Aksheeswaraswamy Temple, Acharapakkam

The Aksheeswaraswamy Temple in Acharapakkam, about 10 km from Maduranthakam on the Trichy–Chennai highway, is dedicated to Shiva as Aksheeswaraswamy, with Parvati as Sundaranayagi. Praised in the 7th-century Tevaram, it is a Paadal Petra Sthalam and holds inscriptions from the reign of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120) recording gifts of land, gold and sheep. Legend says that as Shiva rode out against three powerful demons, Ganesha, angry at being left out, broke the axle (achu) of his chariot into pieces (pakkam), giving the town its name.

The temple covers about 1.2 acres, with a five-tiered gateway tower and a tank in front, and its shrines stand within concentric walls. Images of Saraswati, Lakshmi, the Saptamatrikas and Ayyappa ring the sanctum, and carvings of Karaikkal Ammaiyar walking on her hands and of the hunter-saint Kannappa Nayanar are especially noted. The ten-day Chittirai Brahmotsavam in April–May is the main festival.