the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

The legend of this temple finds a reference in the Samudra Manthan episode in the Hindu mythology. The Samudra Manthan (literally translated as churning of the ocean) explains the origin of amrit – the nectar of immortality. It is believed that when the celestial gods (Devas) tried to churn the ocean using the Mandhara hill as the churning rod (mathu), the hill began to sink. To hold the hill in its place, Lord Mahavishnu incarnated as a tortoise (Kachaba) and supported the hill on his back. However, in order to accomplish this task, it is believed that Lord Mahavishnu came to Thirukachur, created a spring, bathed in it and prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva gave Lord Mahavishnu his blessings to complete his endeavour. Hence Lord Shiva here is named Kachabeswarar and this place is known as Thirukachur. Another legend associated with this place is that Saint Sundarar, after visiting Thirukkazhukkundram, came to Thirukachur. Due to long arduous journey, Sundarar and his followers were tired and hungry. They decided to rest for a while in the 16 pillar Mandapam near this temple’s tank. It is believed that Lord Shiva came there in the form of an old man and advised them to wait for a while so he could bring them some food. It was believed that the old man went out with his bowl (Thiru Odu) for begging, collected food and came back to offer it to them. While Sundarar and his followers were eating the food, the old man suddenly disappeared. Sundarar realized that the old man was none other than Lord Shiva himself and rendered a hymn (Pathigam) exclaiming his shock and grief that the lord took the form of a beggar in order to feed them. Saint Sundarar while rendering his pathigam about Lord Kachabeswarar, also mentioned about Lord Marundheeswarar (the lord in the temple at the top of the hill). While praising Lord Marundheeswarar, Sundarar said that both the lord and hill itself are a form of sacred medicine.The hall (Mandapam) where Sundarar and his follower took rest can still be seen.

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 26th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthy (self-manifested). There is no main tower (Rajagopuram) in this temple. It has two corridors (praharam) and is an east facing temple. The sanctum tower (Vimanam) of Lord Shiva here is of Gajabrushta form (looks like the back of an elephant). Thirukachur is mentioned as Aadhi Kanchi in Kanchi Puranam. The temple was believed to have been constructed in the Chola period by the Chola King Kulothungan-I. This a typical Chola period temple with beautifully engraved pillars, sculptures and halls (mandapams). Lots of engraved reliefs depicting the history of the temple can also be seen on the pillars. This is a twin temple - Sri Kachabeswarar temple is at the foothill and in the midst of the village and the other one is Sri Maruntheeswar temple, which at the top of a small hill at a distance of about one kilometre. As the sacred tree of this temple is the banyan tree (Kal-ala Maram in Tamil), this temple is also known as Alakkoil. Goddess Anjanakshi in Kachabeswarar temple blesses the devotees from a separate shrine. Shrine of Lord Thiyagaraja is behind the 27 pillars Nakshatra Mandapam. Separate shrines for Lord Virunthitteswarar (Virundhu in Tamil means hospitality) and Saint Sundarar are in the outer corridors. Idols of lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, and Bairaver can be seen in the corridors. There are five separate lingams in the corridors - Ramanathar, Naganathar, Soleeswarar, Margasakayar and Kasi Visvanathar. There is also a small Shiva shrine outside this temple called Irandeeswarar (Irandha in Tamil meaning begging). There is another shrine outside this temple for Lord Vinayakar called Thalamoola Vinayakar (Karukkadi Vinayakar). Those aspiring for excellence in arts can worship Lord Vinayakar here. This is one of the important Thyagaraja Swamy temples (the other important ones being -Thiruvotriyur, Thiruvarur and Thiruvanmiyur). It is believed that Lord Shiva staged his “Ajaba Dance” here for Lord Mahavishnu. The Sanskrit word Anjana can be translated as eyes and the Goddess at this temple is believed to be protecting her devotees as if they were her own eyes. Hence the Goddess gets the name Anjanakshi. This Ambal is also praised as Sundaravalli. Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. The sacred tree of this temple - banyan tree is believed to be representing the Maka nakshatram (a constellation). Devotees who are born in the period of this constellation (Maka nakshatram) visit this temple for worship. Devotees often pray to Goddess Anjanakshi here for good eye sight and to seek cure from eye related illnesses.

Brahmotsavam and Chithirai Poornima (full moon day) in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) are celebrated at this temple. Other important festivals celebrated in this temple are – Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept), Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct), Skanda Shashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov), Thiru Karthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec), Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan), Makara Sankranthi in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb), Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) and Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr). Pradosham is also observed regularly.