Sri Aatcheeswarar temple - Achirupakkam, Kancheepuram district

                 தென்னாடுடைய சிவனே போற்றி
                 எந்நாட்டவர்க்கும் இறைவா போற்றி

Moolavar	Two presiding in separate sanctum sanctorum for Atcheeswarar and Umai Atcheeswarar
Urchavar	-
Amman / Thayar	Also two in separate sanctorums Ilangili Ammai and Umayambigai
Thala Virutcham	Sara Kondrai
Theertham	Deva, Banu and Conch theerthas
Agamam / Pooja	Kameekam
Old year	1000-2000 years old
Historical Name	Achu Iru Bagam
City	Achirupakkam
District	Kanchipuram
State	Tamil Nadu

 

Temple History:

Three cruel demons Tharaka, Kamalaksha and Vidyunmali, proud of the boons and the resultant powers they gained from Lord Brahamma through their intense penance, began to harass the Devas violently.  Unable to face their onslaught, Devas appealed to Lord Shiva for protection and freedom.  Lord Shiva combined both earth and heaven and marched against the demons.  According to rules, every work should start with Vinayaka worship.  Lord Shiva is no exception.  In his hurry to wage the war against the demons to save Devas, He forgot this protocol.  Devas too, having Lord Himself with them ignored Vinayaka.  Angry Vinayaka stopped Lord Shiva’s march by breaking the axis of His car. Axis in Tamil means Achu.  Realizing the mistake, Lord asked Vinayaka to help in His mission.  Son immediately obeyed.  This event took place here.  Hence, the place came to be known as Achu Iru Bagam (where axis broke) and later Achirupakkam came to stay.  Lord is Atcheeswarar.

General Information:

Lord Atchipureeswarar is also praised as Acheswarar and Achu Kondu Arulia Thevar.  Lord Vinayaka is known as Achu Muri Vinayaka.  The Rajagopuram is of five tier structure.  Lord Srinivasa with Mother Alamelumanga Thayar graces in a shrine in Prakara.

Temple's Speciality:

The temple has two presiding deities Atcheeswarar and Umai Atcheeswarar gracing the devotees from two separate sanctum sanctorums. Also, two Mother-Goddesses Ilangili Ammai and Umayambigai grace from their respective sanctums. Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthi. Saivite Saint Tirunavukkarasar mentions this temple in Kshetra Kovai hymns. Saint Gnanasambandar has praised this temple in his Thevaram hymns. Demons Tharaka and Vidyunmali destroyed by Lord Shiva are the Dwarapalakas. Meditation Nandhi is before Umai Atcheeswarar shrine.

Opening Time:

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Address

Sri Atcheeswarar Temple, Achirupakkam, Kancheepuram district.

Phone

+91- 44 - 2752 3019, 98423 - 09534.

Location : Achirupakkam is near Melmaruvathur on Chennai-Tiruchi Road. City buses are available from Chengalpat.
Near By Railway Station : Melmaruvathur