Kachabeswarar Temple,
Thirukachur – History
The
Temple is believed to be built in 7th century CE as the
temple finds mention in the Devaram hymns of Sundarar and was completely
reconstructed in granite by Cholas. The
Temple was extensively renovated by Vijayanagara Kings and Nayak rulers. Thirukachur
is mentioned as Aadhi
Kanchi in Kanchi Puranam. It is also called as Aadhi
Kachabesam and Aala
Koil.
There are several inscriptions
in this
temple belonged to the reigns of Kulothunga Chola I, Rajathiraja Chola II,
Rajaraja Chola II, Kulothunga Chola III, Maravarman Sundara Pandya, Jadavarman
Sundara Pandya, Maravarman Veera Pandya and Vijayanagara Kings Viruppanna
Udaiyar & Saluva Narasinga Rayar. The inscriptions records the gifts &
grants made to this
temple and renovation activities carried out in this
temple.
Lord Shiva was called as Thiru
Aalakoil Udayar and the place was called as Jayamkonda Chozha Mandalathu
Kalathur Kottathu Chengundra Nattu Thirukachur and Nitha Vinotha Nallur as per
the inscriptions in this
temple. The
temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and
Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.