Kanchi Sri Ashtabujam Thirukoil Pavithrothsavam

ThiruPavithrothsavam took place at  Sri Ashtabujam Thirukoil (also known as Thiru Ashtabuyagaram), Kanchipuram.

The following are some of the photographs taken during the utsavam…

Courtesy: Sri Kesava Bashyam

About the Temple:

Ashtabuyakaram
The only divya desam where Lord Vishnu is seen with 8 hands

The Ashtabhujam Gajendra Varadan temple, situated 2 kms South West of Varadaraja Perumal temple and ½ km South of ThiruVekka. The story of this temple revolves around Saraswathi’s attempt to stop Brahmma’s Ashwamedha Yaagam.

Lord with 8 hands and Thirumangai’s curiosity

Thirumangai Azhvaar had praised Lord Vishnu in different forms and sizes but he had not seen one with 8 hands. Looking at this Lord, he could not understand who the one with 8 hands was and how one could be in this form.

He tires to recount all the different forms of Lords Vishnu that he had praised but could not relate to this one. Hence, in each of his Paasurams directed at the Lord here, he, with a lot of curiosity, constantly asks the question “ who are you- the one with 8 hands”.

“Mevi Apaalum Vinnor Vananga, Vedham Uraipar Muneer Madanthai Devi
Appaal Athir Sangam, Ippaal Chakram, Matru Ivar Vannam Ennil,
Kaavi Oppaar Kadaleyum Oppaar Kannum Vadivum Nediyar Aai,
En Aavi Oppaar Ivar Yaarkol, Enna Ashatabuyagarathen Enraare”.

“Everyone stood and offered worship with Vedhic Chants. The Lord with Conch on one side, and discus on the other, was he Lotus red or Ocean blue in colour. Who is this Lord, whose frame has gone deeply into my soul.”

The story

Continuing her quest to stop Brahmma’s Ashwamedha Yaagam, Saraswathi sends a dangerous looking Kaali along with an asura. Lord Vishnu appeared with 8 hands with a weapon in each hand to kill the asuras and to subdue Kaali. In memory of this event, there is a Kaali temple next to this Divya Desam.

Gajendra Moksham

An elephant which came to the temple tank to pick up flowers for the Lord was caught in the clutches of a crocodile. Lord Vishnu is said to have hurled his disc at the crocodile to save the elephant.

Lord here is said to have provide a ‘replayed version’ of Gajendra Moksham to PeyAzhvaar.

This is the only Divya Desam in Kanchipuram that has a Swarga Vaasal.

Quick Facts

Deity : Gajendra Varadan, Aathi Kesavan
Posture : Standing West facing
Goddess : Alarmel Mangai

Azhvaar : Thirumangai(1118-27),2674 , PeyAzhvaar(2380)- 12 Paasurams

Timing : 730am-12noon, 430pm-8pm