Temples of Chennai - Kalyana Anjaneyar Temple, Thailavaram, Chennai

``HOLD ON tight to the feet of Anjaneya Swami. He will help you,'' Guru Ramani Anna advised his ardent disciple Muralidasan who is also known as Amudhaji. The prophecy fructified two-fold, for till date not only Anjaneya Swami but also his wife Suvarchala takes care of this devotee. He, in turn, has built a temple for them on the outskirts of Chennai, in Thailavaram village, near Maraimalai Nagar on the Chennai - Tiruchi National Highway.

Yes, this God, who has always been portrayed as a staunch bachelor in ancient lore and even in the Adikavya — the Ramayana of Valmiki, is believed to have a wife. The propagators of this school of thought quote from ancient texts to substantiate their belief. A story pertaining to this is given in verses 8-14 in a Sanskrit text called the Parasara Samhita and unfolds as follows:


In the city of Kundeenam, lived a pious Brahmin called Dhvajadatta. Though well versed in the Vedas and other sacred lore he was poor. Unable to bear it any further and in search of divine help, he approached a rishi called Pushkara. The sage was an ardent devotee of Lord Anjaneya. Hence, as an infallible solution to Dhvajadatta's woes, he initiated him into the worship of Hanuman with a twelve-syllable mantra called the Suvarchala Hanumath Dvadashakshara mantra.


Dhvajadatta recited the mantra but there were two major flaws in the process. First, he did not meditate on his guru before reciting the mantra and second, he lacked an unquestionable faith so necessary in such spiritual exercises. Naturally the mantra was not efficacious and a dejected Dhvajadatta blamed the failure on his guru.


At this time, a tribal man plagued by illness approached Dhvajadatta and requested him for a remedy. Dhvajadatta, incourse of the conversation, related his own woes and warned him not to approach rishi Pushkara. But the tribal did just that and, on the advice of the rishi, recited the Suvarchala-Hanumath mantra with utmost faith. Soon he was cured of his disease.


This came as a blow to Dhvajadatta, who through a process of self-introspection realised his folly. He now resumed his spiritual practices with a firm faith in his guru and was blessed with a vision of Lord Anjaneya, along with his consort Suvarchala, seated on a camel.


A verse in a sloka called `Hanuman Mangalashtakam' depicts the Lord thus and runs as follows:


"`Suvarchalaa kalathraaya chaturbhuja dharaaya cha
Ushtraa roodhaya veeraya mangalam Sri Hanumathe.''


The meaning is: ``Salutations to Lord Hanuman, having four arms, accompanied by His consort Suvarchala Devi, seated on a camel and exhibiting extraordinary valour.''



The text further describes Suvarchala as the daughter of Sun-God, Surya, from whom Anjaneya learnt the Vedas.


Interestingly, it was this very sloka that caught the attention of Sri Muralidasan Swami during the course of his Anjaneya Upasana. When he set about finding the details of this little known description of the Lord, he was told that there was a temple in Ongole in Andhra Pradesh that had a shrine for nine forms of Anjaneya and one of them was Suvarchala Anjaneya.


Further, he was also given the additional information that, a temple for Goddess Kanyaka Parameswari at Masulipatnam also houses a sculpture of this form of the Lord. A visit to Ongole by Muralidasan Swami yielded more information on the Lord.


He brought out the details in a book titled `Nava Anjaneya Charitram' [the story of the nine forms of Anjaneya].

At the temple at Thailavaram, the moolavar is eight feet tall. The Lord holds the customary mace in his hand that he rests on his right shoulder. His left hand is placed on his hip. The utsava moorthi of Anjaneya is with his consort Suvarchala Devi. The Lord is depicted with four arms and is descriptively called Suvarchala Devi Sametha Chaturbhuja Subhamangala Varada Anjaneya Swami. This is a small temple but has an enormous bell about 32 feet high. The top portion of the bell, measures 18 feet with a flag at its mast. The 18 feet concept is said to stand for the 18 chapters of the `Bhagavad Gita.'



The bell called Ghanta Sthamba also functions as a sannidhi for Lord Rama with his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana. The utsava moorthi of this Lord blesses the devotees. The moola vigraham, housed deep inside the bell and not visible to the visitor, is made of Rosewood.


At the base of the bell are four small statues of Anjaneya, with hands folded.

This bell is said to represent the great Vaishnava Acharya, Swami Desika, who according to traditional accounts was an incarnation of the bell of the Tirumala temple.


In front of this sannidhi is a small niche that enshrines an idol of Lord Sundara Bhakta Anjaneya. It is this vigraha that was being worshipped by Sri Muralidasan Swami during his foray into spirituality.


This temple was consecrated on June 30, 1999, by Sri Ramani Anna Swamy who is also responsible for the famous Hanuman temple at Nanganallur with its 32 feet tall Anjaneya Swami.


But it was only in February 2004 that the utsava moorthi of Kalyana Anjaneya was consecrated by Sri Namananda Giri of the Sadguru Gnanananda Peetam. Interestingly, Hanumath Jayanthi, celebrated customarily throughout the South in December, is celebrated here in the Tamil month of Vaikasi [May 15-June 15]

Sri Muralidasan Swami holds, again on the basis of certain Sanskrit texts, that this is actually the month when Anjana Devi gave birth to Lord Anjaneya.


However, Margazhi Moolam can also be considered as His birthday as it was on this day that Hanuman recovered from the massive blow, given by Indra with his Vajrayudha [thunderbolt], when He went to capture the Sun.

Indeed this temple does afford us a fresh look at Hanuman in more ways than one.

[Courtesy:Hindu]

Temples of Chennai - Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple, Chennai

Thiruvidandai" [ திருவிடந்தை] is one of 108 Divya Desam.  It is near Chennai around 40 km. It is Varaha Kshetram. It is famous for marriages.

About the Temple:

The temple was built by Pallavas.  It is near Seashore. It has a large temple tank in front of the temple. It is quite an old temple. There is a separate shrine for Komalavalli Nachiyar. The Lord here stands on Adisesha and holds his consort on his left side. There is also separate shrine for Andal.   The Temple follows Thenacharya Sampradayam.

Legend

Sage Gavalaa Maharishi had 360 daughters. He was very much worried to get them married. He prayed to Lord Vishnu.  The Lord who resides here promised the sage that he would marry one daughter a day and married all the 360 in a year. So the Lord here is called as 'Nithya Kalyana Perumal'. It is also told that Lord then immediately converted all the daughters into one and kept on left lap. Hence the name is called "ThiruVidandai".

Sri Nithyakalyanar Mahatmeyam

Sage Markandeya  and King Mahabali had visited the kshetram. Even today many pilgrims come here and get the blessings of Lord Nithyakalyana Perumal. Those who wants to get married would be offering two garlands to Lord. After Puja, the priest would give one of the garlands. The person should wear that garland and do Pradakshinam. This is practiced, so that marriage would be fixed soon to the bhaktas.

Prasadam

Puliyodharai[Tamarind Rice], Dhadhyonam[Curd Rice], Pongal, Chakkarai Pongal, Vada, Adhirasam, Murukku are offered to Lord as Prasadam.

Darshan, Sevas and Festivals

The Annual Brahmotsavam will be conducted during Chittirai Month. Garuda Seva is held during the months of Aani, Aadi, Masi and Thai.

Composers

Thirumangai Alzhwar has sung is praise of Lord Nithyakalyana Perumal.The temple is more or less at least 1000 years old and it is believed to be built by Chola kings. The temple is not very huge but very beautiful.

Paasuram to be sung in praise of the Lord

Thulambadu Muruval Thozhi Yarkku Arulaal

Thunai Mulai Saanndhu Kondaniyaal

Kulambadu Kuvalaik Kanninai Yezhudhaal

Kolan Naan Malar Kuzhar Kaniyaal

Maal Ennum Maal Ina Mozhiyaal

Ilam Badiyi Vulak Kenni Naindhirunndhaay

Idavenndhai Yenndhai Piraane

Accomodation


There are many hotels at Chennai  and also bus facility available from Tiruvanmiyur  to Nithyakalyanar  Peruma Temple.

Temples of Chennai - Mundakanni Amman Temple, Chennai

முண்டகக்கண்ணி அம்மன்

ஓம் சக்தியே !  பராசக்தியே !

ஓம் சக்தியே !  ஆதிபராசக்தியே !

ஓம் சக்தியே !  மைலை அரசியே !

ஓம் சக்தியே ! ஓம் விநாயகா !

ஓம் சக்தியே ! ஓம் காமாட்சியே !

ஓம் சக்தியே !  ஓம் முண்டகக்கண்ணி அம்மையே !

Mundakanni Amman temple [முண்டகக்கண்ணி அம்மன்]  is situated towards the north side of Mylapore Kapaleeswarar temple and near to Madhava Permal Kovil.  The temple is about 1300 years old and still attracts many and people in mylapore and also from all corners of Chennai,  start their family occasion after performing special prayers to Mundakanni Amman.  Though the temple is small in size,  the miracles of the Amman are countless.  In the month of Aadi,  the temple is busy through out that month, as people, from far and near come to worship the Amman and to perform special prayers[rituals to Her. 

Mundakanni Amman is said to be a form of Saraswathi who blesses people to excel in thier fine arts.  Amman is also known to relive Naaga Dhosham, as the temple is the residing place of snake anthill along with banyan tree behind the sanctum sanctorum of amman, and it is belived and true to say,  that naagam[snake] still worships amman everyday. 

On entering the temple via the main entrance, make sure that you buy  a packet of milk and/or an egg for worshiping naagam and arali flowers which is the used for the worship of the amman.  Then once you enter the temple,you can worship amman,the statue is said to be  formed naturally- "swayambu"[not carved by man]the moolavar or the main deity resembles a lotus bud and beneath which you can see soolam engraved on it.  Above this you can see a silver roof with amman's face on it[donated by music director ilayaraja]. Abishegam is done to amman from morning till noon.  The main shrine [moolasthanam] is built  naturally with thatched roof as amman loves to be surrounded by nature and also to remain cool, so as to take all the pain within her, and thereby relieve those who come to her for cure from sickness, pain and hardship. 

View of Temple

Behind the main shrine is the banyan tree which is belived to be the place of the temple naagam and also have a separate sanidhi for naagam with the statue of snake in it.  People offer milk and eggs to the tree and the statue to get relived from naaga dhosam.  There is the separate sanidhi for temples uttsavar.  Next to this is the sanidhi of Sapthakannis. To the left side of the main shrine,  there are many statues of naagam and ammam which is installed here in the temple for get relived from the clutches of naaga dhosam. 

Nardhana Vinayagar, Murugar, Iiyappan, Hanuman, Raamalinga Adigal, Dhakshinamurthy along with Kasi Vishwanathar and Annapoorani have seperate Sanidhis here.

Gopuram of the Temple

Mundakanni Amman is considered to be a very  powerful God. In the temple,  Viboothi[collected from the ashes of cowdung] Kungumam, Manjal and Theertham is distributed as Prasadam for the all the devotees.  Theertham given here is belived to cure chickenpox and neem leaves from the sanidhi is used to cure the pustules caused by chickenpox.  Aadi masam[month] is considered to be the most auspicious month for worshiping the Amman. During this month, women from all corners of Chennai flock to this temple to cook and offer Sweet-Pongal to the Amman. 
The imporatnt festivals in the temple includes Aadipuram, chitra Pournami, New Year, Vijaya Dhasami and the last friday of thai masam [janurary-february] .  Women from all parts of Chennai participate in the festivities  were they carry 1008 milk pots or flower baskets to worship amman and pray for their well being.  Apart from these,  lighting deepaam in lemon using ghee as fuel and with cotton wick,distributing food to the poor will please amman and grant wishes for which people visit the temple

I am an ardent devotee of MundaKanni Amman and have been blessed by her in many ways.  I visit this temple almost every month or even more frequently, and it gives me a great sense of happiness and contentment to be in this temple and  to offer my prayers to the Amman.   

I personally can say that MundaKanni Amman is all powerful.  Do visit this sacred temple whenever you find time.

Temples of Chennai - Srinivasa Perumal Koil, Chennai

Mylapore also boasts of the Srinivasar Perumal temple near "Chitra Kulam" in Mylapore, Chennai, which is administered by the Vedantha Desikar Devasthanam [SVDD]. It is located just beside the Aadhi Kesava Perumal Temple, which has an imposing gopuram that can be seen from quite a distance.

The Srinivasa Perumal  temple has a history of over 350 years. A vigraha of Sri Vedanta Desika was brought from the adjacent Kesavaperumal temple and installed here. Since elders felt that the Acharya should not preside alone, a vigraha of Lakshmi Hayagriva modelled on the idol of the Mysore Parakala mutt was brought and installed. The Parakala mutt is also located in Mylapore [opposite road to Mylai railway station]. The shrine of the great teacher Vedantha Desika is the one that faces north and it is the first shrine one sees in the temple. Sri Vedantha Desika lived over 730 years ago in South India. He wrote erudite commentaries on Ramanuja's Sribhashyam, Gita Bhashyam and was a great exponent of Visishtadvaita.

Hayagriva was the "upasana daivam" of Vedantha Desika and therefore worshipping him here is considered doubly beneficial. He is said to have performed penance in Sivanasamudram on the banks of the Cauvery river for 10 years. He lived on this earth for 120 years, which is the prescribed lifespan of a human being according to ancient texts. He left behind five noted disciples [Jeers]. Apart from the sanctum dedicated to Alameluthayar , there are shrines to Lord Rama, Lord Narasimha and the Azhwars

Throughout the year, a number of festivals are celebrated in the temple. Srinivasa Perumal Brahmothsavam, Desikar Uthsavam, Pavithra Uthsavam, Sri Rama Navami are the more prominent ones.


This is a very ancient temple in Mylapore, Chennai - not to be missed!

Temples of Chennai - Sri Aadhi Kesava Temple,Chennai

Sri Aadhi kesava perumal temple located near to the Sri Vedantha Desikar temple, the temple is the abode of Sri Adhi Kesava Perumal with Mayuravalli thaayar, the temple is said to be the oldest amongst the temples in mylapore as the name suggests aadhi[earliest]kesava perumal apart from perumal his lovable disciple peyazhwar also worshiped here.

Aadhi Kesavan

Once Maha Vishnu mitigated the sufferings of Suryan who is also called Aadityan.  Since Kesavan blessed Aadhityan, he is called Aadhi Kesavan.  Aadhi means "first" in the world.  When Gajendra the elephant was caught by the crocodile, he shouted "Aadhi Moolame" and prayed to almightly to protect him.  Thus Aadhi Moolam refers to Aadhi Kesavan.

How Aadhi Kesavan found a place in "Mayurapuripatnam" now known as Mylapore:

Chandran is cursed:  A curse befell Chandran[Moon].  After roaming aimlessly, he came to Mylapore.  Maha Vishnu in order to bless Chandran asked at the holy rivers of India to confluence at Kairavani Pushkarini and help Chandran to get rid of his curse.

Chithrakulam - Sarva Theertham

The rivers obeyed Maha Vishnu and flowed to Kairavani Pushkarini.  Chandran has a holy dip at the holy waters and propitiated the Lord.  All the rivers requested the Lord to bless them and returned to their respective places.  Aadhi Kesavan requested all the rivers to stay back with him at Mayurapuram.  All the holy rivers blessed Chandran.  Thus the holy water is called "Sarva Theertham".  Since Chandran got rid of his curse,  it is called Chandra Pushkarini.  Over the years it came to be called "Chitra Pushkarini" but now it is called as "ChitraKulam".

Birth Place of Periazhwar

Peyazhwar is born in mylapore a few centuries back and showered immense love on perumal with his pasurams[poems]peyazhwar who incarnated on a lily flower in a tank near mylapore, azhwar is considered to be the sword of perumal.

Legend has it that there was a rivulet that connected Triplicane and Mylapore several centuries ago.  Since the origin of the river was at Kairavani Pushkarini, it came to be called Kairavani Neerodal.  The rivuletwas full of fragrant flowers like lilly and lotus.

The other end of the rivulet was another holy pond which is now the temple tank of Lord Parthasarathy which is also called Kairavani Pushkarini.

The temple faces east and adhi kesava perumal has a seperated sannidhi in standing posture perumal stays in the temple with four hands with sangu chakram in his hands offers abhayam[shelter]to his people and mayuravalli thayaar in a separate sannidhi mayuravalli[as mylapore was called as mayurapuri earlier] thayaar in sitting posture blesses people with wealth and health,chakarathazhwar with yoga narashimhar,aandal,anjaneya have separate sannidhis in the temple,the temple has a beautiful temple tank named chitrakulam[the important landmark for mylapore].The temple is preparing for navarathri celebrations for mayuravalli thayaar.

The temple is located near Sri Vedantha Desikar temple in Mylapore in Kesavaperumal street.  

This being a very ancient and beautiful temple, when in Chennai, do make a visit to Sri Kesava Perumal Koil. 

Temples of Chennai - Madhava Perumal Koil, Chennai

One of the most prominent among the Non Divya Desams is the Madhava Perumal Koil in Mayurapuri [now Mylapore] in the heart of Madras[now called Chennai. The temple that has a rich history attached to it is said to be at least 800 years old, though there are views that this temple may have existed around the time of the Azhvaars or just after.



In Brahmmaanda Puranam, under the section Mayurapuri Mahatmiyam, one finds reference to this place as ‘Madhavapuram’.


Another indication that this temple is really several centuries old is the four pillar mandapam in front of the temple, typical of some of the Pallava construction of that time. It can be seen that the most traditional and historical of temples, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, have the four pillared structure in front of the temple and such temples are said to be at least about 500-600 years old.


Lord Vishnu directed Veda Vyasa here as the best place for liberation from Kali Dosham in this Kali Yugam



A Prarthana Sthalam for unmarried people and childless couples



Legend

TWO ANCIENT temples dedicated to Lord Narayana with the two sacred names Madhava and Kesava are lying in the heart of Chennai in Mylapore.


According to Mayurapuri Mahadhmiyam in the Brahmandapuranam, when Sage Vyasa requested the Lord to show him the holiest of places where he could do penance, He pointed out to Madhavapuram [Mylapore]where Sage Bhrigu had earlier set up a hermitage and did penance.

It was very near the holy water source known as Santhana Pushkarani where all holy rivers merged on the Masi Makam day. Those who bathed in it on that day would get all their wishes fulfilled, the Lord said. To add to the holiness of the place was the fact that Peyazhwar, the last of the three saintly men hailed as "Mudhalazhwargal," was born in a 60-feet deep well known as Manikairavam, to the south-east of the temple, which exists to this day in Arundale Street, though in a neglected condition.

While the other two Azhwars lit the lamps with the help of earth, sea and sun [Poigaiyar] with love, eagerness and thought [Bhuthathar], Peyazhwar was able to see with the help of the lights lit by the other two, "Thiru" (Mahalakshmi) first and the Lord next. The temple of Madhava Perumal is said to be very ancient, though its history is traced back to only 800 years from now, according to available records. The temple faces east with a five-tier Rajagopuram at its entrance, which was renovated and consecrated 40 years ago. Two more Samprokshanams were performed in the last 40 years, once in 1977 and again in 1992. The presiding deity in the sanctum sanctorum is in a sitting posture along with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The Lord is hailed as Kalyana Madhavan as He married Goddess Amritavalli, who was born as Sage Bhrigu's daughter here.

The temple, according to legend, is situated in the place where the sage set up his ashram.

Though the Lord in similar posture in other places and is called "Paramapadanathan" holding the Sudarsana, Panchajanya and Gadhayutha in His three hands with the fourth one in "Abhaya Hastha" pose, the Lord's idol here has no Gadhayutha. The Utsavar [processional idol] is also called "Kalyana Madhavar" and He is in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi on either side. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Amritavalli to the right of the sanctum sanctorum and Her "Thirukkalyanam" with the Lord is celebrated on the Panguni Uthiram day.

PeyAzhvaar


One of the first three Azhvaars, PeyAzhvaar, was born in a street South East of the Madhava Perumal temple. Reference to this is found in the Brahammanda Puranam in the section relating to Mayurapuri Mahaatmiyam.

The name- Madhavapuram

It is believed that Lord Vishnu came here from his abode in Vaikuntam as Madhava Perumal to marry Amruthavalli Thaayar. Hence, this place came to be called Madhavapuram.

The temple which was supposedly in a dilapidated condition in the early part of last century is said to have been revived to its old glory by the Chettiars, about 50-60 years ago, who installed the Utsava deities that one sees today.

Prarthana Sthalam

Santhana Pushkarani, which is now found to the South of the temple was the sacred tank of Sage Brigu, who lived in the ashram here. The age old belief, as referred to in Mayurapuri Mahaatmiyam, is that couples who bathe here on the full moon day in the Tamil calendar month of Maasi (mid Feb-mid March) and who offer their prayers to Madhava Perumal and Amruthavalli Thaayar will be immediately blessed with children.



There is also a Prarthana Sthalam for unmarried people. Offering prayers to Lord Madhava Perumal who is seen in Kalyana Kolam is said to help one find his or her match immediately.


Andal


There is a separate shrine for Andal, but Her Utsava idol is kept in the Lord's sanctum sanctorum. Her Thiruppavai songs have been inscribed on the walls of the shrine. Very near the Paramapada Vasal is the Kodanda Ramar shrine where along with Him Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya are worshipped. The idol of Lord Bhuvaraha, with His consort sitting on His left lap in a separate shrine on the banks of the Pushkarani, is a thing of beauty to watch and worship forever.

The devotees consider Mundagakkanni [Lotus-eyed Goddess] Amman worshipped in a separate temple very near the Madhava Perumal temple as "Yoga Maya" who was born as the sister of the Lord during His incarnation as Krishna.

The Vimanam in the temple, like the one in Tirumala [Tirupati], is known as "Ananda Nilaya Vimanam." Rituals are performed according to the Vaikhanasa Agama. With the Kalyana Mandapam, Alankara Mandapam and "Palliyarai" the temple is an imposing structure in this part of the city.


Under the control of the HR and CE Department, it is well maintained. Festivals are held in almost every Tamil month, except Ani and Purattasi, with the Brahmotsavam being celebrated in Chithirai and Peyazhwar Avatara Utsavam in Aippasi.

In the Tamil calendar month of Aadi, Lord Madhava Perumal is seen in a sleeping posture on the lap of Andal- a special event at this temple.


Andal makes passing reference to Madhava Perumal in her Thiruppavai…


“Maamaan Magaley Manikathavum Thaazhthiravaai


……………..


Maamaayan Madhavan, Vaikuntan Enrenru
Naamam Palavum Navinrelorembaavaai” Another reference is in the last verse : Vanga kadal Kadaintha Madhavanai Kesavanai…..


Bhoo Varahar



On the western side of the temple is the Bhoo Varahar sannidhi. A special homam is performed in February every year ahead of the final exams of students…It is believed that Varahar helps student devotees come out successfully in their examinations.


One of the special features at the Madhava Perumal Koil is the 9 day festival during Panguni when Rama is brought to life with special decorations every day relating to different events/episodes in his life.

Temples of Chennai -Vadapalani Muruga Temple, Chennai

Vadapalani in Chennai is famous for its Murugan Temple. Vadapalani means “Northern Palani” and is one of the busiest areas in Chennai. It is very close to Koyambedu, T.Nagar, Anna Nagar, Guindy and Ashok Pillar in chennai.

The Vadapalani Murugan Temple was built about 125 years back and is one of the most frequented Lord Muruga temples in Tamil Nadu. This Murugar Temple is famous for its marriages and it is said that nearly 7,000 couples get married here, each year.



According to the Sthalapurana, one Murugan devotee by name Annaswami Tambiran built a small thatched hut with his limited means and kept a Murugan painting for his personal worship primarily. During his medication and worship, he used to experience some divine power entering his body and inspiring him to utter some mysterious things — whatever he said in his trance was found true. His utterance went by the name of arulvak and relieved people in several ways, like curing diseases and getting jobs, solemnizing marriages, etc. This is how Vadapalani became a very well know temple in Chennai, India.

The moolavar in this  Temple is in a standing posture and resembles the Palani Murugan in every respect. In the inner prakaram,  there are many niches housing Dakshinamurthi, Chandikeswar, Mahalakshmi, et al. It has a spacious hall used for conducting marriages and religious discourses. It is one of the most-frequented Murugan shrines in the city of Chennai.

The entrance to this temple is crowned with a rajagopuram adorned with several stucco images depicting legends from the Skanda puranam. In front of the temple is the temple tank. The eastern tower rises to a height of 40.8 metres. The 108 bharata natyam dance gestures can be seen on the eastern tower as well.

There is also a Shiva Temple besides the 100 feet road and the moolavar in this Temple is called Vangeeswarar. The entrance to this temple is also crowned with a big rajagopuram adorned with several stucco images.

The temple is well maintained by the people and Vadapalani is well connected by road and rail transport.  Kodambakkam is the nearest railway station and Vadapalani bus terminus has many buses which connect to different parts of the city and many buses ply  towards vadapalani from all parts of Chennai.

A beautiful Temple worth visiting while in Chennai.

Temples of Chennai - Sri Parthasarathy Temple

Sri Parthasarathy Temple is situated at Triplicane, Chennai,. the capital of Tamilnadu, India.

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE


A king by name Sumathi, showered his love toward the Balaji of Thirumala. But he wished to worship Balaji as Krishna. For the sake of him, Balaji Appeared in front of the king as Krishna, at this place in the pose which he stood in the Mahabharath war. At the end of that war he decided not to hold any weapons, so he appeared here only with a conche in his hand. hence this temple is known as parthasarathi temple


DIVINESS OF THE TEMPLE: The Moolavar of this sthalam is Venkata Krishnan. Along with Rukmani Piratiyar, he holds sword in one hand, Varadha Muthirai on the other hand and his brother Balaraman on his right, Sathaki on his left, son Prathyumnan, Grand son Aniruthan are also found near the Moolavar. This is one of the Sthalam where the Perumal shows his seva along with his three generations. He is found in standing [Nindra thirukkolam] position and facing his Thirumugham towards East direction.

The Parthasarathy temple in Chennai dedicated to Lord Krishna is perhaps one of the oldest temples in the city. Dating back to the 8th century BC, it was built by the Pallavas but was renovated by the Vijaynagar kings in the 16th century. The temple is renowned for its architecture and elaborate gopuram.


The Parthasarathy temple in Triplicane is spread over 1.5 acres. Sri Venkata Krishnaswamy is the presiding diety, with a conch in the right hand and the Gnana Mudra pointing to his holy feet. Another name for the diety is Geeta Charya.


According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was the charioteer for Arjuna during the Mahabharata war when he gave the Hindu holy book of Bhagavad Gita. Hence, the main deity, Sri Parthasarathy’s face is full of scars created by the arrows of the Great Bhishma in the Kurukshetra war. Other unusual things about this deity are that He is seen with a moustache and without his weapon Chakra. The reason attributed is that He promised not to take weapons in the Mahabharatha war and hence he has only his conch. As He was the charioteer He sported the moustache keeping with the tradition. The UTSAVAR (the procession deity, usually made of metal instead of stone) also has only a stick and not his mace as found with others. This is because the Lord was born in a cowherd clan.

Among the 12 alwars [the great saints in Vaishnavite tradition] three of them namely Peyalwar, Thirumazhisai alwar and Thirumangai alwar have sung about the deities of this temple


The temple also has a separate shrine for Sri Ranganatha reposing on the Adi Sesha. The other images in the temple are those of Sri Narasimha and Sri Varaha. The tank of this famous temple is called Karavei. This ancient temple finds reference in ancient Vaishnavite works of Alwar saints. It is one of the 108 sacred centers of the Vaishnavites.

Vaikunta Ekadashi is celebrated in a grand scale by the recital of the 4000 poems known as the 'Tamil Vedam', in praise of the Lord. Brhamotsavam is also celebrated in a grand manner every year, There are special prayers on Saturdays in the month of Purattasi.


This is a must-see Temple in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Temples of Chennai - Kalikambal Temple, Chennai

The Kalikambal Temple Gopuram

The Kalikambal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Kalikambal [Kamakshi] and Kamateswarar.  The temple is located in Thambu Chetty Street, George Town area , which is a prominent financial centre of Chennai, India.

History

The temple was originally located closer to the sea shore, and was relocated to the current site at 1640 AD . The great Maratha  ruler Shivaji  had worshipped in this temple during October, 1667. It is believed that a fierce form of Goddess was held in worship earlier and that this form was replaced with the shanta swaroopa form of Kamakshi.

I frequent this temple whenever I get the time and it definitely gives one lot of satisfaction especially after having had a good darshan of Goddess Kalikambal.  

Temples of Chennai - Mallikeswarar Temple, Chennai

Mallikeswarar Temple is located at the Lingi Chetty Street of George Town area. 

Located at the heart of  Seethakathi Nagar, the temple is 700 years old. Once this temple was completely buried under the ground and the temple Kalasam just showed up during a digging. On further digging, the complete temple came into light and now the temple is present 2 meters below the ground level. When the temple was uncovered, fresh jasmine flowers were found on the Shivalingam and so the deity is called Mallikeswarar. Goddess is considered to bless devotees with boons. The temple Gopuram is very artistic and attracts foreigners. All the Navagrahs are present with their respective vahanas. Aswametha and Neem tree are grown together as a single tree. During the first Sunday of Chithirai month, 63 Nayanmars festival is being conducted in a big way, during which many thevara groups sing thevarams together as in the famous Thyagaraja Aradhanai at Thiruvaiyaru.


A temple not to be missed while in Chennai and the George Town area.