Sri Adhikesava Perumal Temple

The shrine of the Sri Adhikesava Perumal Temple houses the idol of Lord Adhikesava Perumal in a standing posture. The temple is also known as ' Ashtabujankaram' temple because the lord has eight hands loaded with powerful aayudhas(weapons). The weapons in the right hands are Chakra, knife, Pushpa and Arrow whereas the left hands are armed with Shanka, Bow, Gada and Khadga.The famous temple is located in Kanchipuram which is dotted with numerous temple dedicated to several Hindu deities. Other shrines inside the complex of the temple are Bhuvarahar, Hanuman, Chakra, Sarabeshwar, Alwars and Andal.

The legend goes that once when Lord Brahma was performing a yagna a snake came there to disturb him. Seeing this, the Lord Adhikesava Perumal killed the snake. He used his weapons to save the yagna. The Shiva guards the temple as Sarabeshwarar. Sri Adhikesava Perumal also saved the elephant(Gajendra) who was attacked by a crocodile while collecting Lotus Flowers for the worship of lord Vishnu. The prayer of the elephant was answered by the lord.