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| Location |
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Kancheepuram. |
| Main Deity |
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Ashtabuyaharathan. |
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Nearest Town : Kancheepuram
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District : Kancheepuram
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State : Tamil Nadu
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In the city of Kanchi, in the temple of Ashtabujam, Thirumangai Alvar worshipped the God. He well knew the Dasavataras of Vishnu. But here it was different. And a doubt rose in his mind. Superior to Siva, who burnt Tripura, Narasimha who tore Hiranya with his claws, who grew taller than Trivikrama, wielding Bow, Sarangam, gowmodaki, Conch, Nandakam, Shield, Flower, Kombu and Discus in his eight hands, with Tulsi garland and sandal paste in his chest – who was He.
The legend is that when an elephant named Gajendran was caught by a crocodile, a prayed to Adimoolam for help and Vishnu in the aspect of Ashtabujathan rushed to his help and saved him. Here too there is a bewitching idol of Rama with Sita and Laxmana. This is very ancient temple as evidenced by the hymns of Peyalvar. Thirumangai Alvar too has praised this deity in his hymns. In the sanctum stands the Deity presenting the same picture Thriumangai Alvar saw several centuries ago.
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