Aksheeswaraswamy Temple located in Acharapakkam in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a Hindu temple situated in the vicinity of the village of Acharapakkam. The temple finds its mention in the hymns of Tirugnana Sambandar.

Legend of Aksheeswaraswamy Temple
According to a legend the powerful demons Tarakan, Kamalatchan and Vithvan Mali constructed several palaces of gold, silver and iron respectively. Upon gaining power the asuras began tormenting the gods in heaven. Thus, the devas worshipped Lord Shiva for help. The Lord pleased with their devotion appeared before them. He personified the ground as the base, the sky as the roof, the four Vedas as horses, Surya and Chandra as the wheels, Vasuki as the string, Thirumal as the arrow and Merumalai as the bow. Lord Brahma served as the charioteer. However, Lord Vinayaka grew angry for not being entrusted with any job. Hence out of rage he destroyed the caster bolt of the chariot. Lord Shiva later appointed him in the war to fight against the asuras. The demons were soon defeated in the battle. As the achu also known as caster bolt was shattered into pieces i.e. pakkam the region has been named as Achirupakkam.

Excavations of Aksheeswaraswamy Temple
Several excavations have been carried out in the temple that led to the discovery of imitated amphorae. These are ancient jars with two handles and a narrow neck mostly used to hold oil or wine. The amphorae were used in Tamil Nadu during the 6th -7th century chiefly in Thondai mandalam. During the reign of the Pallava Dynasty and Sangama Dynasty Thondai mandalam had developed into an important political centre.

Aksheeswaraswamy Temple is well connected by different modes of transport. Acharapakkam is situated on the Trichy-Chennai National Highway (NH45). The town is at a distance of almost 10 kms from Maduranthakam.

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