Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple , Ashtabhuyakaram (Kanchipuram)
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📍 Ashtabhuyakaram, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
National SignificanceThe 44th Divya Desam at Ashtabhuyakaram in Kanchipuram is the only sanctum where Lord Vishnu manifests with eight arms (Ashtabhuja) bearing eight divine weapons to protect Brahma's yajna.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Aadhikesava Perumal (Ashtabhuja Nindra Kolam)
Moolavar: Sri Aadhikesava Perumal / Ashtabhuja Karathan (Nindra Kolam / Standing posture facing West with eight arms bearing divine weapons); Utsavar: Gajendra Varadhan; Thayar: Alarmelmangai (Padmasani) Thayar; Vimanam: Gaganakruthi Vimanam, Chakrakara Vimanam; Theertham: Gajendra Pushkarini; Pratyaksham: Lord Brahma, Gajendra, Sage Bhrigu.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Aadhikesava Perumal (Ashtabhuja Nindra Kolam)
Ashtabujam Sannathi Street, Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu 631501, India
Spiritual Highlights
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Offering archana for courage, protection from fear, and relief from malevolent forces.
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About Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple , Ashtabhuyakaram (Kanchipuram)
Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple in Ashtabhuyakaram (Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu) is the 44th Divya Desam. It was praised in 12 pasurams by Peyalvar and Thirumangai Alvar. The temple derives its name from Ashtabhuja (eight arms) and Karam (hands), honoring the unique eight-armed manifestation of Lord Vishnu.
When Lord Brahma conducted his Ashwamedha Yajna in Kanchipuram without his consort Saraswati, the enraged goddess unleashed demons and sent a ferocious multi-headed beast named Sarabha to extinguish the sacrificial fire. Brahma cried out to Vishnu for protection. Lord Vishnu instantly manifested with eight divine arms wielding eight celestial weapons: Discus (Chakra), Sword (Nandaka), Lotus (Padma), and Arrow (Bana) in His four right hands; and Conch (Shanka), Bow (Saranga), Shield (Khetaka), and Mace (Gada) in His four left hands. The Lord effortlessly subdued the beast and dispelled all fears.
This temple is also revered as a Gajendra Moksha kshetram. Swami Vedanta Desikan composed his famous hymn Ashtabhuja Ashtakam here in praise of the eight-armed Lord, affirming that surrender unto Ashtabhuja Karathan eradicates all fears from internal and external enemies.
Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Architecture (Pallava period origins (8th century CE); renovated by Medieval Cholas and Vijayanagara kings)
Gaganakriti Vimanam, three-tier Rajagopuram, Gajendra Pushkarini, granite icon exhibiting eight distinct sculpted weapons.
Eight-armed stone moolavar idol displaying four right hands and four left hands bearing distinct weapons.
Rituals & Traditions
Four daily kalas per Vaikanasa Agama; special Sudarshana Homam on Swati nakshatra.
Vaikunta Ekadashi and Chittirai Brahmotsavam.
Puliyodarai, Pongal, Theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional clothing: Dhoti/Kurta for men; Saree or Chudidhar with Dupatta for women.
Ground level layout with flat granite paving; easy access for elderly visitors and wheelchairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Aadhikesava Perumal (Ashtabhuja Nindra Kolam)
Alarmelmangai (Padmasani) Thayar Sannidhi, Gajendra Varadhar Utsava Sannidhi, Andal Sannidhi, Chakrathazhwar Sannidhi, Sri Ramanuja Sannidhi, Swami Vedanta Desikan Sannidhi, Alvars Sannidhi
Ashtabujam Sannathi Street, Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu 631501, India
How to Reach
Chennai International Airport (MAA) (approx 68 km)
Kanchipuram Railway Station (CJ) (approx 2 km)
Kanchipuram Bus Stand (approx 1.5 km)
