Thirukachur Sri Kachabeswarar Temple, Kancheepuram

Address

Thirukachur Sri Kachabeswarar Temple, Thirukachur, Chengalpattu Taluk Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu-– 603 204. Tele: +91- 44 – 27463514, 27464325, 09445356399, 9381186389.

Deity

Virunditta Eswarar Amman: Anjanatchiammai

Introduction

The Kachabeswarar Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thirukachur, a village in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Kachabeswarar, represented in the form of a lingam. His divine consort, Goddess Parvati, is enshrined as Antanatchi and Kanniyumaiyal.

This temple holds immense significance as it is mentioned in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, composed by the Nayanmars (Tamil saint poets). It is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, indicating its special place among the sacred Shiva temples.

The temple is often regarded as a twin temple along with the Marundeeswarar Temple, which is also located in Thirukachur.

Temple Structure & Architecture

The temple complex spans two acres and is enclosed within large concentric rectangular granite walls.
The main entrance tower (Raja Gopuram) leads to a sixteen-pillared hall, which is adorned with intricately sculpted columns depicting various Hindu legends and deities.
The sacred temple tank (Theertham) is known as Oushadha Theertham and is situated diagonally outside the temple’s main gateway.
The Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree) of the temple is the Jackfruit Tree.

Major Shrines & Deities

The temple houses multiple shrines, with the most significant being:

Kachabeswarar (Shiva Lingam) – The Presiding Deity
Goddess Antanatchi & Kanniyumaiyal (Parvati)
Thiyagarajar
Sundarar being offered food by Lord Shiva

Puranic Significance

Puranic Significance of Kachabeswarar Temple, Thirukachur

Construction & Architecture
- Built during the Chola period by King Kulothunga I.
- Features engraved pillars, sculptures, and mandapams showcasing Chola-style architecture.
- Contains historical reliefs carved on the pillars.
Twin Temple Complex
- Kachabeswarar Temple is located at the foothill in the village.
- Marundeeswarar Temple is situated on a small hill about 1 km away.
- The temple is also known as Alakkoil, as its sacred tree is the banyan tree (Kal-ala Maram in Tamil).
Samudra Manthan Legend
- Associated with the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) from Hindu mythology.
- Mandara Hill was used as the churning rod, but it began to sink.
- Lord Vishnu, in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar, supported the hill on his back.
- Before doing so, Vishnu came to Thirukachur, bathed in a sacred spring, and prayed to Lord Shiva.
- Shiva blessed Vishnu, enabling him to complete his task.
- This led to Shiva being called Kachabeswarar, and the place was named Thirukachur.
Saint Sundarar’s Visit
- Saint Sundarar, after visiting Thirukkazhukkundram, arrived in Thirukachur with his followers.
- Due to exhaustion and hunger, they rested in the 16-pillared Mandapam near the temple tank.
- Lord Shiva, disguised as an old man, told them to wait while he brought food.
- Shiva begged for food (Thiru Odu), returned, and fed them before disappearing.
- Realizing the old man was Lord Shiva, Sundarar composed a hymn (Pathigam) expressing his devotion.
- Sundarar also praised Lord Marundeeswarar, referring to both the deity and the hill as sacred medicine.
- The Mandapam where Sundarar rested still exists today.

Beliefs

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.

Special 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.

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).