2 Ashtabujam – Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple: The Lord of Eight Arms

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• November 28, 2025
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📍 Temple Location & Access
• Location: Situated in Vishnu Kanchi (or Little Kanchipuram), the same sector as the Sri Varadharajar Temple.
• Proximity: Conveniently located just 2 kilometers from Sri Varadharajar Temple.
• Accessibility: Easily reached via local transportation from Big Kanchipuram. It is also very close to the Sri Yathothakaari Temple.

Sthalapuranam (The Legend of the Eight Arms)
This temple’s lore centers on the final demonic threat faced by Lord Brahma during his Yagam (sacrifice), which was constantly disturbed by Goddess Saraswathi’s forces:
• The Final Threat: After defeating numerous demons, Saraswathi sent a highly ferocious and dangerous Sarbham (snake) to destroy the Yagam.
• Ashtabhuja Manifestation: To decisively vanquish the colossal snake, Sriman Narayanan (Lord Vishnu) appeared in the magnificent form of Ashtabhuja Perumal, wielding eight different, powerful weapons.
• The Victory: Using these eight weapons, the Lord killed the serpent. The vanquished snake is symbolically represented as “Sarabeswaran” at the Vaayu (North-West) end of the temple’s yaaga sala.
• Divya Aayudha Aazhwargal: The eight weapons held by the Lord are not just instruments; they are revered as the “Divya Aayudha Aazhwargal” (the Divine Weapon Saints), signifying their inherent power against evil and their role in upholding righteousness.
• Gajendra Moksham: The Lord granted prathyaksham (divine vision) to the elephant king, Gajendran, and this is believed to be the only sthalam where the famous Gajendra Moksham (liberation of Gajendra) incident occurred.
• Founder: Sculptural evidence suggests the temple was originally constructed by Thondaiman Chakravarthy, also known as Vayiramoghan.

Key Deities & Unique Features
Aspect Description
Moolavar (Presiding Deity) Sri Aadhikesava Perumal (also known as Gajendravaradhan and Chakrathaarar).
Unique Form The Lord is uniquely seen with 8 hands, holding eight distinct weapons.
Weapons Wielded Right Hands: Chakaram (Discus), Sword, Flower, and Arrow. Left Hands: Sangu (Conch), Bow, Kedayam (Shield), and Gadha (Mace).
Moolavar Posture Standing position, facing the West direction.
Thaayar (Consort) Alarmelmangai Thayaar (also known as Padmasani).
Vimanam (Temple Tower) Ganganakkruthi and Sanganakkruthi Vimanam (named after the shape of the Conch and Discus).
Theertham (Holy Water) Gajendra Pushkarani.

📜 Mangalasasanam (Hymns of Praise)
The temple is glorified by the ancient Alwars:
• Thirumangai Alwar – 10 Paasurams
• Pei Alwar – 1 Paasuram
• Total: 11 Divine Hymns
The temple also received Mangalasasanam from later Acharyas, including Vedantha Desikar and Manavala Maamuni

Plan Your Pilgrimage: Ashtabujam Temple Tour Details
To fully immerse yourself in the divine history of the Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple (Ashtabujam), and to organize your visit to Kanchipuram’s sacred sites—including the renowned Divya Desams—secure your guided tour with us!
Contact Information Details
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Direct Tour Booking & Inquiries Call us at +91 7708894141

For further information, including pilgrimage arrangements, travel plans, or pricing details, please contact “Rengha Holidays and Tourism.” 9443004141 https://renghaholidays.com/