnu appeared in his eight‑armed form to protect him.

Architecture

• Built in Dravidian style, with a modest yet elegant gopuram and sanctum.
• Vimana: Known as Chakragosha Vimana, under which the deity stands facing west.
• Sanctum (Garbhagriha): Houses Ashtabhuja Perumal in standing posture with eight arms.
• Subshrines: Dedicated to Alarmel Mangai Thayar (Padmasani), along with smaller Vaishnava shrines.
• Temple Tank: Gajendra Pushkarini, central to the Gajendra Moksha legend.
• The temple’s layout follows Vaikhanasa Agama traditions, with daily rituals and annual festivals.

Rituals

• Daily Poojas: Conducted as per Vaikhanasa Agama, with multiple services including alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradanai (lamp waving).
• Weekly & Monthly Observances: Special poojas on Ekadasi, Pournami, and Amavasya.
• Sacred Tank Rituals: Devotees perform prayers at Gajendra Pushkarini, linked to the Gajendra Moksha legend.
• Thayar Worship: Separate shrine for Alarmel Mangai (Padmasani) Thayar, with special rituals during Fridays and festivals.

Festivals

• Brahmotsavam: Annual grand festival with processions of Ashtabhuja Perumal across Kanchipuram streets.
• Vaikunta Ekadasi: Opening of Paramapada Vasal (gateway to Vaikunta), drawing thousands of devotees.
• Panguni Uthiram: Celebrates divine marriage (Thirukkalyanam) of Perumal and Thayar.
• Float Festival: Deities taken on a float in Gajendra Pushkarini.
• Other Utsavams: Krishna Jayanthi, Deepavali, and special Alvar festival days.

Beliefs

• Divine Protection: Vishnu’s eight arms symbolize readiness to protect devotees from all directions and dangers.
• Gajendra Moksha: Belief that worship here grants liberation from worldly struggles, just as Vishnu saved Gajendra.
• Brahma’s Penance: Devotees believe prayers here remove obstacles in spiritual progress, as Vishnu protected Brahma.
• Sacred Tank: Bathing or offering prayers at Gajendra Pushkarini is believed to cleanse sins and grant blessings.
• Divya Desam Reverence: As one of the 108 Divya Desams, visiting the temple is considered essential for Vaishnava devotees seeking moksha.

Temple Hours: The Divyadesam Sri Ashtabujakara Perumal Temple in Chinna Kanchipuram is open daily from 6:30 AM – 12:00 Noon and again from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Getting Here

• Address: 401, Gandhi Road, Chinna Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501.
• By Road: Easily accessible by bus or taxi from Kanchipuram town center.
• Nearest Landmark: About 2 km from Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
• By Train: Kanchipuram railway station is the closest, with autos/taxis available.
• By Air: Chennai International Airport (~75 km).

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for peaceful darshan. Festival days (Vaikunta Ekadasi, Brahmotsavam) are crowded but spiritually vibrant.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire (saree/dhoti or modest clothing) is preferred.
• Footwear: Leave footwear outside; carry a bag if needed.
• Sacred Tank: Gajendra Pushkarini is considered holy — devotees often take sacred water home.
• Nearby Temples: Combine your visit with Varadaraja Perumal Temple and other Divya Desams in Kanchipuram.
• Accessibility: The temple is compact and manageable for elderly pilgrims compared to larger complexes.