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Aatchieeswarar Temple

The Aksheeswaraswamy Temple, located in Acharapakkam, Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Aksheeswaraswamy or Atchikontantar, represented by the lingam. His consort, Parvati, is depicted as Sundaranayagi. The temple is significant in the Tevaram, the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work written by the saint poets known as the Nayanmars. It is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, indicating its mention in the sacred hymns of the Nayanmars. The temple has several inscriptions, the most notable dating to the reign of Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE), which offer insights into the temple's history and significance. The most important festival celebrated at the temple is the Chittirai Brahmotsavam, a grand event that lasts for ten days during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May). The temple is managed and maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Timings

The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and again from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Entry Fee

Free of charge

The history of the Aksheeswaraswamy Temple is deeply rooted in a legendary event involving three cruel demons—Tharaka, Kamalaksha, and Vidhyunmali—who, having gained immense powers through intense penance to Lord Brahma, began terrorizing the Devas. Unable to face the demons, the Devas sought the help of Lord Shiva. In response, Lord Shiva combined both earth and heaven and marched to battle the demons. However, in his eagerness to wage war, Lord Shiva overlooked an important protocol: the worship of Vinayaka before undertaking any significant work. The Devas, in their haste to support Lord Shiva, also ignored Vinayaka.

Angered by this oversight, Vinayaka halted Lord Shiva's advance by breaking the axis of His chariot, an act that caused a delay in the march. In Tamil, the word for axis is Achu, and it is said that Lord Shiva realized His mistake and sought Vinayaka’s help. Obeying His father's request, Vinayaka allowed the march to continue, and this event gave rise to the place being known as Achu Iru Bagam (where the axis broke), which later evolved into Achirupakkam. Hence, the presiding deity here is Atcheeswarar, a manifestation of Lord Shiva.


Administration History :



The temple has a long history of royal patronage, with contributions from Chola kings like Rajendra Chola, Kulothunga Chola I, and III, as well as Pallava king Nirupathungavarman. Their endowments included lands, perpetual lamps, and precious donations to support temple rituals. Currently, the temple is maintained by the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department, with major renovations and Maha Kumbhabhishekams conducted in 2001 and 2019 to preserve its heritage and cater to devotees.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata: Before embarking on your pilgrimage, offer prayers to your Ishta Devata for blessings.
  2. Contact the Temple Devasthanam Information Centre: For any inquiries regarding the temple, Pooja details, or general information, please reach out to the temple information center.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation in Advance: Ensure that your travel and accommodation arrangements are made well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
  4. Cleanliness Before Entering the Temple: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple to maintain purity and respect.
  5. Concentrate on the Divine: Focus your thoughts on the God and Goddess present inside the temple.
  6. Maintain Silence: Inside the temple, observe silence and recite "Om Namah Shivaya" or your personal mantra quietly.
  7. Observe Tradition: Respect the ancient customs and traditions practiced within the temple.
  8. Respect Religious Sentiments: Always show respect towards the religious practices and sentiments of fellow devotees.
  9. Deposit Offerings in the Hundi: Place your offerings in the temple Hundi (donation box) only, as per tradition.
  1. Avoid Non-Worship Activities: Do not visit the temple for any purpose other than the worship of God and Goddess.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking inside the temple premises is strictly prohibited.
  3. No Alcoholic Drinks: Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed inside the temple.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Refrain from bringing or consuming non-vegetarian food within the temple complex.
  5. Avoid Mediators for Quick Darshan: Do not approach mediators for expedited darshan, as this may cause inconvenience to others.
  6. No Weapons: Carrying weapons inside the temple is strictly forbidden.
  7. No Headwear Inside the Temple: Avoid wearing helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple premises.
  8. No Sastang Pranam in the Sanctum: Do not perform Sastanga Pranama (full prostration) inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  9. Respect the Sparsa Darshan: Do not take excessive time while performing Sparsa Darshan (touching the deity) in the Garbhagriha (sanctum).
  10. No Spurious Prasadams: Avoid purchasing prasadams from unauthorized street vendors.
  11. Avoid Encouraging Beggars: Refrain from giving alms to beggars inside the temple premises.
  12. No Spitting or Creating Nuisance: Maintain cleanliness and avoid spitting or creating any nuisance in the temple area.

Dress Code

For Men: The dress code requires wearing a shirt and trouser, dhoti, or pyjamas with an upper cloth.

For Women: The preferred attire is a saree or half-saree with a blouse, or a chudidhar with pyjamas and an upper cloth.

How to reach

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Best season to visit :

The ideal time to visit the temple is during the winter season, with the best months being from September to February.


By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is approximately 78.3 kilometers from Achirappakkam.

By Rail: Achirappakkam has its own railhead on the Trichy–Chennai railway line, making it easily accessible by train. The nearest major railway station is Melmaruvathur, which is just 3.8 kilometers away from the temple.

By Road: Achirappakkam is well connected by road. You can reach the temple via the Chennai–Trichy Road (NH45). City buses are available from Chengalpet, and there are also bus services from Chennai city and Tambaram that make the temple easily accessible by public transport. Mathuranthakam Bus Stand is the nearest to the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Kaveri River: The temple is located in proximity to the Kaveri River, which is one of the most important rivers in Tamil Nadu. It holds significant spiritual importance, and many temples in the region are situated near or along its banks.
  2. Arasalaru River: Another important river flowing near the temple, Arasalaru is known for its association with the temple’s history and rituals. It adds to the overall sanctity of the region.
  3. Kollidam River: Kollidam, also known as the Coleroon River, is a distributary of the Kaveri River. It is another river in the vicinity, contributing to the area's agricultural fertility and spiritual landscape.


Cities:

  1. Kumbakonam: Located nearby, Kumbakonam is a prominent town known for its historical temples and cultural heritage. It is a key city in the Tanjavur district and a hub for religious tourism in Tamil Nadu.
  2. Thanjavur: The temple is also situated relatively close to Thanjavur, which is known as the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu" and is home to the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanjavur is a major center for arts, culture, and religion in Tamil Nadu.
  3. Tiruvarur: This city is also in close proximity and is known for its significance in Tamil Shaiva traditions. It is home to several important temples and is a key religious hub in the region.