Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Sri Atcheeswarar Temple, Acharapakkam















Moolavar - Sri Atcheeswarar
Amman - Umai Atcheeswarar
Place - Acharapakkam, Chennai, Tamilnadu

This temple at Acharapakkam is one of the 275 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams. The temple has two presiding deities Atcheeswarar and Umai Atcheeswarar gracing the devotees from two separate sanctum sanctorums. Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthi.

Three cruel demons Tharaka, Kamalaksha and Vidyunmali, proud of the boons and the resultant powers they gained from Lord Brahamma through their intense penance, began to harass the Devas violently. Unable to face their onslaught, Devas appealed to Lord Shiva for protection and freedom. Lord Shiva combined both earth and heaven and marched against the demons. According to rules, every work should start with Vinayaka worship. Lord Shiva is no exception. In his hurry to wage the war against the demons to save Devas, He forgot this protocol. Devas too, having Lord Himself with them ignored Vinayaka. Angry Vinayaka stopped Lord Shiva’s march by breaking the axis of His car. Axis in Tamil means Achu. Realizing the mistake, Lord asked Vinayaka to help in His mission. Son immediately obeyed. This event took place here. Hence, the place came to be known as Achu Iru Bagam (where axis broke) and later Achirupakkam came to stay. Lord is Atcheeswarar.
The main temple is a big one, measuring 265 feet East-West and 140 feet by South-North with a 5 tier Rajagopuram and two praharams. The main entrance is towards Aacheeswarar, a Swayambu lingam on a Square avudayar built by the Sage Thirinendhrathari for himself in line with the Dwajasthambam, Bali peetam and Nandhi.
It is strongly believed that prayer to Lord Atchipureeswarar would elevate the devotee to ruling position with management abilities. Also as the Lord is in the form ‘Letters – Akshara’ the devotee will shine in education.
The scene of Lord Shiva and Parvathi devi giving dharshan to Sage Thirunendhrathari under the Sthala vruksham – Kondrai tree

Worshipped by Kannuva muni, Gouthama Muni in Thredha yuga; Brahma and Vishnu in Dwabara yuga; and Agasthiar in Kali Yuga. The temple tank outside in front of the temple is considered to be created by Brahma and is called Brahma Theertham; and the well near the kondrai tree in the outside praharam is considered to be created by Vishnu.


References:
http://templesoftamilnadu.co.in/atcheeswarar-temple-at-acharapakkam/
http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/New_en.php?id=66
http://www.acharapakkamaatcheeswarartemple.tnhrce.in/


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