Kanchipuram Kachabeswarar temple

TamilNadu, Kanchipuram, Chennai

Where Lord Shiva was worshipped by the 'Koorma'(tortoise) incarnation of Lord Vishnu is the temple of Kachabeswarar. In this temple in the small village of Thirukkachur in Kancheepuram resides Lord Shiva as Kachabeswarar and Goddess Soundarambikai. The idol is considered to be 'swayambhu'. Mythology describes that Lord Brahma and Saraswathi also worshipped Kachabeswarar in this temple. It is also believed that asura guru Sukracharya worshipped here to get Mruthsanjeevini and Vajrayakkai. Another story associated with the temple describes how the Lord himself, in disguise of a Brahmin, performed Bhiksha to feed his devotee Sri Sundaramurthy Naayanaar who was tired and hungry due to the long walk to the temple.

Legend

Kachab means tortoise and the legend regarding the temple is associated with the Koorma(tortoise) incarnation of Lord Vishnu which he took to lift the mountain on his back during the churning of the milky ocean. The power increased the arrogance of Koorma which prompted Lord Shiva to destroy the tortoise and string its shell on the sacred garland on his neck. Later, Lord Vishnu regretted his act and came here to get blessings of Lord Shiva.

Architecture

The temple of Kachabeswarar has a wide array of sculptures and stone carved idols. The stone mandapam with 27 exquisitely carved pillars, the beautifully constructed stone pillars of the Maha mandapam, sculpted gopurams are all examples of the architectural beauty of the shrine. The main deity Sri Kachabeswarar is in the form of Shiva Lingam, which is said to be 'Swayambhu'. Goddess Anjanakshi Ambaal faces south, her idol tall and beautiful with wonderful grace on her face. Many smaller shrines of Ganesha, Karthikeya, Saraswathi, Bhairava etc are on the outer parikarma path. There is also a beautiful pond for this temple called 'Koorma Theertham'.

Picture courtesy: indiancolumbus.blogspot.com

Darsan Info

Temple timings : 5.00 AM to 12.00 PM and 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM.
Annadanam is conducted every day at 12.00 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Famous Festival

April - Chithirai Brahammotsavam (April/May)
May - Chitra Poornima (April/May)
November - Diwali

Culture

Kanchipuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu is one of the important religious places in India and a holy pilgrimage site for both Saivites and Vaishnavites. Historically, it was a centre for education and popular for the architectural beauty of its temples. Silk saree weaving is a major industry and Kanchipuram pattu(silk) is famous all around the country.