The Ashtabujakaram or Ashtabuja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Alvar saints. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Ashta Bhuja Perumal, while Goddess Lakshmi is revered as Alamelumangai. It stands as a testament to Kanchipuram’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
The temple traces its origins to the Pallava dynasty, with renovations from the Chola and Vijayanagara empires. Inscriptions on its walls, including those of Kulothunga Chola I and Rajendra Chola, detail significant contributions of lands and resources to the temple. Enclosed by a granite wall, it features a four-tiered rajagopuram and sacred water tanks, showcasing its grandeur. Six daily rituals and three annual festivals enliven the temple’s spiritual atmosphere.
Legends enrich the temple’s sanctity, including Vishnu’s eight-armed form vanquishing the snake sent by Saraswati during Brahma’s yajna. Another tale recounts Vishnu rescuing Gajendra, an elephant king, from a crocodile, granting him moksha. This divine intervention is celebrated in the temple’s traditions. The sanctum’s presiding deity is also known as Adikesava Perumal, Gajendra Varadhan, and Chakradhar, reflecting Vishnu’s various benevolent acts.
The inscriptions on the temple walls also highlight community contributions during ancient times. They document the endowment of lands for temple operations, perpetual lighting, and kitchen expenses, demonstrating the people’s devotion. These records reveal the temple’s historical significance and the harmonious collaboration between rulers and the local populace to sustain its religious and cultural legacy.