Acharapakkam | |
|---|---|
Town | |
.JPG) Acharapakkam hill along NH45 | |
  Acharapakkam Location in Tamil Nadu, India | |
| Coordinates: 12°23′45″N 79°48′33″E / 12.3959°N 79.8091°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District | Chengalpattu |
| Metro | Chennai |
| Population (2016) | |
• Total | 30,000 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Tamil |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 603301 |
| Telephone code | 91-44 |
| Vehicle registration | TN-19 |
Acharapakkam is a panchayat town in Chengalpattu district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its ancient Shiva temple, namely Aatcheeswara swamy Temple which is one of the Devaram temples. Acharapakkam town is about 96 km south-west from Chennai city, which is now included with the Chennai Metropolitan Area limits. Aatcheeswarar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located near Acharapakkam, Tamil Nadu, and India. The temple is praised in the hymns of Saint Tirugnanasambandar. This is the 29th shrine in Thondai region praised in Thevaram hymns. This temple is around 1000–2000 years old. It is believed that Arulmigu Aatcheeswarar Temple is associated with the legend of Tripurasamhaaram (related to that at Tiruvatikai Veerattaanam). Legends state that when Lord Shiva was travelling in his chariot to destroy the Tripurams, the axle of the chariot broke in this village into two pieces. Lord Shiva recollected that he didn't pray to Lord Ganesha before setting out for travel.
It is also said that a Pandya King, who was on his way to bring soil from river Ganga's banks for construction of a dam on a local river nearby this place happened to pass through this village in his chariot. While passing, the axle of his chariot is also said to have broken in this very village in to two pieces.
Hence the name of this village came to being as Achu Iru Paagam Meaning- "Axle into two pieces" Later this name eventually became Achirupakkam and then to Acharapakkam.
The town is also famous for the Mazhai Malai Madha Church, which is visited by thousands of Christians every year. The church is popular with people of other faiths too. According to locals, in 1969, as severe drought prevailed in the region, a car procession was organised for Mother Mary at the Acharapakkam hill and prayers were offered. But astonishingly, even before the car procession ended, the place saw a heavy downpour, with thunder and lightning. Mother Mary was honored by locals as 'Mazhai Malai Madha' (Mountain Rain Mary) and a grotto was built at the place. The shrine we see today is built at the same spot.
The church has of late become very popular with people of all faiths and has become a tourist attraction. For Christian devotees, a walk up the stairs leading to the top of a small hillock is considered a 'must-do' activity.