Tiruashtabhujakaram
Temple Information
- Moolavar
- Ādikeshava Perumāl / Gajendravaradha Perumāl
- Thayaar
- Alarmangai Thāyār
- Vimanam
- Gangakriti Vimānam
- Theertham
- Gajendra Pushkariṇī
Shrine Location
Sthala Puranam
Before Lord Athi Vardar was presented the havis to the yajña, Sarasvatī Devī presented many interruptions to stop the yajña from reaching completion. Sarasvatī Devī is said to have summoned many different types of demons, ghosts, and ghouls to attack the yajña-kundam. Lord Brahmā is said to have appealed to Lord Vishṇu to appear and protect the yajña so that it would achieve its completion.
The Lord is said to have appeared with eight hands (Ashṭabhujar), holding weapons in seven hands and a lotus in one hand, symbolizing that he would attack his enemies while also protecting his devotees. The Lord is said to have vanquished all the interruptions placed by Devī Sarasvatī in her first attempt to foil the performance of the yajña.
The Lord here is referred to as Gajendravaradhan, as He is said to have shown Pey Āzhwār the sight of Gajendra Moksham here at this kshethram.
Special Note
A peculiarity of this kshethram is that this is the only temple in all the Divyadesams at Kāñchipuram to house a Vaikuntha Dwaram. Usually, if the entrance of the temple is east-facing, the Vaikuntha Dwaram is placed in a west-facing direction. But here, the Vaikuntha Dwaram and the temple entrance are both facing in the easterly direction.
Azhwar Pasuram
Tirumangai Āzhwār: 10 Pāsurams
Pey Āzhwār: 1 pāsuram
Total: 11 Pāsurams