Kachabeswarar Temple, Thirukkachur Ala Temple

This beautiful temple is located in a calm place just 2 kms from Singaperumal Koil railway station. This is one among the Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam, Sundarar has sung a hymn.  This is also a Thirupugazh vaipu sthalam.

When Sundarar visited this temple, he was so tired and hungry; Lord Shiva out of His love to his ardent devotee, took the form of a mendicant and collected food from the nearby homes and provided food to him. Hence the lord is also known as Virunthittaeswarar (Virundhu in tamil means feast, hence Shiva is referred as one who offered the feast to Sundarar) 

There is another Shiva temple on the hillock nearby. The main deity is Oushadheewarar, also called Marundheeswarar (lord of medicine) and Goddess Irul Needi Ambal. This temple is referred as malai koil (hill temple) by the locals. Prayer at this temple will cure ailments.

This temple is open from 8:00 am to 11:30 am and from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm daily.

Lord Siva: Kachabeswarar, Virunthitta eswarar

Ambal (Goddess): Anjanatchi, Kanni Umayal

Sthala Vriksham : Ala maram (Banyan tree) – this corresponds to the star Magam, hence those who are born in this star will have better benefits by worshipping here.

Theertham : Koorma theertham

How to reach

There are frequent electric trains from Chennai Egmore to Singaperumal Koil. It is better to hire an auto from the railway station to cover both Kachabeswarar Temple and Marundeeswarar temple which is located in a hillock nearby. The auto charged Rs 200 from the railway station to cover both the temples and drop back to the station.

If travelling by road, take the Singaperumal level crossing on Chennai-Chengalpattu GST and after about 1 km take the right turn which will lead to the temple.

Temple Legend

As per the legend, Lord Vishnu worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of a Tortoise (Tortoise is referred as Kachabam in ancient tamil, hence the name Kachabeswarar). Devas and Asuras once decided to churn the Paarkadal (ocean of milk) in order to get the Amirta (divine nectar of immortal life), Meru mountain was made the axis of churning and Vasuki the giant serpent was used as the rope for churning. However, the entire weight of Meru mountain has to be held in place in the ocean for which Lord Vishnu graced to take the task. Before engaging, Lord Vishnu worshiped Lord Shiva in the form of Tortoise to make it a success.