Amazing Legend Of Ashtabhuja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram

Let the peaceful atmosphere of Ashtabhuja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram transport you back in time. Its stunning beauty, intricate architecture, and calming spiritual atmosphere are sure to take your breath away. Don't miss a chance to experience something truly unforgettable!

Ashtabhuja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram is one of the renowned 108 Divya Desams. This sacred temple is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of Perumal and dates back to the time of the Pallava rulers. It is one of the most important religious sites in South India. Thousands of visitors from all over the world flock here every year to worship Perumal and experience divine peace.

Legend of Ashtabhuja Perumal

In an altercation between Saraswati Devi and Lakshmi Devi about who was superior, Brahma took the side of Lakshmi Devi.

Saraswati Devi became angry and left Brahma.

After that, Brahma was performing a yaga without calling Saraswati Devi.

She took the form of a river and tried to destroy the venue of the yaga.

Perumal lay down on her way and stopped her.

That holy spot is Thiruvekka.

Saraswati Devi didn’t stop at that.

She sent demons to destroy the yaga.

Perumal killed all of them.

Then she created a ferocious lion-bird hybrid called Sharabha and sent it to the yaga-vedi.

To kill Sharabha, Perumal assumed a form with 8 hands.

This became famous as Ashtabhuja Perumal.

Some believe that Ashtabhuja Perumal temple, Kanchipuram is where Perumal gave moksha to Gajendra.

Eight weapons of Ashtabhuja Perumal

• Sudarshana Chakram
• Sword
• Lotus
• Arrow
• Panchajanyam
• Bow
• Shield
• Gadai

History

• The temple was built during the rule of the Pallavas.
• During the rule of Chola King Rajendran I (1034 CE), 1000 kulis of land was gifted to the temple.
• At the same time, 3600 kulis of land was purchased by the residents of Kanchipuram and given to the temple.
• A village called Rajasundari Chaturvedimangalam donated land to the temple during the rule of Kulottunga I (1110 CE).
• Rajendra Chola Chaturvedimangalam also donated land to the temple during the same time.

These lands were all tax-free and were meant for the daily worship and upkeep of the temple.

Hymnology

• Thirumangai Azhwar - Periya Thirumozhi - Pasurams 1118 to 1127,
• Thirumangai Azhwar -Peria Thirumadal - Line no.128.
• Pey Azhwar - Thiruvanthathi - Pasuram 99.

Thirumangai Azhwar’s praise

Azhwar asked. ‘Who killed Hiranyakashipu?’

Perumal replied, ‘It was me, Ashtabhuyakaram.’

Azhwar describes Perumal as having assumed the role of a man cum lion, with hair glowing like fire, with sharp strong teeth, who tore into the chest of Hiranyakashipu, whom the three worlds bow to, whom even Brahma and Shiva look up to in amazement.

Azhwar again asked, ‘Who is this black beauty, who caught hold of the mighty elephant in rage (Kuvalayapidam) and smashed it down breaking its tusks?’

Perumal replied, ‘It was me, Ashtabhuyakaram.’

Pey Azhwar’s praise

Pey Azhwar calls Perumal a habitual winner (Jayaseelan). 

He only killed the crocodile and protected his devotee elephant.

He protects without fail all those who approach him.

Specialty of Ashtabhuja Perumal temple

• Only Perumal temple in Kanchipuram having Paramapada-Vasal.
• Both the main entrance and Paramapada-Vasal are facing north.

Special prayer

Those who face trouble from negative energies in their properties, come and pray here for relief.

Shrines

• Adikeshava (Ashtabhuja) Perumal
• Pushpakavalli Thayar
• Varaha Perumal
• Anjaneyar
• Azhwars
• Andal
• Sudarshana Chakram
• Sharabham

Festivals

• Vaikuntha Ekadashi
• Navaratri 
• Rama Navami

Timing

• 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon
• 4.00 p.m to 8.00 p.m

Location

Ashtabhuja Perumal is located in Chinna Kanchipuram, Ennaikaran, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is at a distance of 1 km from Varadaraja Perumal temple.

How to reach

• Take train from M.G.R Chennai Central Suburban Terminal up to Ttiruvalangadu. From there it is 38 km by bus/taxi.
• From Vadapalani bus station, take bus (2 hrs.).
• Chennai to Kanchipuram by road is 77 km.

Which Azhwars have sung Pasurams in praise of Ashtabhuja Perumal?

Thirumangai Azhwar and Pey Azhwar

Which temple is known as Ashtabhujakara?

Ashtabhuja Perumal temple, Kanchipuram is known as Ashtabhujakara.