Temples in and around Madurantakam
by B. Mekala | 2016 | 71,416 words
This essay studies the Temples found around Madurantakam, a town and municipality in Kancheepuram (Kanchipuram) District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Madurantakam is one of the sacred holy places visited by Saint Ramanuja. It is also a region blessed with many renowned temples which, even though dating to at least the 10th century, yet they c...
Aksheeswaraswamy Temple
Aksheeswaraswamy Temple is at the village of Acharapakkam. Aksheeswaraswamy is the presiding deity of temple which was built by the Pandya kings.[1] Lingam is a Swayambu; His consort is Sri Balambal.[2] It covers an area of l.21 acres. There are some stone inscriptions in this temple. There is a well built artha-mandapa in front of the deity which is enclosed with a stone slab.
The legend relating to the temple is as follows:
“During the period of the Pandya kings, stones were brought from the Himalayas to Madura to build a temple for Kannaki. The carts containing stones made a night halt in this village. When they started again on their journey next morning, their axel, gave way and as directed by a divine voice, the Pandya king built a temple for Sri Aksheeswarar with the stones brought from the Himalayas”.[3]
There are two Sthala Puranams published by Sri Kalyanam Pillai and Meikandar Kazhagam, Kanchipuram. Saints Appar and Thirugnanasambandar have visited this temple and composed verses in praise of the deity.
The temple owns antique jewels and 14 vahanas apart from two temple cars and a Palanquin. All these are made of wood. The cars are 50 years old, while the others were made 90 years back. Poojas are performed thrice daily by the hereditary Gurukkal. The temple owns wet and dry lands in 6 villages which fetch a significant annual income The recipients of service inams perform their duties properly.
The Brahmothsavam is celebrated on a grand scale in Chithirai. The Thirukalyanam takes place on the fifth day. About 10,000 devotees assemble for this festival. An Executive Officer appointed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments. Board and a trustee are in charge of the temple.[4]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Krishnamurthi, S., Tholliyal Nokil Kanchipura Maavattam, (Tamil), Chidambaram, 2010, p.207.
[2]:
Meikandar Kazhagam, Sthala Puranam of Sri Aksheeswaraswamy Koil of Acharapakkam, Kanchipuram, 1954, pp.1-3.
[3]:
Kalyanam Pillai, Sthala Puranam of Sri Aksheeswaraswamy Koil of Acharapakkam, Kanchipuram, 1956, pp.2-6.