Ashtabhujakaram

Divya Desam 44 of 108 | Region: Tondai Nadu

Located in the sacred city of Kanchipuram, Ashtabhujakaram stands as a unique Divya Desam where Lord Vishnu manifests with eight hands, symbolizing supreme protection and divine valor. This ancient shrine forms an integral part of the revered Vishnu Kanchi pilgrimage circuit, alongside other Divya Desams such as Tirukkachchi (Varadaraja Perumal), Tiruvelukkai, Tiruttanka, and Tiruvegkaa.

Divine Highlights

• Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Aadikesava Perumal, also known as Gajendravaradan, in a standing posture with eight arms (Ashta-Bhuja) holding eight divine weapons
• Thayar (Goddess): Alarmelmangai Thayar
• Theertham: Gajendra Pushkarini
• Vimanam: Gaganakriti Vimanam

The Lord’s eight hands symbolize His ability to destroy all evil and protect devotees from all directions. This temple is deeply associated with the Gajendra Moksham episode from the Bhagavatam.

Sacred Legends

According to the Sthala Purana, Lord Vishnu appeared with eight weapons upon the request of Brahma to protect a yajna from demonic disturbances—thus the name Ashtabhujakaram (“the place of the eight-armed one”).

This site is also intimately linked to the legend of Gajendra Moksham, where the Lord responded to the call of Gajendra, the elephant king, and granted him moksha. Peyazhwar, one of the earliest Azhwars, was blessed with the divine vision of this incident at this very kshetram.

Another unique aspect of this temple is the shrine of Sarabesan, a fierce form of Shiva, who is believed to protect the Yagna Sala to this day.

Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam

• Tirumangai Azhwar: Pasurams 1118–1127, 2674 (128)
• Peyazhwar: Pasuram 2380

(As per Naalaayira Divya Prabandham)

Festivals and Celebrations

The Gajendra Moksham Festival, celebrated annually during the Tamil month of Aadi, is the main utsavam of the temple. This event reenacts the divine rescue of Gajendra and draws countless devotees seeking the Lord’s mercy and protection.

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