Acharapakkam is a Panchayat town located in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. It serves as a tourist spot as well as a famous pilgrimage location. The town is 3 km away from the well known temple town of Melmaruvathur. The state`s one of the oldest police stations is located in Acharapakkam. The police station is almost 100 years old. Acharapakkam is also known for the ancient Arulmigu Aatcheeswarar Temple, which is located here. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the Devaram temples. The town is also known for its Naadi astrology center.
Etymology of Acharapakkam
According to the Hindu mythology, King Pandya was on his way to Ganga River banks through this village to bring soil to construct a dam. While he was passing, the axle of his chariot got broken into two pieces in this village. From that incident, the village was named as Achu Iru Paagam Meaning- "Axle into two pieces". Later this name eventually became Achirupakkam and then Acharapakkam.
Demography of Acharapakkam
According to the census report of 2001 Acharapakkam had a population of 9013. Equal percentage of males and female population exists in the town. The literacy rate of the town is almost 73%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Education of Acharapakkam
Many schools have been established in Acharapakkam to cater to the educational needs to the children residing in the town. Some of the schools running here are St. Josephs matriculation HR. SEC School, Marwar Government Higher Secondary School and Adhi parasakthi matriculation hr. sec school. A computer education centre, known as Veda Computer and Education Centre for economically poor students has also been established here.
Tourism in Acharapakkam
Acharapakkam houses several tourist spots among which Atcheeswarar Temple is the most popular one. Other than that, Mazhai Malai Madha Church also attracts tourists:
Atcheeswarar Temple: The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is praised in the hymns of Saint Tirugnanasambandar. This is the 29th shrine in Thondai region praised in Thevaram hymns. This temple is almost 1000-2000 years old. It is believed that Arulmigu Aatcheeswarar Temple is associated with the legend of Tripurasamhaaram.
Mazhai Malai Madha Church: This church is visited by several Christians every year. During the severe drought of 1969, a car procession was organized for Mother Mary at the Acharapakkam hill and prayers were also offered. But the place was overpoured with rains before the procession. As a result of which, Mother Mary was named `Mazhai Malai Madha` by the locals.
Visiting Information to Acharapakkam
Acharapakkam is well connected with all modes of transport. Chennai International Airport and Walajabad Railway Station are the nearest to reach the town. It lies on the NH45. Tourists can reach this town from different parts of the state. Busses operated by TNSTC-VPM ply between Acharapakkam and major parts of the district. Both government and private buses are available for Acharapakkam. It is almost 96 km away from the city of Chennai.
