The quest for Amruta, the nectar of immortality, involved both the devas and the asuras who undertook the monumental task of churning the ocean of milk, referred to as Parkadal. Utilizing Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the churning rope, the process faced a significant challenge when Mount Mandara began to submerge under its own weight. In response to this crisis, Mahavishnu manifested as a turtle, known as Kurma, to provide the necessary support for the sinking mountain. According to the temple's historical accounts, Mahavishnu offered prayers to this deity, seeking the strength required to uphold the mountain. This sacred site subsequently became known as 'Tirukacchur,' named in honor of Mahavishnu's turtle form, or 'kachchapa' in Sanskrit. Additionally, Tirukachchur is referred to as Aadikachchapesam. The 'Sthala Purana' elaborates that devotees who worship Kachchapeshwarar during the auspicious time of 'pradosha,' after immersing themselves in the holy waters of 'koorma theertha,' will be granted wisdom, prosperity, and tranquility.
Tirukachchur is revered as the sacred site where God Shiva personally provided sustenance to the devoted Sundarar. Upon his arrival, Sundarar visited the temple to pray to Kachchapeshwarar. Exhausted and famished from his journey, he lay down in the temple. In a display of divine compassion, Shiva appeared as a beggar, gently awakening Sundarar and inviting him to sit. He presented a banana leaf, serving an array of food and water. Sundarar learned that the diverse rice dishes had been gathered as alms from various households, reflecting the community's effort to alleviate his hunger. Touched by the kindness of the stranger who had even begged for him, Sundarar later went to wash his hands in a pond. Upon his return, he discovered that the benevolent figure had vanished, revealing that it was indeed God Shiva, who is affectionately known as 'Virundu Itta Eeshwar,' or the Bestower of feast.
Temple Layout - The Shiva temple located in Tirukachchur is also referred to as 'Alakoil', with Kachchabeshwarar as its presiding deity. Commonly known as Thyagarajaswamy Tirukoil, this temple is recognized as one of the Paadal Petra Shivasthalam in Thondai Naadu, featuring a Sannidhi dedicated to Thyagarajaswamy. Unlike many other Shiva temples that boast towering gopurams, this east-facing temple lacks such adornments. Nearby, the Kurma Theertham, a large pond, is believed to have been formed by Mahavishnu during his Kurma incarnation. Adjacent to the pond lies a hall supported by 16 intricately sculpted pillars, where the poet-saint Sundarar is said to have rested due to fatigue and hunger.
The eastern gateway leads to an eastern prakaram housing the balipeetam, dwajasthambam and Nandi.
The sannidhi dedicated to Thyagarajaswamy is within the 'Nakshathra Mandap', a grand hall supported by 27 pillars representing the 27 star constellations located in the southern outer prakaram. Thyagaraja is revered as 'Ubaya Vidangar' who bestowed Mahavishnu with His divine cosmic dance. A sculpture of Mahavasihnu in His incarnation as 'Kurma', worshipping Shiva, can be seen in one of the 27 pillars.
The entrance to the sannidhi of the goddess Devi Anjanakshi is located to the south of the Nakshathra Mandap. Devi Anjanakshi is depicted with four celestial arms, exuding beauty. The sannidhi is encircled by a prakaram, which allows for the ritual of 'Pradakshina'. Access to the sannidhi of the main deity Kachchapeshwarar is provided through a doorway from another Mandap situated opposite Devi's sannidhi and is enclosed by a moat-like structure. Within the sannidhi, Kachchapeshwarar is represented as a 'Swayambhu Lingam'. The prakaram surrounding the sannidhi features the idols of the primary four nayanmars in its southeastern corner, while the sannidhi of Nataraja and Sivakami is positioned in the northeastern corner. The 'Goshta images' include Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Goddess Durga. The sannidhi of Muruga and Virundu Itta Eeshwarar is found in the northern outer prakaram, all oriented towards the east. Adjacent to Virundhu Itta Eeshwarar's sannidhi is a north-facing sannidhi dedicated to Sundarar.. This section of the prakaram also includes Bhairava, a deity esteemed for his protective attributes, symbolizing sanctity and divine power within this Shiva temple.
Saint poet Arunagirinathar sings the praise of Muruga at Tirukachchur in his Tirupugazh collection. Muruga stands mangnificent, full of grace, with His 4 divine hands and His consorts Valli, Deivanai.
The sacred tree of this temple, Banyan is associated with the star 'Magha'. Therefore, it is considered beneficial for those who are born in the star 'Magha' to worship the deity of this temple.
Alakoil, another temple located on a hill top is attached to Tirukachchur temple, and is approximately at a distance of 1 Km. The deity here is known as Marundeeshwarar and the female deity is known as Irul neekiya Ammai.
The pathikam composed by Sundarar is in 7th Tirumurai.
East side entrance
Outer corridor - South
Vedha Vinayaka
Muruga with His consorts, Valli and Deivaanai
Virundhitta Easwar shrine
Nataraja
Nakshathra Mandap
Stucco Sculpture
Mahavishnu as 'Kachchapa' worshipping Shiva
Kurma Theertham
Kurma - Mahavishnu