Acharapakkam

Acharapakkam is a panchayat town in the Chengalpattu district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its ancient Shiva temple, namely Aksheeswaraswamy Temple which is one of the Tevaram temples. Acharapakkam is about 96km south-west from Chennai, which is now included with the Chennai Metropolitan Area limits. Aksheeswaraswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located near Acharapakkam, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is praised in the hymns of Saint Tirugnanasambandar. This is the 29th shrine in the Thondai region praised in Thevaram hymns. This temple is around 1000–2000 years old. It is believed that Aksheeswaraswamy Temple is associated with the legend of Tripurasura (related to the legend associated with Tiruvatikai Veerattaanam). Legends state that when Lord Shiva was travelling in his chariot to destroy the Tripurasura, 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 the Ganges River's banks for construction of a dam on a local river nearby 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, which means "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 become very popular with people of all faiths and has become a tourist attraction. For Christian devotees, walking up the stairs, which leads to the top of a small hillock is considered a 'must-do' activity.