Ashtabujakaram Temple

Ashtabujakaram Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. Located in the Ashtabujakaram locality, it is one of the 108 Divya Desams revered in Vaishnavism. The presiding deity is worshipped as Ashtabhuja Perumal with eight arms and his consort Alamelumanga Thayar. Known for its Dravidian architecture, sacred tank and association with Gajendra Moksha legend, it is an important pilgrimage site in the temple town of Kanchipuram.

Visitors can expect a compact Dravidian-style temple complex with a tiered gopuram, pillared mandapas, and sanctums for Ashtabhuja Perumal and Alamelumanga Thayar. The main shrine houses the eight-armed Vishnu image holding weapons and ornaments, with a separate shrine for Gajendra Varadha. The temple surrounds include the Gajendra Pushkarani tank and stone inscriptions. The atmosphere is devotional and relatively quiet compared to larger Kanchipuram temples, allowing for darshan, circumambulation and observation of daily rituals.

The temple is believed to have been originally built by the Pallavas and later expanded by the Cholas and Vijayanagara kings. It is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Thirumangai Alvar and is counted among the 108 Divya Desams. Inscriptions and architectural features reflect contributions from medieval South Indian dynasties. Legend associates the site with Brahma's yagna and Vishnu appearing with eight arms to protect Gajendra the elephant from a crocodile.

As a Divya Desam, the temple holds high religious importance for Sri Vaishnavas. The presiding deity Ashtabhuja Perumal is revered as Gajendra Varadha, the saviour of Gajendra, symbolizing divine protection. The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama rituals and celebrates festivals such as Vaikunta Ekadasi, Brahmotsavam and Gajendra Moksha. It forms part of the sacred temple circuit of Kanchipuram, one of the seven moksha-puris in Hindu tradition.