Location
Near Rangasamy Kulam in Chinna Kachipuram.
Inscription
Four inscriptions have been discovered in this temple. One of these inscriptions, from Chola King Rajendra I (1034 AD), provides details about land grants made to the temple for the purposes of daily worship and lighting.
Hymns
It is consecrated by the hymns of Saints Peyazhwar (99th verse of Mundram Thiruvandhadhi) and Tirumangai Azhwar (verses 2-8 of Periya Thirumozhi and the 128th verse of Periya Thirumadal).
Mythology
(1) Once, Lord Brahma performed a Yagna without his wife, Goddess Saraswati. Angered by this, Saraswati attempted to disrupt the Yagna by sending an army of demons. Brahma sought the assistance of Lord Vishnu, who defeated all the demons. Saraswati then sent Kali, who was subdued by Vishnu in Chithirai Rohini. (A Kali temple near this site commemorates the event). Saraswati made another attempt to cause trouble by sending a ferocious snake. Upon encountering Vishnu with eight arms, each wielding a formidable weapon, the snake, terrified, immediately surrendered to Vishnu. Following Vishnu’s command, the serpent (considered to be Shiva) was assigned to guard the Yagasala.
(2) Once, Mahasunda Muni engaged in intense penance seeking great powers. Indira, the leader of the Devalokas, feared that the Muni aimed to surpass him and devised schemes to distract him from his penance. First, he sent celestial beauties (Apsaras), but the Muni did not even glance at them. Frustrated, Indira then sent elephants to frolic before the Muni. Tempted, Mahasunda Muni transformed himself into an elephant to join them. Despite this, the positive effects of his previous penance remained with him, and in his elephant form, he continued to worship Vishnu daily. One day, while gathering flowers for Vishnu in a pond, he was caught by a crocodile. Hearing the Muni’s cries, Vishnu immediately came to his aid, slaying the crocodile and rescuing the Muni from danger. This event is known as Gajendra Moksham (the liberation of the elephant).
Religion : Vaishnavism
Deity : Adikesava Perumal
Period : 9th Century
Category : Temple