Temples

within
Chennai
City

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 As the famous Tamil poetess

AUVAYYAR
says in Her Legendary presentation of cluster of hymns

“Kovil illatha ooril kudi irukkathe”

Please don’t reside in a place where there is no temple. The
Statement of our forefathers is sacrosanct because the temple indicates
that the community is graced by the presence of God and that its Citizens
form a moral community. A Community identifies and is identified by
others with its temples. It has been our ancient endavour to lead a pious
life with full dedication to the services of the Lord.

Sri Paramacharya of Kanchi Mutt has repeatedly called devotees and

stressed the importance of taking care of old temples - which requires
enormous power of men and money - instead of constructing new temples
in cities. As you may be aware, there are thousands of temples in
dilapidated condition and requires constant maintenance work to be
undertaken.

There are many shiva lingas of ancient temples found under trees
and also while digging. In ancient times, these lingas were 'Moolavars' of
temples built by several kings. After conquests and devastations by foreign
invaders, Indian temples were destructed and the sacred deities were
thrown away and many were broken. The left out deities are found later. Of
them, some are unidentified.

Those who attempt to construct temples for gods are freed from the
sins of a thousand births. Those who think of building a temple in their
minds are freed from the sins of a hundred births. Those who contribute to
the cause of a temple are bestowed with divine virtues and blessings.

Contributing to the renovation of Shiva Temples derive immense

benefits according to Thirunelveli Sthala Purana. This holy book further
adds that as small as a brick's contribution will earn the Punyam of
welcome by Shiva Ganas when we reach there.

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 Navagraha Temples
in Chennai
SURYAN - Kolapakkam Agastheeswarar Temple

CHANDRAN - Somangalam Somanaadeshwarar Temple

SEVVAI - Poonamallee Vaitheeswaran Temple

BUDHAN - Kovur Sundreswarar / Thirumeyneeswarar temple

GURU - Porur Ramanaadeshwarar Temple

SUKRAN - Mangadu Velliswarar Temple

SANI - Pozhichalur Agastheeswarar Temple

RAHU - Kundrathur Thirunageshwarar Temple

KETHU - Gerugambakkam Neelakanteswar Temple

( Details of the above mentioned Chennai Navagraha temples are given )

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 PANCHABHOOTHA STHALAMS IN CHENNAI

There are Panchaboodha Sthalam equivalents in Chennai at the heart of the city
which are considered very powerful and they are:

1) Kalahasthi temple at Pavalakara (Coral Merchant) street, near Mallikeswarar

temple, Mannady representing AIR

2) Arunachaleswara temple near Lakshmi Amman Koil stop in Thiruvotriyur

bus route representing FIRE. ( There is one more Arunachaleswarar temple at
the end of .Palliappan street in George town ).

3) Gangadareswarar Temple, Purasawalkam representing WATER

4) Chidambaranatha (Nataraja) temple in Choolai representing SKY near

Choolai Post Office

AND

5) Ekambareswara Koil at Mint representing EARTH

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 Temples
Temples within
within Chennai
Chennai City
City
Listed below are many of the ancient temples within
Listed below are many of the ancient temples within
Chennai city that have great legendary significances. A few
Chennai city that have great legendary significances. A few
popular modern day temples are also listed alongside.
popular modern day temples are also listed alongside.

Broadway ( Parry’s Corner / Flower Bazaar )

SRI CHENNA MALLEESWARAR TEMPLE AND
SRI CHENNA KESAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE
The temple is located between DevarajaMudali street on the east, NSC Bose Road
on the North, Nainiappa Naicken street on the west and Rasappa Chetty street on the
South.

This is one of the three temples that were popular even before the arrival of the
British. This Shiva-Vaishnav twin temple was initially located near St George fort but the
British demolished it to expand their army. Due to the public outcry, the temple was then
shifted to the Devaraja Mudali street. In the process, the Vigraha of this Perumal temple
got mixed up with the 4 idols of the Thiruneermalai Perumal temple and the idol of
Thiruneermalai temple was brought here by a mistaken identity but remains here since
then. There will always be a good fragrance of jasmine at the Malleeswarar temple. All
the 63 Nayanmars are present in a separate shrine.

SRI KANDASWAMY TEMPLE OR KANDAKOTTAM SRI

MUTHUKUMARA SWAMY TEMPLE
This temple is located at the Rasappa Chetty Street. When Mari Chettiar and
Kandappa Achari were going to Thirupporur Murugan temple by walk, they rested at a
place and a dream came to both of them simultaneously that there is a Murugan idol
below the earth there. The idol was unearthed, brought here and a temple was built during
1670s. The main deity here is Thirupporur Kandaswamy and the Urchava idol is
Muthukumara Swamy. Inside the temple, the ‘Saravana Poihai’ temple tank is present
and surprisingly the water is at the same level as when the temple was built many
hundred years ago, in spite of being located in the city’s densest commercial place.

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SRI EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE
This 500 year old temple is located at the Thangasalai street (Mint street),
Parktown and is one of the three temples that were popular even before the arrival of
the British. A big, beautiful and well maintained temple with a temple tank (with water
as well). In almost all the (ancient) temple tanks in this area, it is quite heartening to
see water in spite of being in the densest commercial place. JJ’s water harvesting
has paid off??.

The temple is considered equivalent to Kanchi Ekambareswarar temple, one of

Pancha bootha sthalangal representing land. Lingams of all the other Panchabootha
sthalams (Kalahasthi, Thiruvannamalai, Thiruvanaikaval and Chidambaram) and all the
63 Nayanmars are also present.

There are 300 years old Ashwatha Tree and Kallala tree and there is a lingam
shrine under the Ashwatha tree, the speciality of which being that people can do pooja to
the lingam themselves. In a single sculpture, Panchamuha Vinayahar is on one side and
Murugar is on the other side with a five headed Snake.

The Navagraha shrine here is considered one of the most sacred shrines
in the city.

CHINNAKADAI SRI MARIAMMAN OR

RENUKA PARAMESWARI TEMPLE
Located at the NSC Bose road in the Mint street junction at Sowcarpet, the highlights
of this tiny temple being:

 More than 200 years old, artistically done temple

 In the sanctum sanctorum, the goddess is present in two forms – as Seethala Devi
in full human form and as Renuka Parameswari with her whole body below the
earth and only the head above the earth.
 Kasi Viswanathar in linga form along with Kasi Visalakshi is also present.
 Camphor burns always in front of the temple – It is believed that the Goddess
gives dharshan in the form of light (deepam). It is believed that lighting camphor
in front of the temple during the Brahma Muhurtham (4:30 AM to 5:30 AM) will
get one’s wish fulfilled within 11 days.
 The steps to the ambal shrine are very powerful since the Goddess was initially
present here and later shifted backwards to accommodate more crowd.
 During Fridays, the temple will be kept open till 12 midnight
 Worshipped by Vallalar and Vivekanandhar
 Hanging a garland of a lemon with 7 green chillies at house entrance after the
pooja here will remove all the dhrishties and bad vibrations.

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BAIRAHI MADAM SRI PRASANNA VENKATESA PERUMAL
TEMPLE
This beautiful and cleanly maintained temple is located at the NSC Bose road,
near the Waltax road and Kumarakottam. Thirupathi Venkatesa perumal appeared in the
dream of a devotee to build a temple here so that he can be present here for him in order
to avoid the difficulty of coming all the way to Thirupathi. It will be surprising for the
South Indians to see the Perumal in a strange (but beautiful) dressing .

The highlight of the temple being that three important Perumals – Sriranganathar,
Venkatesa Perumal and Kanchi Varadharaja Perumal – are all present here. Also
Lakshmi Narasimhar, Puri Jagannathar, Kannabiran and Varahamoorthy are present.
Here also a clean temple tank with water as well (in the month of Jan).

KUMARAKOTTAM SRI SUBRAMANYA SWAMY TEMPLE

Located at the NSC Bose Road, the Subramanyar here was worshipped
by Sage Agasthiar. Though this is a Murugan temple, Lord Shiva as Arunachaleswarar
with Abitha Kuchalambal and Sarabeswarar are also present. The Rahukala
(4:30 PM to 6:00 PM) Sarabeswara Pooja during every Sunday is very special here.

SRI VENUGOPALA KRISHNA SWAMY TEMPLE

Located at Pavalakara Street, Muthialupet, 1 km north of Broadway bus stand,
this is a many hundred years old temple and is the only ancient Krishnan temple within
Chennai city. Srinivasa Perumal and Ramar shrines are also present. Thirumazhisai
Azhwar stayed here for many years and has done Mangalasasanam.

SRI MARAHATHAMBAL SAMETHA

SRI MALLIKESWARAR TEMPLE
Located at the Lingi Chetty Street 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 Navagrahas 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.

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SRI KALIKAMBAL TEMPLE
The temple is located at Thambu Chetty Street. Chennai city was once called
Chennamman Kuppam in the name of Goddess Chennaman and later Chenna pattinam.
The Kali of the erstwhile Chennamman Kuppam is today’s Kalikambal. The temple was
once located inside the St George fort and later shifted here during the British regime.
The temple has the sanctity of the two Pancha bootha Sthalams – Kanchipuram and
Thiruvannamalai.

At the foot of the Goddess is present the Arthameru installed by Aadhi Shankarar.
Kamadeswarar is present in a separate shrine. Many sages Vyasar, Parasar, Agasthiar,
Ankiresar, Pulasthiar and Varunan and Celestial Gods Indhran, Guberan and Viswakarma
worshipped Kalikambal. It is said that Guberan got all his wealth only after worshipping
Kalikambal here

Chathrabathi Sivaji worshipped Kalikambal in 1677. Bharathiar used to worship

Kalikambal while working in Suthesamithran magazine and his verse ‘Yathumahi Ninral
Kali’ was sung on Kalikambal only. The famous TMS’s song ‘Ullam Uruhuthaiya’ was
sung for the first time here only, in 1952 by Sri Andavan Pichai.

SRI KACHABESWARAR TEMPLE

The temple was built in 1720s and is located at Aranmanaikaran street. Thalavai
Chettiar used to go to Kancheepuram to worship the Kachabeswarar there and on one
such trip, he was held up due to heavy rain. But on return, he found all his works were
completed properly and so he built this temple.

The main deity is Shivalingam present on a 5 tier base, the bottom most being
Mahavishnu as Tortoise (Kachabam). Mahavishnu worshipped Shiva in the form of
Tortoise during the churning of Parkadal (Milky Ocean). Behind the lingam is present the
Sadhasivam idol – Shiva with five heads in human form (make sure you have a dharshan
of Him by requesting a Deepa Aradhanai since He is not visible normally). The
Somaskanda moorthy here is said to as sacred as that of Thiruvannamalai. Polla pillaiyar,
created without using sharp tools, is seen here. 63 Nayanmars are present in a beautiful
exclusive mandapam.

SRI VASAVI KANNIHA PARAMESWARI TEMPLE

Located at the Aadhiappa Naickan street this temple has a rich legend. The legend
has it that along with Kanniha Parameswari, Vaisya couples from 102 Gothrams took
firebath and attained salvation. The names of these 102 couples have been inscribed in
the temple. Vasavi Kanniha Parameswari’s janma sthalam is Benukonda which is about
400 kms from Chennai but one can worship the same Goddess here at Chennai.

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SRI KASI VISWANATHAR TEMPLE
This 200 years old temple is present in the George Town Mint street. The temple
owes its existence to the Tawkers, a clan which though of Gujarati origin, had moved
South and made Trichy its base in the 1700s. In fact most members used T as their initial
thereby establishing their connection with the historic town of the Rock Fort. The most
famous among the Tawkwers was of course TR Tawker who later moved to Madras and
had a Henry Irwin designed showroom on Mount Road. This branch of the Tawkers
became insolvent in the 1920s. Those who were responsible for the temple were however
of a collateral branch and an inscription on a granite slab let into the doorway of the
temple mentions the name of Viswanatha Tawker. It was however two women of the
family who really were the prime-movers and this was around 200 years ago.

Ramkor Bai and Ratna Bai were sisters who were either directly descended from
or married into the Tawker line. They were wealthy in their own right and according to
family legend, at one time had even lent money to the East India Company for financing
its cloth trade. They had been on a pilgrimage to Varanasi and brought back with them
two Shiva lingas. One was enshrined at the Motta Utara on Mint Street, the larger of the
two congregational centres for the Khedawal community of Gujaratis in Madras. The
sisters planned to consecrate the second linga on land owned by them at Ayyanavaram. A
vast expanse was demarcated and the shrine was duly built complete with a modest
tower, a courtyard, some sub-shrines and a sanctum with two shrines in it, one for Kasi
Viswanatha and the other for his consort Visalakshi. A tank was excavated across the
road. It is said that the sisters had planned to build a companion shrine for Vishnu as
well, probably on the lines of the Chenna Kesava and Chenna Malleeswara Temple of
George Town but a burglar made off with the money earmarked for the second project
and so that never materialised.

The Tawker line that built the temple died out over time and the administration
passed on to the Dagat family and from them it came to the Daveys. They take care of the
well-being of the shrine and the Choultry.

An interesting tale has persisted in the family. Apparently the money loaned to the
East India Company was never returned and the Government of Madras continued
paying interest on it till independence and this was in turn passed on to the temple
administration. Post-independence however the payment was stopped and the hereditary
trustees took the matter to court. The judgement was in their favour and the principal
was returned

SRI ARUNACHALESWARAR TEMPLE

This 250 years old temple is present in the George Town Palliappan street. This
temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva in this temple is famous by the name
Arunachaleswarar.

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SRI KALAHASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT MANNADY
This is another Shiva temple. Here the Lord is famous by the name Sri
Kalahastheeswarar. This temple is located near Mallikeswarar Temple at Pavalakara
(Coral merchant) street.

SRI ANGALLAMMAN TEMPLE AT CHOOLAI

This is a very popular, ancient and very big temple. There is a big temple tank as
well. The Goddess is very powerful and people throng the temple on auspicious
occasions and during mid-night poojas on Amavasai. Recently the temple is given a new
look with the constructions of Gopuram.

Triplicane
SRI PARTHASARATHY TEMPLE (DIVYA DESAM)
This is one of the 108 Divya desams. The name of the place came from the term –
Allikkeni, meaning the temple tank of Alli flowers called Kairavinisaras. Per Legend,
Thiruvengadamudayan gave dharshan as Krishnan to Chola king Sumathirajan per his
request and so the deity is called Venkatakrishnan and the vigraha was installed by
Attreya maharishi. The main deity is in the form of charioteer and so has a big moustache
and the whole family of Krishnar – consort Rukmani, elder brother Balaramar, younger
brother Satyaki, son Pradhyumna and grandson Anirudha are present in main shrine
which can not be seen anywhere else. Since Krishnar promised not to take any weapons
in His hands during the Mahabharatha war, He is seen here with Sangu only (without the
Chakra). The Utsava vigraham bears scars supposed to be from the arrows of Bheeshmar,
when he was the charioteer to Arjuna in the Mahabharatha war.

The special significance of the temple being that the perumals of the 5 divya
desams – Thirupathi Venkatesa Perumal, Srirangam Ranganathar, Kancheepuram
Varadarajar, Ahobilam Narasimhar and Ayodhi Ramar – are present in separate shrines.
As a rarity there are two dwajasthambams one for Sri Parathasarathy and the other for Sri
Narasimhar. Also during Brahmosthavams, the temple car will run twice.

Ramanujar’s father Aasuri Kesavacharyar conducted an yagna here and got

Ramanujar as his son. Thyagarajar, Muthuswamy Dhikshithar and Bharathiar lived here.
Viveknandhar also visited this temple. ‘Bharathiar Illam’ where Bharathiar lived is very
nearby and all Bharathiar songs on Krishnar are based only on this deity.

Just as a historical fact, he fell ill and died after this temple elephant hit him.

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SRI RAGHAVENDHRA MUTT, TRIPLICANE
Sri Raghavendra Swami was one of the great proponents of the Madhva
philosophy. He is hailed as an avatara of Sri Prahladarajar, and he chose his Brindavan at
Mantralaya on the banks of the Tungabhadra. Devotees worship him in form of
Brindavans installed in many places and one such is at Triplicane, very near the
Triplicane Sri Parthasarathi temple

SRI THIRUVETTEESWARAN TEMPLE,

THIRUVETTEESWARANPET
This temple at Thiruvetteeswaranpet (part of Triplicane) is a 500 years old
temple. When the forest in this area was cleared off to expand the Nawab’s Chepak
palace, the axe fell on a Shivalinga by mistake and blood oozed out. This temple was then
built. Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi are also present.

Mylapore
Sapthasthana Temples of Shiva : There are seven Sapthasthana (Saptha
meaning seven) temples for Shiva in Mylapore worshipped by the Saptha rishis – Adri,
Brigu, Kutsa, Vashishta, Gautama, Kasyapa and Angirasa. Originally they were all part
of a single temple but in due course they have become separate temples. It is highly
powerful to worship all the seven deities in a single trip.

1. KapaleeswararTemple Worshipped bySage Kasyapar, this is the most popular of

the Sapthasthana temples. This is one of the 275 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams;
out of these, this is one of the 40 temples that have west facing Shiva shrines. The
original temple was located near the sea but got submerged in the sea and the
current temple was built around 350 years back. Parvathi Devi worshipped Shiva
here in the form of Peacock. The 63 Nayanmar festival is highly popular.

2. Sri Velleeswarar Temple Worshipped by Sage Angeerasa, this temple is located

at the South Mada street very close to the Kapaleeswarar temple. The legend has
it that Asura Guru Sukracharyar worshipped Shiva here in order to regain his
vision.

3. Sri Valiswarar Temple Worshipped by Sage Gautama, this 2000 years old
temple is located at Gopathy Narayana Chetty Street opposite to Kolavizhiamman
Temple. Vali got all his powers after his tapas towards Easwaran here. Pancha
lingams came out from the earth as seen in a separate shrine which is an
appropriate place for meditation. There are shrines for Vinayahar, Natarajar,
Goddess Sivahami, Murugar with Valli and Deivanai, Chandeeswar, Anjaneyar,
Vishnu, Durgai, and Ayyappan. Navagrahas with their respective vahanas and

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 Saneeswarar separately are present in different shrines. In the Southwest of the
outer praharam, a lizard has been carved out to indicate that this is a Parihara
sthalam.

4. Sri Theerthapaleeswarar Temple Worshipped by Sage Adri, this temple is

located in the Dr.Natesan street of Krishnapet, Triplicane Mirsahib market area
opposite to mosque. The temple has significance that when the seven deities of
the Sapthasthana temples take bath in the sea during the Theerthavari festival in
the tamil month of Masi, this deity takes the first place. Sage Agasthiar
worshipped Shiva here.

5. Sri Karaneeswarar Temple Worshipped by Sage Vasishta, this 12th century

temple is located in the Bazaar street of Karaneeswararpet. The Shivalingam here
is in square shape as seen in only Thirukkadaiyur and Kalahasthi. Since Shiva is
the ‘reason’ for everything, He is called Karaneeswarar (Karanam in Tamil means
reason).

6. Sri Virupaksheeswarar TempleWorshipped by Sage Kutsa, this is the oldest

temple of Mylapore and is near Karaneeswara temple and Mundakkanni Amman
temple. Sivanesan Chettiar, who built this temple, had a daughter called
Poompavai and when she died, Thirugnana Sambandhar brought her back from
her burnt bones. ‘Viroopam’ means ‘Contradicting the Nature’ and since Shiva’s
third eye contradicts the nature, He is called Virupaksheeswarar.

7. Sri Malleeswarar Temple Worshipped by Sage Brigu, this temple is located near
the Karaneeswara temple. This was once a forest of Jasmines and so the Easwaran
here is called Malleeswarar. Prarthan, King of Ayodhya, was in tapas and
conducted a Yagna here towards Shiva. Indhran tried to sabotage his tapas but
could not. In praise of the intensity of his tapas, Shiva appeared before him along
with his consort. Neem and Aswatha trees are grown together as a single tree.

SRI MADHAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE

Located to the east of Sanskrit College and north of Kapaleeswarar temple it is
very near the Mundakkanni amman temple. The temple is amazingly clean, aesthetically
painted, well lit and very well maintained. Peyazhwar was born near this temple and
worshipped Madhava Perumal daily. Also Thirumazhisai Azhwar was enlightened by
Madhava Perumal. The legend has it that Goddess Sridevi was brought up in Bruhu
Maharishi Ashram here and Madhava Perumal married her. The temple tank Sandhana
Pushkarani here is the erstwhile pond of Bruhu Maharishi’s Ashram.

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SRI VEERABHATHRAR TEMPLE
According to Hindu mythology, Veerabhadra is a tiny God, who was born out of
Lord Shiva's wrath to destroy Daksh. In all ancient South Indian Shiva temples, you can
find the idol of Veerabhadra. However, it is very rare to find the temples with
Veerabhadra as the main deity. There is one such rare temple dedicated to Veerabhadra in
Mylapore area of Chennai in South India.

Veerabhadra temple in Mylapore of Chennai is an old temple located near the

famous Madhava Perumal temple. Although the temple is small, there is a huge number
of idols found in this temple. The main shrine has the main deity Veerabhadra. The
dhwajastambha and Nandi idol are located in front of the main shrine. On either sides of
the main shrine, you can find small shrines of Bala Vinayak and Subramanya. There is a
small prakara (corridor) surrounding the main shrine. The goddess of the temple is
Abayambikai who is present in a separate shrine near the main shrine

SRI MUNDAKAKKANNI AMMAN TEMPLE

Located at about half a kilometer north of Kapaleeswarar Temple and at a few
hundred meters to the east of Sanskrit College, this is a very popular and powerful
Amman temple. Amman is a Swayambu putru. Presiding deity - Mundakakkanni
Amman. Amman is seen as Sarawathi ( The goddess of education) and this place is also
known to relieve naga dosham of the worshipping devotees.

THIRUVALLUVAR TEMPLE
Located very near to the Mundakakkanni amman temple, this is the birthplace of
Thiruvalluvar and little known even to the locals. A more than 2000 years old Iluppai tree
under which Thiruvalluvar is said to have born got damaged in 1935 and the base of the
tree is being protected with a cover. There is a famous incident in Thiruvalluvar-Vasuki
life in which, while Vasuki was fetching water in a pot from a well, Thiruvalluvar called
her and she went leaving the pot as it was but incidentally the pot remained half way as it
was. This historical well can be seen here.

Ekambareswarar and Kamatchi are the main deities along with Vinayahar,
Murugar, Navagrahas and Saneeswarar shrines. The Ekambareswarar shrine is
considered as the birth place of Thiruvalluvar by some researchers and as the Samadhi by
others.

While Thiruvalluvar is considered as the Tamil God, it is surprising that his

original birth place is being maintained so poorly. What’s the point in installing a 133
feet Thiruvalluvar statue at Kanyakumari keeping this place so badly? How many Tamils
know that there is a temple for Thiruvalluvar right at the heart of the city? This being a
temple is the only reason for this neglect by both the Dravidian parties?

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SRI KOLAVIZHI AMMAN TEMPLE
Located at Gopathy Narayana Chetty Street opposite to Valiswarar temple and to
the east of Mundakkanni Amman Temple, this is a 1000 years old temple. It is said that a
British lost his vision after photographing the Firewalk festival and regained his vision
only after worshipping this Goddess.

SRI APPARSWAMIGAL TEMPLE

Opposite to Sanskrit college, the temple of Apparswamigal is located. In the 19th
century AD, there was a saint named Appar Swamigal in Chennai. After he died in 1851,
his disciple Chidambara Swamigal built a tomb (samadi) and also installed a Shiv Linga
on the samadi. In 1853, the temple was built with this Shiv Linga as the main deity.
(Please note that this Appar Swamigal is a different saint - not Appar, the one among
63 nayanmars).

The main deity is Viswanath in the form of a big Shiv Linga. The corridor
(prakara) surrounding the main shrine has the stucco images of Ganesha,
Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Durga, Brahma and Chandikeswarar. There is a separate shrine
for the Goddess of the temple, Vishalakshi (a very big idol). In the open corridor, the
shrine of Needi Vinayakar is found - there are three idols of Ganesha in one row. It is
believed that these deities solve the legal problems. There is a shrine for Jaya
Subramanya along with his consorts Valli and Devasena.

The temple also houses the following idols:

1) Sekkizhar

2) Navagraha

3) Thayumanavar

4) Nalvar (4 main devotees of Shiva)

5) Bhairav

6) Apparswamigal (on whose tomb this temple is built)

7) Natraj-Sivakami along with a lot of bronze idols

8) Saneeswarar

9) Jaya Ganesh

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THANNEER THURAI ANJANEYA SWAMI TEMPLE
This popular temple is located opposite to the Appar Swamigal Temple and next
to the Sanskrit College / vegetable market. The Bhagawan Anjaneya Swamy of this
temple is unique in many ways. Many scholars like Brahma Shri Anantharama
Deekshithar, Shri Kripanantha Wariyar had given discourses on Ramayana at the Sanskrit
College nearby this temple. Bhagawan Anjaneya Swami who is present wherever
Ramanama is spelled, had heard the Ramayana from the temple itself. This Anjaneya
Swami had seen more Ramabhakthas emerging after these discourses.

Legend

It is said that the trading community of Mysore known as "Shettys" left their
home town around 300 years ago due to torture met out by Yousuf Khan. They had come
down to Chennai and settled down in Mylapore where potters' were having their kiln and
the area was known as Kayapettai or Kosapettai. They had established the
"Hanumantharaya" shilapam which they had brought with them from Mysore here in
Koyapettai. In the course of time, this trading community had merged with the trading
community of Tamil Nadu and had acquired the identity as "Chettiars".

The temple was small and one could have dharshan of Bhagwan Anjaneya Swami
from the main road itself. In the recent past Rajagopuram had been built and the temple
had been enlarged with the active participation of devotees and management. It is said
that on January first of every year the offer of Vada Malai to Bhagawan is likely to cross
five hundred in number.

It is believed that by offering Vada Malai to Bhagawan Anjaneya Swami of this

kshethra the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled as He is vanchithaya pradhanan.

SRI ADHIKESAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE

This is one of the oldest temples of Mylapore. As a contrast to the Madhava
Perumal Temple, this is being maintained poorly. Adi Kesava Perumal Temple is
constructed in honour of Keshava or Lord Vishnu, a principal God in the Hindu pantheon
and the "Savior" in the Hindu trinity. The temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu
accompanied by his celestial consort Goddess Lakshmi. It has sannathis for the thayar
mayuravalli, chakkarathazhvar,sri andal, sri rama, & anjaneya. It is the avathara sthalam
(birthplace) of peyazhvar & has a separate sannithi for the azhvar.

During the bhramotsavam the utsavar goes in a procession accompanied by

sridevi & bhudevi in the mada streets and also gives us the chance to see the theppam
festival in the centuries old kulam (tank). Every Friday vilva archana takes place for the
thayar and the thayar goes in a small procession inside the temple. Every year the
parthasarathy perumal comes to the kesava perumal temple & and kesavaperumal too
goes to triplicane along with peyazhvar.

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NAVASAKTHI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE
This is another temple of Mylapore which attracts large no of devotees. This
temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Lord Vinayaka is worshiped before every new
activity starts. Even before the puja of any god, Ganesha is worshipped. It is belived that
he can remove any obstacle and hardships from the life of the people who worship him.
This temple is located right at the Luz Corner.

SRI VEDHANTHA DESIKAR TEMPLE

This is located very near the Adhikesava Perumal temple. Initially there was only
Vedhantha Desikar shrine but later Srinivasa Perumal shrine also came in. Mylapore also
boasts of the Srinivasar temple near "Chitra Kulam" in Mylapore, which is administered
by the Vedantha Desikar Devasthanam (SVDD)]. It is located just beside the Adi Kesava
Perumal Temple, which has an imposing gopuram that can be seen from quite a distance.

The Srinivasa 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 830 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.

VEERA ANJANEYAR TEMPLE

This is a highly popular temple which is more than 200 years old. The Luz
Anjaneya temple was constructed by Salivahana Chettiars from Mysore who migrated
and settled down in Mylapore in the 18th century. With land granted by the Nawab of the
Carnatic, the Chettiars constructed two Vinayaga temples. While digging a well, they

16
found the self-manifested idol of the Hindu god Hanuman. As a result, they constructed a
Hanuman temple on the spot. A shrine to the Hindu god Rama was constructed within the
complex in 1954. The temple celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2000.

SRI RAMAKRISHNA MUTT TEMPLE

Mother Sharadha Devi stayed here for a month in 1910. The specialty of the
temple being that it has the combined architectural styles of Buddha, Jaina and South
Indian Temples. There is a big and beautiful prayer hall where Sri Ramakrishnar’s life
size marble idol is present and is being decorated very neatly and beautifully.

It is a pleasure to sit there for a meditation during the evening Aarthi. The bhajans
set in vibrations that can not be explained by words. It could also be an enchanting
experience if one sits in the outer praharam amidst the garden (a nice sound system is
there) especially with family and relatives.

A beautiful place for a peaceful evening – Experience it!

Just by the side, the old temple is also present.

SHIRIDI SAIBABA TEMPLE

The Sai Baba temple is situated at Mylapore, known as all india Sai Baba Samraj.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shirdi Sai. This temple was built to coinmomerate the
memory of Shirdi Sai Baba. This saint born in Shirdi as a Hindu was brought by a
muslim Fakir (Devotee) and became an exponent of Sufism.

He too performed “Sithu” (Miracles) like his mentor. Part of the jothi (Flame) lit
by him in Shirdi is here as well. The temple also has shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna
and Lord Ram, the two incarnations of Vishnu. This is a well-maintained modern
religious center of Hindus.

Devotees throng the temple on Thursday, the special day for Sai Baba, following
the preaching and bhajans of Bhagwan Shirdi Sai, in the heart of the city of Chennai. On
Sundays Agni Pooja is performed.

SRI GNANASUNDARA VINAYAHAR TEMPLE

This is a 400 years old popular temple. Located at the junction of the St Marry’s
Road and Ramakrishna Math Road,

Legend :

The main deity here was once lying along other stones at the Dharga in
Ramakrishna Math road. When Arcot Nawab was going through this route, his horse was

17
tied to this stone but the horse got the ‘Valippu’. When the horse was untied, it came
back to normalcy but when it was tied again to the stone, it got the ‘Valippu’ again. They
then identified the stone as the Vinayahar idol and this temple was built.

Raja Annamalaipuram
SRI AYYAPPAN TEMPLE
Located at Foreshoreestate in Greenways road, near Chettinad Vidhyashram
School, the temple was constructed by the Chettinad family and opened in 1982. This
stone temple with the sacred 18 steps is built in the same style as the original Sabarimala
Ayyappan Temple and very well maintained. Unlike Sabarimala, this temple is open
throughout the year but the sacred ‘18 steps’ is opened only during the Mandala pooja as
in Sabarimala and devotees can offer ‘Irumudi Kaanikkai’. During the Mandala Pooja,
‘Irumudi Neyyabishekam’ is performed to the Moolavar for 35 days and Brahmotsavam
(main festival) is celebrated for 6 days.

The temple has all sub-shrines as in Sabarimala for Sri Maha Ganapathi, Sri
Nagaraja, Sri Maligaipurathu Amman (Manja Matha), and other “Parivara Devatas”.

Adayar
SRI ANANTHA PADMANABHA SWAMY TEMPLE AT
GANDHI NAGAR
While coming from Guindy/ Saidapet, at the Adayar LB Road over bridge
junction, take a left turn just before Malar Hospital and the temple is located at about 100
meters from there. This is a very well maintained temple. The sanctum sanctorum is well
illumined and the Perumal in the Anantha Sayana posture is very beautiful indeed. The
speciality of the temple being that the archagars here are Shaivaites and it is strange to
see a perumal temple with Shaiva archagars, a perfect example of a Shaiva-Vaishnava
unison. The temple is connected with Kanchi mutt (?).

MADHYA KAILASH SRI ANANDHA VINAYAKAR TEMPLE

AT TARAMANI
The temple is located exactly at the start of the IT Highway, now called Rajiv
Gandhi road at the junction of Sardar Patel Road with IT Highway at Taramani. While
coming from Guindy/ Saidapet, you have to turn right at the junction immediately after
the IIT over bridge.

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 When the Regional Labour Institute was constructed n 1970s, a Vinayahar came
up as Swayambu and it was worshipped at a platform temple. Later, upon blessings and
guidance from Kanchi Periyavar, this temple was built with Anandha Vinayahar as the
main deity with all the Arupadai Murugans inside the Anandha Vinayahar shrine.

There are some rare shrines in this temple:

 Called Adhyantha Prabhu, a combination of Anjaneyar on the left side and

Vinayahar on the right side like Arthanareeswarar. This can not be seen anywhere
else.
 Adhithyan (Sun God) in a ratham with 7 horses like Konark Sun God Temple.
 Sage Suha Brahma is present as a Koshta God

The name Madhya Kaliash came from the fact that the temple is situated between
North Kailash (Kasi) and South Kailash (Rameswaram) to conduct the poojas for pithrus
(ancestors). Everyday after 12 noon pithru poojas are being conducted with Anandha
Vinayahar as the Kartha. Parameswarar and Adhithyan shrines are present only for the
Pithru poojas.

The other shrines are Abirami, Anjaneyar, Mahavishnu, and Navagrahas. All the
33 idols of this temple were done through Thirupathi Devasthanam.

SRI PERIYAPALAYATHAMMAN TEMPLE

This Amman temple is located just opposite Adayar Bus Depot at L.B.Road. The
diety of this temple famous by the name Periyapalayathamman.

Besant Nagar
SRI VARA SIDDHI VINAYAHAR TEMPLE AT
BESANT NAGAR
The Varasiddhi Vinayakar Temple in Besant Nagar, Chennai, India is a famous
Hindu temple, located near the beach in Besant Nagar. It is dedicated to the Hindu
elephant god Vinayaka or Ganesha. The temple participates in activities such as feeding
the poor and holds poojas frequently.

The first Kumbabhishekam of the temple after extension activity was held in
April, 1979 before which the idol was being workshiped at a site opposite to the present
site of the temple, within the CPWD Quarters compound. In fact, in the sanctum
sanctorum, we see the idol of Valampuri Varasiddhi Vinayakar with Consort Siddhi held
at His left. Over this idol, we see a small Ganesh Idol. This was the original idol that was
being worshipped at the original site. Subsequent developments took place rapidly, like,

19
construction of an auditorium behind the praharam on the eastern side and Goshala. The
Temple conducts music program during Vinayakar Chathurthi time in this auditorium,
which is also permitted for the conduct of musical / cultural programs by other
organizations. Located just opposite the Besant Nagar Bus Depot, the specialty of the
temple being that Ganapathy Homam is being conducted everyday.., yes, everyday.

SRI RATHNAGIREESWARAR TEMPLE AT BESANT NAGAR

This is a popular and very active Shiva temple at Besant Nagar. In the main
Besant Nagar M.G.Road, while traveling towards Elliots Beach, take a left turn
immediately after the RBI Quarters. Way back in the year 1968, a group of devotees
decided to find a place of worship in the residential colony of Besant Nagar and formed
an Assiociation for this purpose. His Holiness Sri Abhinava Vidya Theertha Maha
Swamigal of Sri Sringeri Sarada Peetam who was camping in Madras at that time, was
drequested to perform the Bhoomi Pooja for the proposed temple on the sacred
Vijayadasami day in 1968.

Thereafter, the dedicated devotees formed themselves into an organised body and
BHAKTHA MANDALI was born. This was later registered under the Societies
Registration Act and became a registered Society.

Sri Rathnagiriswarar Temple wholly owned and managed by The Managing

Committee of Bhaktha Mandali (Regd) is a famous Siva Temple in South Chennai. As
foretold by His Holiness Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Maha Swamigal of Kanchi
Kamakoti Peetam, the presiding deity of this temple, Sri Rathnagiriswarar was found at
the seashore off Thiruvanmiyur Coast and installed in its present sanctum sanctrum on
the 7th day of March, 1970. His Holiness Maha Swamigal ordained that the Sivalingam
be placed on a miniature mountain and named "Sri Rathnagiriswarar". His Holiness also
directed that a Ambal vigraham be made similar to the one at Ayyarmalai in Kulithalai
and and named it "Sri Aralakesi". Since then, the temple has grown in size with separate
sannadhis for Maha Ganapathy, Sri Rathnasubramania Swamy, Sri Kothandaramar, Sri
Adi Sankara Bhagadvadpatha, Sri Anjaneyar, Navagrahams, besides goshta devadas - Sri
Mangala Durga, Brahma, Vishnu, Dakshinamurthy, Narthana Ganapathy and Sri
Chandikeswarar. The temple also has separate sannidhis for Nalvars and Sri Nataraja.

SRI ASHTALAKSHMI TEMPLE AT BESANT NAGAR

The Ashta Lakshmi Kovil, built in 1974, is the first shrine dedicated exclusively
to the Ashta Lakshmi where Lakshmi is given greater importance than Vishnu. This is a
very popular temple located right on the beach shore. The main deity here is 7 feet high
Mahavishnu with Mahalakshmi. It has shrines for all the 8 Lakshmi Goddesses and is
built based on the architecture of the Uthiramerur Perumal temple. Lakshmi shrines are
located in the 2 tiers of the vimanam of the main Perumal shrine and is constructed
in such a way that you will not come on top of any of the deities below while going over
the 2 tiers.

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 The Ashta Lakshmi are all depicted seated on a lotus.

 Adi Lakshmi : Four-armed, carries a lotus and a white flag, other two arms in
Abhaya mudra and varada mudra.
 Aishwarya Lakshmi : Four-armed, in white garments, carries two lotuses, other
two arms in abhaya mudra and varada mudra.
 Dhana Lakshmi : Six-armed, in red garments, carries chakra (discus), shankha
(conch), kalasha (water pitcher with mango leaves and a coconut on it) or Amrita
kumbha (a pitcher containing Amrita - elixir of life), bow-arrow, a lotus and an
arm in abhaya mudra with gold coins falling from it.
 Dhanya Lakshmi : Eight-armed, in green garments, carries two lotuses, gada
(mace), paddy crop, sugarcane, bananas, other two hands in abhaya mudra and
varada mudra.
 Gaja Lakshmi : Four-armed, in red garments, carries two lotuses, other two arms
in abhaya mudra and varada mudra, surrounded by two elephants bathing her with
water pots.
 Santana Lakshmi : Six-armed, carries two kalashas (water pitcher with mango
leaves and a coconut on it), sword, shield, a child on her lap, a hand in abhaya
mudra and the other holding the child. The child holds a lotus.
 Veera Lakshmi : Eight-armed, in red garments, carries chakra, shankh, bow,
arrow, trishul (or sword), a bundle of palm leaf scriptures, other two hands in
abhaya mudra and varada mudra.
 Vijaya Lakshmi : Eight-armed, in red garments, carries chakra, shankh, sword,
shield, lotus, pasha, other two hands in abhaya mudra and varada mudra.

Location:

In the main Besant Nagar M.G.Road, while going towards Elliots Beach/
Velankanni church, just before the church, take the right turn to enter the Kalakshetra
Colony (there is one Kalakshetra ‘Road’ at Thiruvanmiyur which is different). Go
straight upto a Police booth and then take a left turn to reach the temple.

ARUPADAIVEEDU MURUGAN TEMPLE AT

BESANT NAGAR
This new stone temple has shrines for all the six Padai veedu of Lord Muruga in
the same direction as the original temples. The land for this was donated by MGR during
his regime but the temple was built years later by NRI Chettiars. This popular temple can
be seen in many films and serials.

This temple is located near the Ashtalakshmi Temple. After entering the
Kalakshetra Colony main road (Tiger Varadhachari Road), go straight till the T junction
at the very end of the road and then turn left to reach the temple.

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 Thiruvanmiyur
SRI PAMBAN SWAMIGAL MADAM
The Samadhi of Sri Pamban Swamigal is located very near to the entrance of
Kalakshetra, the popular Bharthnatya School at Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar. The
full moon day celebration all through the night is very special. The Pamban Swamigal
Temple is dedicated to Sri Pamban Swamigal. The samadhi of Sri Pamban Swamigal is
inside this temple. The temple complex also has a temple of Sri Murugan.

SRI MARUNDEESWARAR TEMPLE

Significance:

One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; 7th Century temple.

Main deity:

Swayambu linga known as Marundeeswarar with Goddess Thripura Sundari in separate

shrines.

Location:

In close proximity to the Thiruvanmiyur Bus Depot at the start of the ECR.

Names of the main deity:

 Sage Valmiki worshipped Shiva and hence called Vanmeeki nadhar.

 Kamadenu worshipped and so He is known as Palvanna nadhar.
 Sage Agasthiyar worshipped and was preached the science of Oushadha muligi
(herbs). So He is called as Oushadeeswarar and Marundeeswarar.
 Devas worshipped and so He is known as Vedapureeswarar

Legend:

 Since Sage Valmiki (vanmiki) worshipped here, the place is called Thiruvanmiyur
 Lord Shiva gave dharshan to Markandeyar under the Vanni Tree
 Moon God got his curse cleared off
 Ramar, on his way to Lanka worshipped Shiva
 Sage Brinki (in whose name Paranki Malai has come up) worshipped Shiva
 Shiva danced before Sage Valmiki during Panguni full moon day
 Lord Marundeeswarar taught Sage Agasthiar on the science of Herbs

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Temple: The main deity is a Swayambu lingam about 1 foot high and is present in a
slightly slanting position. Kamadehnu worshipped the lingam here and the foot marks of
Kamadhenu can be seen at the lingam. Srichakra is there in front of Goddess. No
Navagrahas are present since the Navagraha worship came into practice only after 10th
century during the Chola period. Lord Muruga is seen with right leg on peacock and bow
in his hand. Arunagirinadhar sang thirupugazh on Murugan of this place.

Sthala Vruksham: Vanni.

Theertham: There are 5 theerthams – Janma nasini, Kama nasini, Papa nasini, Gyana
dhayini & Moksha nasini which are from the jada mudi of Lord Shiva.

East Coast Road ( E.C.R. )

SHIRIDI SAI BABA TEMPLE AT INJAMBAKKAM
Take the left after Prathana drive-in theatre to reach the temple. It is
approximately 8.5 kms from Adyar. The temple itself is very big and is in a calm, clean,
breezy and peaceful place. In this temple built by Shri Shridi Saibaba spiritual and
charitable trust almost all the deities are installed. particularly Vallabha Ganapathy with
ten arms. The Tri Murthy Brahma Vishnu and Siva statutes are also here besides that of
Thattariya, Lingam, Parvathi, Durga etc.

This is the first temple out of 108 built on the initiatives taken by the Guruji of
Delhi temple and the IPS officer C.P. Satpathy. To get their vows fulfilled people tie a
yellow chord in the Kalpatharoo tree here. Feeding of the poor takes place every Sunday
and Thursday.

Founder : Guruji C.B. Satpathy This temple is 17 years old (constructed in March
1993).Saipuram Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is situated at Injambakkam, in a lavish seven
acres of pristine land facing the Bay of Bengal, on the outskirts of Chennai. Known as the
Shirdi (the place where Sri Sai Baba lived) of the South, the temple complex has a
number of buildings and temples. The majestic view of the seashore from the temple is a
memorable experience.

The Aarathi is performed at 5.30 am to 8.45 p.m.

PURI JAGANNATH TEMPLE AT KANNATHUR

An exact replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple is located on ECR just about 100
meters before Mayajal. In the bazaar area of Kannathur, turn left (East) towards sea and
go further for about 200 meters to reach the temple. For those who have not been to Puri,
this is a boon to see Jagannathar in the same style as Puri at their doorstep. As a very
calm locality near the sea and a neatly maintained temple this is a beautiful place to visit.

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 Old Mahabalipuram Road (I.T. Highway)
SRI AAZHIKANDEESWARAR SHIVA TEMPLE AT
THORAIPAKKAM
This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva is famous by the name
Aazhikandeeswarar.

SRI SRINIVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT SEMMENCHERY

Sri Srinivasa temple at Semmenchery was constructed during the Pallava era.
This temple is constructed in the 3rd century AD.

THIRUNAVALEESWARAR TEMPLE AT NAVALUR

About 35 years back the villagers found a Lingam at the present spot while
digging. As per the advise of MahaPeriyava, the temple was then built. Since the Lingam
was found in Navalur – He named Him as Navaleeswarar. Subsequently Akilandeswari
Amman sannidhi, Vinayagar & Murugar Shrines were added. Recently Ayyapan
Shrine in typical Kerala style was built. There is also a huge kolam in front of Shivan
sannidhi. Prodhosham is celebrated in a big way here.

THRISAKTHI AMMAN TEMPLE AT

THALAMBUR (NAVALUR)
A new temple for Godesses Shri Gnanasaraswathi, Shri Mookambika, and Shri
Lakshmi and a beautiful one.

The presiding deities of THRISAKTHI AMMAN TEMPLE are SARASWATHI,

MOOKAMBIKA, and LAKSHMI. SARASWATHI IS GNANA SAKTHI, the goddess
of wisdom; MOOKAMBIKA IS KRIYA SAKTHI, the goddess of valour; and
LAKSHMI IS ICHA SAKTHI, the goddess of wealth. The three goddess thus represent
the three-fold objects of human pursuits.

HISTORY : About twenty five years back, there lived in kottivakkam area one
Mr. Nanu lyer. He was then 84 years of age and a staunch devotee of lord Ayyappa
Dr. Krishnankutty used to go along with him to sabarimala temple. A group of people
under the leadership of Mr.lyer was doing some social service also. This group in which
Dr. krishnankutty was a member had an irresistible desire to establish a temple for
MOOKAMBIKA, JWALAMBIKA, and KANYAKUMARI AMMAN at kottivakkam.
Plans and estimates for the temples building were also prepared. Unfortunately, on the
sudden demise of Mr. nanu lyer, the scheme was given up. The desire to build the temple,
however, lingered in the heart of Dr. KrishnankuttyAbout five years back,

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Dr. Krishnankutty had another experience. Three girls dressed in silk pavada with three
serpents and a white lion by their side used to appear in his dreams continuously. He
approached his Guruji, sri-la-sri Ayappa swamigal of Thiruverkadu for enlightenment on
the implication of the dreams. When Guruji asked him whether he had any idea
previously to build a temple for goddesses and give it up later, Dr. krishnankutty
disclosed to guruji about the scheme drawn up under the leadership of Mr.Nanu lyer
years back. Swamigal thereupon advised him to institute steps to implement the scheme.
This advice prompted him to build a THRISAKTHI AMMAN TEMPLE and by the grace
of Almighty, he was able to complete the work without accepting any donation from any
outside. He is privileged to feel proud of this marvelous achievement.

OTTEESWARAR TEMPLE AT OTTIAMPAKKAM

Mangalambigai sametha sri Otteeswarar swamy koil - Possibly the biggest lingam
of Chennai city; Goddess Mangalambihai.

MANIKANDESWARAN SHIVA TEMPLE AT PADUR

An ancient Shiva temple built by Vikrama Chola. More than 1100 years old;
manikanadasuvaran – old name is manisuvaramudaiyar : Padur - old name is anavaratha
sunthra nallur.

MURUGESWARAR TEMPLE AT THAIYUR

This is an ancient Chola Temple. This temple is approximately 25 kms. from
Tambaram Railway Station. Thaiyur is 19 kms far from its District Main City
Kanchipuram

SRI SENGANMADALEESWARAR TEMPLE, THAIYUR

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here the main diety is Sri
Senganmadaleeswarar. Thaiyur village is located 25 kms. away from Tambaram and is
in Kancheepuram District.

SRI BRIHANNAAYAGI SAMETHA SRI

CHENGANMAALEESWARAR TEMPLE AT
CHENGANMAAL
An ancient Chola temple. Chenganmaal village lies about 40 kms from Chennai
on the OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road), just 2 kms before Thirupporur.

The main deity is Sri Chenganmaaleeswarar along with Goddess Sri

Brihannaayagi.

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 In Thamizh, Chenganmaal denotes the name of Lord Vishnu. It is said that Lord
Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here and hence the deity got the name,
Chenganmaaleeswarar and the village, Chenganmaal. It is also said that, as this temple
was built by an ancient Chozha king called Ko Chengannan (who built
Thiruvaanikkaaval temple); this place got its name after the king Chengannan

Temple legend has it that Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here offering 1008
lotus flowers. He was praying Lord Shiva with utmost devotion. Lord Shiva made a trick
and made one flower vanish from 1008 lotuses. When Lord Vishnu was about to offer the
last flower, He was shocked to see that there was no more flowers. Lord Vishnu
immediately owed Himself as the last flower to complete the Pooja.

This temple is believed to have been built during 12th century. This temple does
not have a Rajagopuram. The Lord here is facing east. Goddess Sri Brihannaayagi is
beautiful and is facing south.

MURUGAR TEMPLE AT THIRUPPORUR

Significance: Ancient Shiva temple known for Subrayamanya swamy.

Location: In the Old Mahabalipuram Road (IT Highway), between Kelambakkam and
Mahabalipuram, 36 km from Adayar. There is also link from Chenglepat and
Guduvancheri. 25 km from chengalpet.

Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Vanmeega nadhar and Swayambu Subramanyar
with Valli & Deivanai.

Legend: Vishnu to overcome the curse of Sage Kanva worshipped Shiva here and was
blessed. Subramanya fought with demons and preached gyana (knowledge) in this place.

Sthala Vruksham: Vanni.

Theertham: Saravana poigai.

Velachery
SRI DHANDEESWARAR TEMPLE AT VELACHERI
The temple is located in the Rajbhavan-Vijayanagar Bus stand road, about half a
km from the Vijayanagar Bus stand. Yaman does not have separate temples and the
temples that remove one’s death fears are only a few like Thirukkadaiyur, Thirupainjeeli
near Trichy, Srivanchiyam and Thiruvaihavur apart from the Velacheri Dhandeeswarar
Temple.

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 Velacheri was once called Vedasreni, the temple of Vedas, the sacred place for
veda padasalas. This was also called Sathurmangalam – Sathur means four. All the four
Vedas worshipped Dhandeeswarar here and were cleared off the dhosham that was got
while being caught by the demons. It is said that Yama was in tapas here for 3000 years
and got blessed. Since Lord Shiva snatched the Dhandam of Yama, the deity here is
called Dhandeeswarar. The main deity is a Swayambu lingam. Worshipping here
removes one’s death fears.

YOGA NARASIMHAR TEMPLE AT VELACHERI

This temple is located very near the Dhandeeswarar temple. The Lord here is
in a sitting posture facing the West which is considered rare.

Velachery was known as Vedashreni (meaning "Abode of Vedas") and

Vedanarayanapuram during the Chola period. Eventually, the Tamil word VEL that
represents King or the Leader that also denotes Lord Sri Narasimha Swami was used to
denote this place along with the Tamil word CHERI which literally means a place where
people gather and hence Velachery (the people who gathered to worship Lord Sri Yoga
Narasimha Swamy). Besides the Presence of Lord Sri Yoga Narasimhar Swamy's
temple,there is also a Shivaalyam or Shiva Temple,as soon as one enter its Garbha Gruha
or the Sanctum Sanatorium one can see the inscriptions in the walls of the temple dating
back to the 12th century. As it proves to be the name Velachery has been evolved from
the Sacred word Vedashreni. Though the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha (half-
lion-half-man) lasted only for a short period, it is one of the three important avatars, the
other two being Ramavatara and Krishnavatara.

Saint Nammazhwar, in his Thiruvoimozhi, says Lord Vishnu emerged from a

pillar in the form of Narasimha when the demon-king, Hiranyakasipu, asked his son
Prahlada, an ardent devotee, whether his God could appear anywhere and at any time.
The child said yes and Lord Vishnu proved Prahlada's words true, killed the demon-king
and saved the world.

The nine Narasimha forms are Jwala Narasimha, Ahobila Narasimha, Malola
Narasimha, Krodha Narasimha, Kaaranja Narasimha, Bhargava Narasimha, Yoga
Narasimha, Chatravada Narasimha and Pavana Narasimha. He is also worshipped as
Lakshmi Narasimha, when seated with his consort on his lap. There are many temples
dedicated to these forms, but the most common are shrines of Yoga Narasimha or
Lakshmi Narasimha. He is seen here as `Yoga Narasimha', with four hands and in a
sitting posture facing the western direction, which is rare.

The Goddess Amirthbalavalli (the same name with which she is worshipped at
Ahobilam) is housed in a separate shrine in the main prakaram (precinct). The utsavar
(processional deity) is Bhaktavatsala Perumal flanked by Sridevi and Bhoodevi. But the
place gets its name from Lord Vedanarayana Perumal, who is enshrined in the
manimandapam of the temple. He is seen standing, facing west with the `Prayoga Chakra'
(the holy disc) ready to leave his hand to slay the evil-doer. This is also a rare position.

27
 Lord Devanatha in Chettypunnyam at Singaperumalkoil, near Chengalpattu is
also in a similar position.

PAPATHI KARUMARIYAMMAN TEMPLE

Located at Dr.Ambedkar Nagar in West Velachery, the diety of this temple is
named as Papathi Karumariyamman.

MUTHUMARIAMMAN TEMPLE
This Amman temple is located at Dr.Ambedkar Nagar in West Velachery, the
main diety being Muthumariamman.

Pallikaranai
SRI LAKSHMI NARAYANAR TEMPLE AT PALLIKARANAI
This is a 800 years old Chola temple. The main deity Sri Narasimhar is seen
embracing Goddess Lakshmi who is sitting on his lap.

Temple Features - Sri Lakshminarayanar, Sri Srinivasar, Sri Ramar, Sri Anjaneyar, Sri
Ramanujar, Sri Manavalamaamuni are the main gods of the temple. Temple poojas are
done by panchrathra agamam.Yearly utsavas, monthly utsavas are conducted by the
temple management and devotees.

Temple Timings - Morning 07:30 AM to 10:00 AM & Evening 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM.

SRI AADHIPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, PALLIKARANAI

This Temple is on the Velachery-Tambaram main road itself near the Pallikaranai
Bus Stop. This temple is a Pariharasthalam for Rahu / Kethu Doshams .

Meaning : The entire universe emerged from the single letter “Aum". The two letter word
'Hreem' denotes Sakthi Pranavam. The delight emerging from this is not experienced by
many. At the end of the three seed letters, 'lym', 'Gleem', ‘Soum’ 'Thrimurthies' appeared.
'Aum', 'lym', 'Hreem' and 'Sreem' all these four seed letters envelope all these. These are
the outcome from the word 'Sivayanama'. Pallikkaranai is referred to be a part of
"Suradhu", of 'Puliyur' District, under the kingdom of 'Jayam Konda Chola'. At the end
of each 'yuga' (era) there is distruction. The entire universe would converge with God and
again re-emerge from Him. Puranas say that God will ensure such converged lives sleep
calmly (in Him), and make them get up for re-emergence of the dawn. It happens every
time at different places. Life end with Siva and emerge from Him. Pallikaranai happened
to be one such place. This is place is believed to have been graced (korunoi) by Lord Siva

28
who was on 'yoga nidra' (palli) and hence known to be 'polli karunai' which had
subsequently changed to Pallikaranai.

Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam Tree

This place is considered to be a 'parihara sthalam' - place of reparation.

A projected sculpture, on the sanctum done, depicts a serpent swallowing the Sun. Other
pictures around this hall are: 'kannappa nayanar offering his eye', Since prayers for 'nava
graha' is included in the 'Siva Pooja', "navagrahas' are set in Sivaalayaas. Here one can
entreat 'Aadhipureeswar', and get relief from the 'navagraha doshas' and atone the sins
were committed or that sins may be committed.

The uniqueness here is that both the God and the Goddess are together in the
Sanctum Sanctorum, and Sri Aadhipureeswarar blesses His devotees a blissful
life.Arulmighu Santhanayaki AmmaThe name Saanthanaayaki comes from the posture of
the Goddess in a calm and composed manner. Depicted with four arms, facing south, in a
standing posture, and from a separate sannidhi She rules over the place with Her benign
grace. Along with Goddess Gajalakshmi, She blesses her devotees for their good health,
abundance wealth and prosperity and for their relief them from the fear of
'Yama'.Vyaghrapada MuniVyaghrapada or Pulikaalmuni [Vyagro / Puli meaning "Tiger"
and patha / kaal meaning "feet" - referring to the story of how he sought and got the feet
and eyesight of a tiger to help climb trees well before dawn to pick vilva leaves for
performing archana to Lord Siva. He was looking for locations with large number of
vilva trees. He found one such at the present Pallikaranai. He was immensely pleased to
perform archana to 'Aadipureeswarar' with large quantities of vilva leaves.Later he
moved over to the South and met Pathanjali Muni. Pathanjali muni's samadi is situated in
'Thirupattur' at about 30 km from Tiruchi where a temple for Sri Brahma is also located.
Vyaghrapada's Samadhi is near this Brahma Temple at the "Kaasi Viswanathar Temple".
When the king of "Suradu", then part of Chola region, visited this place, he heard about
Vyaghrapada muni and declared this area as "puliyur kottam" and built a temple for Lord
Siva.

This is the place, where all lives converge with Lord Siva and again re-emerge
from him. He neither has a beginning nor an end. This place is named a 'Aadhipuri' since
Lord Siva appeared first (Aadhi) here (puri). From here Sri Aadhipureeswar, in an 'eka
linga baana' shape and facing east, blesses in a sitting posture from the Sanctum
Sanitarium. Thirugnanasambandar, one of the sixty three naayanmars, lived during the
7th century A.D., wrote in his 'kolaru padhigam' that Lord Siva is the head of all the
navagrahas, and those worshipped Him here would live happily without the effect of
'navagraha doshas' as may be seen from following poem.

"Veyuru Tholhibhangan vida munda kandan Miga nalla veenai thadavi

Maasaru thingal gangai mudimel anindu en Ulame pugunda adhanal
Gnyayiru, thingal, sevvai, budhan, viyazhan, velli, sani paambu
irandum udane Aasaru nalla nalla avai nalla nalla adiyaar avarkku migave"

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SRI LAKSHMI BALAJI TEMPLE AT PALLIKARANAI
A new temple for Sri Venkatachalapathy at Kamakotinagar, Pallikaranai,
(opposite Balaji Dental College) on the Velachery-Tambaram Main Road. A special
feature of this temple being that the beautiful main deity, Sri Lakshmi Balaji is seven feet
high and has the idol of Goddess Lakshmi in the lower half.

Nanmangalam
SRI NEELAVARNA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT
NANMANGALAM
This Temple is more than 1200 years old. In this Pallava era temple, the
main diety is Sri Sridevi Bhudevi Samedha Sri Neelavarnaperumal. This temple is a
Parihaara Sthalam for Raahu Kethu Dosha. One finds Goddess Lakshmi on the chest
of Moolavar Neela Varna Perumal. Built by early Pallavas around the 9th Century AD,
Rajasimha Pallava is said to have visited this temple every time he went to war. This is
believed to be the Abhiman Perumal for Neer Vanna Perumal of Thiru Neermalai Divya
Desam.

Ignored for many decades, the temple has been renovated over the last decade and
now wears a fresh look. Rajagopalan Bhattar, who earlier performed service at
Brindavan temple, is very devoted in rendering service to the Lord and is a reason for
devotees returning to this temple for prayers. His performance of the daily poojas is very
refreshing. Interestingly, at the Eastern entrance, one finds Anjaneya as Dwarapalakas of
Neela Varna Perumal.

Puzhudhivakkam
SRI OPPILIAPPAN PATTABISHEKA RAMAR TEMPLE AT
PUZHUDHIVAKKAM.
This is located at Ram Nagar (North). This temple is the oldest temple for
Oppliappan in Madipakkam and the main deity is Lord Rama in Pattabishekam rupam

Lord Oppiliappan and Goddess Bhoomidevi

at the Puzhuthivakkam temple ...
an awesome presence.

Several Shrines for Lords Ranganatha, Srinivasa and other deities exist in
different places but the "Lord Incomparable" (Thannopparil Appan) is enshrined only in
Tiruvinnagar or Oppiliappankoil (Tirunageswaram), near Kumbakonam.

30
 A temple has been built for Him at Puzhuthivakkam (Madipakkam) in Chennai,
where since 1987, His Utsavar idol is being worshipped along with the Moolavar idol of
Sri Pattabisheka Ramar.

Puzhuthivakkam means that it has been hallowed by the dust particles of

numerous devotees. The temple, measuring 3,000 sq. ft, situated in Ram Nagar North on
a four-ground site has grown in stature over the one and a half decades of its existence
because of the commitment shown by the devotees as well as its organisers The newly
made Moolavar idol of the Lord measures about seven and a half feet. There is a shrine
for Sri Sudarsana in shadgona (hexagonal) shape where the Lord's Holy Discus holds all
the 16 weapons as described in scriptures and as enshrined in the Kalamega Perumal
Temple at Thirumohur, near Madurai.

It is in the fitness of things that Sri Sudarsana, who is ever alert in the Lord's right
hand and accompanies Him during His incarnations (He was the Lord's tusk during the
Varahavatar, His nail during the Narasimhavatar, Kusa grass during the Vamanavatar, the
axe in the Parasuramavatar, Kothandam or bow during the Ramavatar and hoe when He
came into the world as Balarama) is offered worship in a separate shrine. Sri Narasimha's
small idol is on the other side of the Sudarsana image so that He can be removed and
offered Thirumanjanam (holy bath) separately.

Medavakkam
MELA TIRUPATHI TEMPLE AT
MEDAVAKKAM
Moolavar : Srinivasa Perumal & Padmasini Thayar

This temple is on a small hill/raise. One has to climb around 10-15 steps.

The sannidhis in this temple are:

Sri Srinivasa Perumal, Padamsini Thayar, Andal, Garudan, Anjaneyar, Ramar Paadham,
Adhivarahar, Lakshmi Hyagreevar, Ramar , Seetha & Lakshmanar, Venugopalar,
Chakrathazhwar and Yoga Narasimhar

SRI MOOKAMBIGAI TEMPLE AT

MEDAVAKKAM
This temple is located at Medavakkam at Santhoshipuram, Anandha nagar. Here
the main diety is Goddess Mookambigai.

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 Keelkattalai
SRI SELLIAMMAN TEMPLE AT KEELKATTALAI
Selli means Younger girl and the youngest of the Saptha madhas, Chamundi is
being worshipped as the Boundary God in different names in different places and
Selliamman is one of them.

The temple tank has been renovated beautifully with the participation of both the
Government and the NGOs.

SRI PADMAVATHI SAMEDHA

SRI SRINIVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT KEELKATTALAI
The founder secretary of the temple had a dream for three consecutive days
in which Lord Srinivasa appeared and asked him to offer 108 Salagrama garland
to be obtained from the King of Nepal Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The
devotee decided to make an effort and wrote to the King of Nepal describing
his dream. After three months, a parcel with 108 Salagramams arrived from the
King of Nepal !!.

Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana Mandali group has been chanting Vishnu
Sahasranamam on Sundays for more than 450 weeks.

Madipakkam
MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE AT
MADIPAKKAM
The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Sadhasiva Nagar, Madipakkam,
Chennai 600091. It is dedicated to Parvati who is known as Meenakshi and her consort,
Shiva, named here as Sundareswarar. The name "Minachchi" means fish eyed and is
derived from the words "mina" meaning fish and "aksi" meaning eyes.

SRI AYYAPPAN TEMPLE AT

MADIPAKKAM
THE MADIPAKKAM Ayyappan temple, with its traditional nadapandal, was the
second Ayyappan temple after Sabarimala to be consecrated with 18 holy steps
(pathinetampadi). The sanctity of the 18 steps is strictly maintained here — only
devotees leaving for Sabarimala are permitted to climb them. Women are not allowed
inside the Ayyappan shrine but can visit other parts of the temple.

32
 One of the main features of this temple is the paraedipu held during the annual
utsavam in November. During this utsavam, the deity is taken in procession and grains
left by devotees in front of their homes are taken for temple use.

Another event is the maha annadanam conducted on New Year's Day. Says C.
Radhakrishnan, secretary, Sri Ayyappan Mandali, Madipakkam, "During the
annadhanam, meals are provided to each person."The Mandali was registered as a society
with 1,300 members in 1978. The Ayyappan temple, with shrines for Devi, Nagaraja,
Vinayakar, Murugan and Kannimoolaganapathy, was constructed on a half-ground plot
donated by a devotee.

The kumbhabhishekam was conducted in 1978 and the Ayyappan vigraham was
brought from the Siva-Vishnu temple in T. Nagar.

VEDHAPURISWARAR / ODHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT

MADIPAKKAM
Legend says that an ancient temple was here. A siva lingam was laying alone
under a tree near the Madipakkam Bus terminus and legend says that there was an old
temple. A few years back a new temple was constructed on the same place where the
lingam was present. Ootheeswarar alias vedapureeswarar is the presiding diety.

SRI AUROBHINDHO ANNAI MEDITATION CENTRE AND

GAYATHRI TEMPLE
Next to Petrol bunk on the Madipakkam-Velachery Main road and alongside the
Puzhuthivakkam lake, in Madipakkam, is the small and beautiful Dhyana mandapam of
The Mother of Pondicherry. The fragrance of the various flowers, the silence of the
environment and the enchanting smell of the incence in the mandapam add to the
vibration one gets in the presence of the eyes of the Mother looking at you. Unlike the
other meditation centres in the city, significantly here, a Samadhi is present like that of
Pondicherry Ashram. In this lovely place, a few minutes of meditation is enough for one
to recharge himself. Within the same complex, a Gayathri Devi temple is also present
with two small shrines one for Manakula Vinayagar and the other for Gayathri Devi. The
Vishnu, Mahalaxmi, Anjaneyar, Thakshinamoorthy and Navagraha Idols are also present
in the same complex. The group prayers are being conducted every Tuesday and
Saturday.

SRI PAATHAALA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

This temple is located at the Medavakkam High Road near Madipakkam Koot
Road Jn. In this temple, the main diety is Lord Ganesha. Here the Lord Ganesha
is famous by the name Pathala Vinayagar. A Navagraha Sannithi is also there in
this temple.

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SRI SHIRDI BHAIRAVA SAI BABA TEMPLE
This temple of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba has been built on the Samadhi of
Bhairavar (Dog) which stayed with the founder of this temple for 14years. Sri Sai Baba
used to keep a number of dogs with Him at Shirdi. Sri Shridi Saidasan is a lover of dogs.
He used to visit Shirdi and worship Sri Sai every year. He requested for a dog in his
prayer to Sri Sai. In 1976 he bought a walking stick at Shirdi and its handle was in the
shape of a dog. He prayed to Sri Sai Baba to give him a live dog not a wooden dog.

It was a wonder that a Muslim boy gave him a ten days old pup at his house. The
newborn dog could not even open its eyes. This dog lived with Sri Saidasan for fourteen
years. It refused to mate with dogs.

In 1988 Sri Sai Baba appeared in Saidasan's dream and informed him that the dog
should not be left uncared for after its life span was over. He ordered Saidasan that a
Samadhi should be built over the place where the dog was buried after its demise so that
the spirit of the "Bhairavar" will bless the devotees. Sri Baba informed Saidasan that His
statue should be kept over the Samadhi.

In 1990 Bhairavar suffered from a serious illness and doctors who treated it were
not sure that it would survive. At that time Sri Saidasan fervently prayed to Sri Baba for
restoring the dog to normalcy and took it to the Sri Sai Baba temple at Mylapore. It was
all a surprise. Effective medicines could not cure the dog. But by the grace of the
Almighty Sri Sai Baba it lived for eighteen months. It attained siddhi on the 8th August, a
Thursday, 1991. As ordered by Sri Sai Baba, Saidasan donated his only house at
Madippakam for the construction of the Bhairava Sai Mandir.

This Mandir is in the shape of the Geetha Upadesa Chariot and there are two
horses in the sanctum of the temple. The horses are named Shyam and Sundar. The
height of the temple is fifty-four feet from the ground level The tower of the temple has
nine kalasams representing nine planets. Ther is a beautiful meditation hall where people
of all religions can practice meditation.

This is the only temple in the whole world Baba Bhairavar in the Sanadhi.

A 3.5ft Marble Statue of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba has been installed above the Samadhi
of Bhairavar (Dog). A Bronze Statue of Sri Sai Baba in Bhiksha is also installed inside
the temple premises. Dwarakamai, Gurusthan, Dhuni, Statue's of Ganeshji, Hanuman,
Lakshmi, Nagaraja have been installed in this temple.

Daily Aarti, Abhishek & Puja are performed in this temple. On Rama Navami,
Guru Pournima & Sai Punyathithi Special Puja & utsav are performed in this temple.

This temple is located at Bharath Nagar Main Road at Madipakkam. It is at a

Distance of around 6kms from St. Thomas Mount suburban Railway Station.

34
NAVA SHAKTHI KAMAKSHI AMMAN KOIL
Shakthi is the dynamic part of the Supreme that operates. One among those
shakthi is Sri Navasakthi Kamakshi Peedam which is located in Madipakkam near
Madipakkam lake. Grandiose Kamakshi deity was founded by Shri and Srimathi Radha
Sethuraman (Fondly known as Radha Amma). She is a staunch devotee of Shakthi.
Being a house wife, she was performing lots of pujas and aradhanas at home. Some years
ago, she undertook recital of Lalitha Sahasarananam for 48 days and during that period
Ambal came in the dream of Radha amma and asked her to build a temple for Goddess
Kamakshi. Place for the temple, temple layout, image of Ambal, the wholething was
exposed in her dream.

After the completion of 48 days recital, one day ambal came into one of the
devotee and asked Radha Amma to visit nine thirutalas namely Kancheepuram,
samayapuram, Melmaruvathoor, Thiruvotriyur, Prathyankara devi, Vana Durga
parameshwari, Angala Parameshwari, Lalithambigai and Thiruverkadu. Accordingly
Amma visited all the said 9 shrines before the construction of the temple and in view of
this fact the deity was named as “Navashakthi Kamakshi Peedam”. Mr.Sethuraman was
very much instrumental in accomplishing this feet.

The distinguished factor is that the 9 feet idol is the one of the tallest Kamakshi
idol in Tamil Nadu. Sri Sarva sidhi vinayagar and sri valli deva sena samedha Sri Muthu
Kumarasamy also indoctrinated here.

SRI KALYANA KANDASWAMY TEMPLE

This temple is 500 years old. The main diety of this temple is Lord Muruga.

SHEETHALAA DEVI TEMPLE

The original Temple of Sheetalaadevi is in the State of Haryana, in Gurgaon,
which originally was called "Guru Gram". Guru Gram was gifted by the Pandava King
Yudhishtra to his guru Dronacharya. Dronacharya's wife Kripi stayed in a cottage nearby.
When Mata Kripi, an ideal wife, gave up her body, a temple was constructed in
her memory. She came to be known as Mata Sheetla or Mata Masani, the goddess of
small pox.

There is also a Sheetla Devi Temple at Madipakkam in Chennai. This temple has
been set up by one Mr.Raghavan. The Goddess appeared in his dreams and asked him to
set up a Temple for her at Madipakkam in Chennai. The temple is being set up since three
years, and all the functions pertaining to Sheethala Devi Mata are being performed every
year.

The Goddess is worshipped as Muthumariamman, goddess of diseases, in

Pondicherry and Tamilnadu.

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SANKATAHARA VINAAYAGAR KOIL
Lord Ganesha is one of the most popular Hindu God worshipped in India and is
believed to be the remover of all obstacles in the lives of his devotees. Ganapati as a
whole is attributed to removing the obstacles in the lives of devotees. That is the reason
to choose him as prathama poojita, meaning the first one to be worshipped. So that, any
task undertaken can move ahead without any obstacles.

Sankatahara Ganapati is the last of the 32 forms of Lord Ganapati. In this form ,
the lord is depicted as having four hands. Sankatahara Ganapati means the dispeller of
sorrow. It is believed that worshipping this form of Lord Ganapati will remove the
sorrows of his devotees and lead them to prosperity.

Sankatahara Ganapati is associated with Revathi Nakshatram…

Sankatahara Ganapati Mantra and its translation:

Balarkarunakamtirvamebalamvahannamke

lasadimdivarahastam

gauramgim ratnashobhadhyam

dakshemkushavaradanam

vamepashamcapayasampatram

nilamshukalasamanah

pithe padmarune tishthan

samkataharanah payatsamkatapugedgajanano nityam

He has four arms. He is effulgent like the rising red sun (Red in Color). He has his
wife (shakti) – who is carrying a beautiful lotus, glowing with radiance and bejeweled –
sitting on his left lap. He is carrying in one of his right hand a hook (Ankusha) and with
the other bestowing boon (varada). He is carrying in one of his left hand a rope (noose)
and with the other a vessel brimming with sweet soup (Payasam). He is seated on a Red
Lotus and wearing a blue robe.

According to another version, the varada gesture and vessel of Payasam is

replaced by the broken tusk and the rose-apple fruit.

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KODI BABA KOIL
Kodi Baba Sai Baba Temple is located at Kuberan Nagar 8th Street, Madipakkam,
Ullagaram, Chennai City.

PONNIAMMAN TEMPLE
This is a famous Amman temple in Madipakkam. There is a strong belief that for
those who have full faith in goddess Ponniamman, she will fulfil their prayer whether it is
for education, health, wealth, courage, marriage, motherhood and what not.

GUNAALAMMAN KOIL
This temple is located near the Madipakkam bus stand.

ABIRAMI-AMIRTHAKADESWARAR (SIVAN) KOIL

The main diety in this Temple is Amirthakadeswarar (Lord Shiva) along with his
consort Abirami.

VEMBULIAMMAN KOIL
This is another Amman Temple in Madipakkam.

BALA THRIPURASUNDARI TEMPLE

Tripurasundari ("Beautiful Goddess of the Three Cities") or Maha-Tripurasundari
("Great Beautiful Goddess of the Three Cities"), also called shodaasi ("Sixteen"), Lalita
("She Who Plays") and Rajarajesvari ("Queen of Queens, Supreme Ruler"), is one of the
group of ten goddesses of Hindu belief, collectively called Mahavidyas.

As Shodashi, Tripurasundari is represented as a sixteen-year-old girl, and is

believed to embody sixteen types of desire. Shodashi also refers to the sixteen syllable
mantra, which consists of the fifteen syllable (panchadasakshari) mantra plus a final seed
syllable. The Shodashi Tantra refers to Shodashi as the "Beauty of the Three Cities," or
Tripurasundari.

Tripurasundari is the primary goddess associated with the Shakta Tantric tradition
known as Sri Vidya.The Goddess Who is "Beautiful in the Three Worlds" (Supreme
Deity of Srikula systems); the "Moksha Mukuta". Bala Tripurasundari is another form
of Tripurasundari that is pictured either as an independent young goddess who is 16 years
of age, or as an unmarried, pre-menarche girl of nine or ten years of age, also known as a
kumari. Bala Tripurasundari's mantra differs slightly from that of Maha Tripurasundari.

37
 Within the Brahmanda Purana, Bala Tripurasundari is mentioned in chapter 26 of
the Lalita Mahatmya, where she joins the battle against the forces of the arch-demon
Bhanda.

In Madipakkam, Chennai, there is a temple for Bala Thripurasundari.

Madambakkam
SRI DHENUPUREESWARAR TEMPLE
Main deity:

Swayambu linga known as Denupureeswarar & Denukambikai.

Legend:

Sage Kapilar took birth as a cow due to a curse. One day, the master of the cow
saw the cow pouring its milk on a small stone buried in the ground. He angrily hit the
cow for having wasted its milk. Unable to bear the pain, the cow tapped it’s leg on the
ground and also the stone. The stone started bleeding and later it was found to be a Shiva
Linga. Lord Shiva gave dharshan to Sage Kapilar and gave salvation. Even today one can
see a scar on the Shiva lingam, caused by the kick of the cow (Kapila). Another rare
feature of the temple being that it houses Lord Sarabeswarar on one of the pillars in it.
Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on subramanya of this place.

Temple:

The lingam is one of the smallest in the world and no one is able to tell on what
material this lingam is made of since it is a Swayambu. A highly powerful temple and
one gets lot of vibrations here and you can see people meditating in the inner praharam
most of the time. This Shiva temple, dating back to more than thousand years, was built
during the reign of the Chola king, Parantaka II, also known as Sundara Chola (956-973
A.D.), father of Rajaraja Chola I. This temple was probably rebuilt with stone during the
reign of Kulottunga Chola I. The temple is now under the control of Archeological
Society of India. This ancient village, now called Madambakkam, was once known as
Ulaguyyavanda-Chola Chaturvedimangalam.

SIDDHAR TEMPLE AT MADAMBAKKAM

Located very near to the Dhenupureeswarar Temple, this temple, called the
Universal Shrine was constructed as instructed by the Sathguru Seshadhri Swamihal of
Thiruvannamalai. Dedicated to the Mother Goddess in her form as the Maha Meru as per
the ancient Sri Vidya tradition, to the 18 Siddhars – masters of infinite enlightenment and
to the Sathguru, the Universal Temple is today a temple of peace and solace.A unique

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complex the Universal Shrine is the only one of its kind in the world reflecting the depth
of India’s spiritual traditions, the sacred system of Sri Vidya and the mystical heritage
of the sages of God realization. The main shrine is devoted to Lalithamba and
Kameswarar, where Kameswara is depicted as a green flat stone and Lalithamba is
represented by shri chakra.

Selaiyur
Selaiyur is 2.5 Kms from Tambaram Railway station and could be reached by any
MTC bus which starts from East Tambaram. The original name of Selaiyur is Silaiyur –
the place with so many Silais or idols, and there is a temple at every corner, some of them
surprisingly ancient.

SRI SKANDHASHRAMAM
This temple is located at Mahalakshmi Nagar, Rajakilpakkam, Selaiyur. Built by
Sathguru Srimad Shanthananda Swamigal who hails from the Avadhoota tradition of
Saints, this temple pays a living tribute to the glory of Hinduism. Enshrined in this temple
are the icons of rare deities including that of Kamala Siddhi Vinayakar, Panchamukha
Heramba Ganapathy, Dattatreya, Panchamukha Hanuman, Saneeswarar, Ayyapan,
Ashtadasabhuja Durga Parameswari, Srimath Sadguru Shantananda Swamigal, Lord
Sarabeswara (form of Shiva), Goddess Prathyankira, Goddess Bhuvaneshwari,
Swaminathaswamy (Skanda), Sudarshanachakathalwar, Sahasralingam (1008 lingams)
and Sri Chakra Poorna Maha Meru all in magnificent stature

SRI ABIRAMI AMMAN UDANURAI

AMIRDHAGADESWARAR TEMPLE
This temple is over 250 years old. This is considered as “Chennaiyin
Thirukadaiyur” (Thirukadaiyur is a famous temple town near Mayiladuthurai which is
considered to be the apt place for conducting Shastiabthapoorthi (60th Birthday). The
main deities are Abhirami Amman and Amirthakadeswarar. There are 14 Ambal (Devi)
temples in Selaiyur. In this particular temple, the idols were found during some digging.
The Nandhi in this temple faces the Goddess, as she is in “Siva Shathi Bagam”. The
central courtyard is occupied by a mandapam in which the 16 Aishwaryams or Lakshmis
are depicted. Temple Tank named “Abirami Pushkarani” was renovated recently and
figurines of holy rivers of India installed around it.

Some of the poojas and festivals are – Pradhosam, “Pushpanjali” during new
moon day of Tamizh month Aadi, Navarathiri, Thirukalyana Utsavam during Panguni
Uthiram, Vaigasi Visagam. Every Sunday during Rahukalam (14:30 hrs to 18:00 hrs)
Sarabeshwarar Pooja is also performed.

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SRI ADIKESAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE
Here, the granite pillars are ancient but the idols themselves, of
Adikesavaperumal and Amirthavalli Thayar, are relatively new. The temple has a ‘Deepa
sthambam’, which is a typical feature of a village temple as opposed to a town temple.
There is also a palanquin dated 1094, indicating that the temple is nearly 1,000 years old.

Adambakkam
SRI PANDURANGASWAMY TEMPLE, ADAMBAKKAM
Located in Adambakkam the main deity Pandurangan along with Rukmini is very
beautiful indeed. The Abang mela during the end of January is highly popular. The
activities of the Shree Vittal Bhajan Mandali revolves around “Shree Vittal &
Rukmayee”, the presiding deities of Shree Vittal Temple, situated inside Karpaga
Vinayagar Temple Complex, Shanthi Nagar 9th Street, Adambakkam, Chennai 600 088.
The temple was constructed with the active co-operation of “Sthala Bagavathas” and
bakthas and consecration was performed as per vaideka prathishta system, by Sri
Tukaram Ganapathy Maharaj of Kadayanallur, on 8 th Feb, 2004. The foundation of the
temple was sprinkled with Chandrabhaga river water and sand brought by bagavathas.
The walls of the temple is made out of bricks with “Vittal Nama” written on them, by
many bagavathas and bakthas.

The idols of Shri Vittal and Rukmayee installed in the sanctum sanctorum are
brought from Pandharpur , blessed by Sri Sri. Krishna Premi Maharaj. A Panchaloka idol
of Sadguru Sri Sri Gnanananda Giri Maharaj of Thapovanam was also installed inside the
Garbagraham. The Garbhagraha Vimanam is the replica of Pandarpur temple vimanam
but miniature in size. Garudalwar sannadhi is located in front of the Moolavar, as per
instructions of Sri Sri. Krishnapremi Maharaj. The mandapam in front of the
Garbhagraham connecting Garudalwar sannidhi is used for regular bhajans and sevarthis
for worshipping. The mandapam walls are decorated with sudhais of Santh Tukaram
Vaikunta Arohanam, Shree Vittumaja Lenkurwala, Sant Thukaram singing with bakthi
and Sant Kabir Das painted beautifully which reminds us the bakthi cult of Maharashtra.

SRI NANDHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT ADAMBAKKAM

Location: Very near to the Parangimalai (St.Thomas Mount) Railway station

Specials: Very ancient temple, Pradhosha Pooja

Main deity: Nandeeswarar with Arunthava Nayaki in separate shrines.

40
Legend: Lord Shiva gave dharshan to Sage Bringi in the form of Nandhi and so the
deity is called Nandheeswarar. Since Sage Bringi stayed at the hill nearby, it was called
Bringimalai and over a period got changed to Parangimalai. During the British period it
got hijacked completely by Christians and called St Thomas mount wiping out all traces
of Sage Bringi

Temple: Pradosha pooja is very special here and a cow comes around during the
Pradhoshams even today. There will be lot of cows roaming around here. Cow represents
Avudai and Bull represents Nandhi. Thiruvotriyur Avudaiamman temple and this had
connections as per the culvert found in Thiruvotriyur temple. There are other deities like
Sundara Vinakar, Naga devata, Vishnu, Bairavar, Chandran, Dakshina moorthy, Brahma,
Durgai, Chandeeswarar & Navagraha.

Sthala vruksham: Nagalinga.

SHRI SANTHAANA MUTHUMAARI AMMAN TEMPLE

This Amman temple, popularly known by the name Shri Santhaana Muthumaari
Amman Temple, is located in Ex-Service Men Colony in Adambakkam.

PAZHANDI AMMAN TEMPLE

Adambakkam has a gramma Devadai "Pazhandi Amman Temple". This temple,
which is dedicated to Goddess Mother Shakthi, is located near St.Thomas Mount Railway
Station

LORD SUBRAHMANYA TEMPLE

This Subramaniar Temple is located in the Brindavan Nagar, Adambakkam. This
temple is dedicated to Sri Murugan as Subramania Swamy along with Valli and
Devayanai Amman.

SRI BHUVANESHWARI AMMAN TEMPLE

(VADA PUDHUGAI)
The Bhuvaneswari Amman Temple is located in the Andal Nagar, Adambakkam.
This temple is dedicated to Divine Mother Shakti as Mata Bhuvaneswari.

SRI RANGANATHA SWAMY TEMPLE

(VADA THIRUVARANGAM)
Located at Mohanapuri 2nd Street, this temple is dedicated to Sri Ranganatha
Swamy.

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SUNDARA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE
This temple is dedicated to Elephant God Ganesha who is widely revered as the
Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings. This Temple is located
at the NGO Colony.

SRI SARVAMANGALA SANEESWARA BHAGHAVAN /

DEVI NAGAMUTHU MARIAMMAN TEMPLE
(VADA THIRUNALLARU)
Sri Sarvamangala Saneeswara Bhaghavan Temple is situated in E. B Colony at
Adambakkam. Devoted to Lord Saneeswara (Planet Saturn), the temple was constructed
in 1984. Devotees believe that sufferings can be averted by visiting Shaneeswara temples
and doing special poojas to satisfy Saneeswara. Minor shrines of Sri Devi, Nagamuthu
and Mariamman are also seen inside the temple. The important festivals celebrated in the
temple are Adi Pooram, Navaratri festivals and Sanipeyarchi

SRI VARASIDHI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

Located Opposite to the Adambakkam Police Station, this temple is dedicated to
sri Varasidhi Vinayagar. Vinayaka is a common name for Lord Ganesha that appears in
the Puranas and in Buddhist Tantras. This name is reflected in the naming of the eight
famous Ganesha temples in Maharashtra known as the Ashtavinayak The names
Vighnesha and Vighneshvara refers to his primary function in Hindu mythology as the
master and remover of obstacles (vighna).

SRI KARPAGA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

Located at Shanthi Nagar in Adambakkam, this temple is dedicated to Sri
Karpaga Vinayagar (Lord Ganesha). Ganesha — the elephant-deity riding a mouse —
has become one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism.
This not only suggests the importance of Ganesha, but also shows how popular and
pervasive this deity is in the minds of the masses.

AYYAPPAN TEMPLE
This Ayyappan temple is located at EB Colony, Adambakkam. The name
"Ayyappan" is used as a respectful form of address in the Tamil and Malayalam
languages. The mantra Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa can be translated as, "Oh Ayyappa!
I seek refuge in you".

PUTTRU (SNAKE) TEMPLE

This snake temple is located at EB Colony in Adambakkam.

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SRI SARVA SIDHI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE
This Vinayagar temple is located at Ramakrishnapuram in Adambakkam.
Devotees offer Vinayaka sweets such as modaka and small sweet balls (laddus). He is
often shown carrying a bowl of sweets, called a modakapatra. Because of his
identification with the color red, he is often worshipped with red sandalwood paste
(raktacandana) or red flowers. Durva grass (Cynodon dactylon) and other materials are
also used in his worship.

SRI SAKTHI VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

This temple is located at Nilamangai Nagar in Adambakkam. This temple is
dedicated to Lord Ganesha as Sakthi Vinayagar. Ganesha is worshipped on many
religious and secular occasions; especially at the beginning of ventures such as buying a
vehicle or starting a business. There can hardly be a Hindu home [in India] which does
not house an idol of Ganapati. Ganapati, being the most popular deity in India, is
worshipped by almost all castes and in all parts of the country. Devotees believe that if
Ganesha is propitiated, he grants success, prosperity and protection against adversity

SRI DEVI KARUMARIAMMAN TEMPLE

Located at Balaji Nagar Main Road in Adambakkam, this temple is dedicated to
Sri Devi Karumariamman. Mari which means rain is a very popular Goddess of Tamil
Nadu. While scholars believe that she is a goddess of the pre Aryan days, most of the
common people believe her as Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva or Durga who arose
from her to kill the asuras. Some people believe her to be Renuka, the mother of Lord
Parasurama. Normally the priests in her temples do not belong to the Brahmin
Community. The common people pray to her for bringing rain and avoiding epidemics.
In her temple festivals, it is common to see people walk bare footed on glowing embers.

SRI SATHYANARAYAN TEMPLE

This temple is located at Mahalakshmi Nagar in Adambakkam. This temple is
dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here the diety is known by the name Sathyanarayana.

ARULMIGU SRI MUTHUMAARIAMMAN TEMPLE

Located at Kakkan Nagar 2nd Street in Adambakkam, this temple is dedicated to
Sri Muthumaariamman.

SHIRDI SAI BABA TEMPLE

This Shirdi Sai Baba temple is located at Lake View Street near Adambakkam
Water Tank.

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 Nanganallur / Pazhavanthangal
Nanganallur can be called as the Chinna Kanchipuram of
Chennai due to the numerous temples it has in and around.

SRI ANJANEYAR TEMPLE

Sri Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Bhaktha Anjaneyaswami Temple is the
landmark and the most popular temple of Nanganallur. The temple work was started in
1989 with the blessings of Sri Ragavendra swami and Sri Kanchi Paramacharyar. The
great Paramacharya took the stone on his head to offer his blessings. and the
Kumbabishekam was consummated in 1995.

The temple is always buzzing with the activities of homams, archanas and sevas
by bhakthas and volunteers at different corners of the temple. The very unique feature of
this temple is the continuous distribution of Prasadam during the temple hours, which
changes hourly according to the offering given to the Lord. Anjaneyar here is of 32 feet
high sculpted out of a monolithic stone. Sri Vinayagar, Sri Ramar and Sri Krishnar are
also present in separate shrines.

Several Sevas are undertaken as per the Vaishnava Sampradhaya (vaikanasa

agamam). The core content of these sevas is ensuring no deviation from age-old dictates
and also to encourage actions that would enhance the sanctity and spiritual aura of the
temple. The Temple opens as the clock strikes five in the morning. The cow and calf are
brought before the Lord for the Ghopooja and immediately there after fresh milk is
offered to the Lord as Neivaidyam. It is indeed a very pleasing sight to behold at that
hour in the morning. Immediately thereafter preparations are made for the ritual bath for
the Lord and sequentially thereafter several Sevas are held in His honor.

SRI AYYAPPAN TEMPLE

Located at 3rd main road, Ram Nagar. The deity came from Sabaraimala itself and
the Melsanthi (head priest) of the Sabarimala temple in 1991 is the head priest here. Sri
Maligapurathu Manja Matha Devi, Sri Kannimula Ganapathi, Sri Nagaraja, Sri
Valiyakadutha Swami, Sri Karuppa Swami and Sri Karuppayi Amman shrines are also
present.

It is said that nowhere in the world, there are two powerful

Bharmachari swamies standing back to back and giving blessing
to devotees in the world. It is said that visiting both Ayyappan
and Anjaneyar temples for 9 weeks on saturdays will ward of any
kind of evil and unpleasantnesses in life.. trust me, it is truth.

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SRI UTHARA GURUVAYOORAPPAN TEMPLE
The temple in Kerala style is having Sri Guruvayoorappan very similar to the
Kerala Guruvayoor deity. Bhagavathi amman is present in a separate shrine and She is a
feast to the eyes. Goddess Bhagavathi is ‘Deepa Swaroopam’ and represents the Trinity
of Goddesses – Mahalakshmi, Saraswati and Durga. There are shrines for Sri
Dharmasastha, Sri Prasanna Vinayaka and the Navagrahas. There is also a separate shrine
for Lord Venkateswara. There is a huge Peepul tree as the sthalavriksham and an idol of
Sankarshana is installed beneath the Peepul tree in a separate enclosure.

SRI VARASIDDHI VINAYAHAR TEMPLE

Located at Nanganallur 2nd main road, this is one of the two oldest temples along
with Rajarajeswari Temple. Kanchi Maha Periyavar used to stay only here whenever he
comes to Nanganallur.

SRI RAGHAVENDHRA TEMPLE

This Mithrika brindhavan of Sri Raghavendhra who was born in 1595 A.D. is
located very near to the Anjaneyar temple. Temple is reknowned as Dakshina
Mantralayam and is an abode of peace and simpleness and the beautiful image of Lord
Raghavendra in the mandap opposite to the temple is also a must see.

SRI RAJARAJESWARI / SRI LAKSHMI SAMETHA

SATHYANARAYANA PERUMAL TEMPLE
This very powerful, beautiful and popular twin temple unfortunately is located in
a typical house in a narrow street at ThillaiGanga Nagar. If you go by car, better park it in
main road and do a little walk.

Because of the presence of Raja Rajeswari temple, this place was called Nangai
Nallur once and later became Nanganallur. It is said that the main deity here came up
from a Homa kundam. The devotees should go around the temple only in anti-clockwise
direction. There are 16 steps to this temple and each signifies a special meaning.

Sri Sathyanarayana Perumal temple is also located within the Rajarajeswari

temple. Those who are unable to do Sathyanarayana Pooja at home can participate in the
pooja here to get the benefit of doing the Sathyanarayana pooja. Sri Lakshmi normally
seen by the side of Perumal is present here at the chest of Perumal who is in a standing
posture facing west.

Navagrahas, normally not seen in Perumal temples are seen here in a straight line
which is unique. Panchamuga anjaneyar is also present here.

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SRI LAKSHMI HAYAGREEVAR TEMPLE
This is one of the very few Hayagreevar temples of Tamilnadu. Hayagreevar is
the God of Knowledge. Here Lord hayagreevar is seen along with Lakshmi Devi sitting
in his lap.

SRI NAVANEETHA KRISHNAN

SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHAR TEMPLE (OLD)
Lord Nrasimhar is seen here in the santha roopam along with Goddess Lakshmi.
Many hundred years ago, this temple was hidden under the ground and some pooja items
of the temple showed up first. Upon further digging, the complete temple showed up.
With the findings, this is believed to be more ancient than 8th century.

The deities present here are Sri Ranganathar at South, Sri Krishnan at North and
Lakshmi Narasimhar at East. There is a Prayer Chakra at the Perumal’s hand which was
one of the findings when the temple was unearthed. Praying by touching the Chakra is
believed to get one’s prayers answered. The Anjaneyar here is seen always with butter
alankaram.

An ancient temple, which had totally disappeared due to the ravages of time but
was restored to its glory is the Lakshmi Nrisimha, Navaneethakrishnan Temple in
modern Nanganallur, a suburb of Chennai, whose original name according to scholars
was Nangainallur or the place where Goddess Mahalakshmi is enshrined and worshipped.
It abounds with numerous temples, the most important among them being the Lakshmi
Narasimha Navaneethakrishnan Temple, the Anjaneyar Temple with the over 30-ft high
statue of Ramadhootha in it, and the Ardhanareeswarar Temple, where an ancient
Sivalingam, found in a temple tank and identified by the Paramacharya of Sri Kanchi
Kamakoti Peetam, as that of Ardhanareeswara, has been enshrined. While the last two
mentioned are strictly modern structures, the Narasimha temple has been built over the
remnants of what was an ancient temple, which existed during the pre-Pallava period.

The Narasimha temple, which has been built on a 10-ground site, was over 1,500
years old, according to the "Ashtamangala Prasnam" conducted by Sri Narayana
Namboodiri of Guruvayur. The Prasnam revealed that the original temple had shrines for
Lords Lakshmi Narasimha, Navaneethakrishnan, Rama and Srinivasa and new shrines for
these deities should be built.

It also said the entire temple complex was razed to the ground in a fire centuries
ago and "Bhoomi Sankarshana" should be performed there. It was also predicted that the
digging would bring up some idols and puja articles along with the ruins of the ancient
temple.

The levelling of the temple site started on April 5, 1974, and a bell, a plate and a
lamp were recovered. The bell is said to be of rare kind as its top portion contains the

46
images of both Sudharsana ( and the Panchajanya one inlaid in the other. A stone with an
inscription was also found and it said that a land gift was made by "Kaveri Thenkarai
Ravichathiran" to keep the two "Nandavilakkus" going. These articles as well as the five-
and-a-half feet high idol of Mahavishnu found made the archaeologists conclude that the
temple was built in the eighth century during the Pallava rule.

SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHAR TEMPLE (NEW)

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar on the first floor of the temple in 24th Street of
Thillaiganga nagar is the recent addition to the list of temples in Nanganallur. The Lord
blesses here with His Consort, in santha roopam under the umbrella of the five headed
snake. Lord Dhanvandhri is in a separate shrine here.

SRI DEVI KARUMARI AMMAN TEMPLE

This old temple is just the adjoining temple to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar
temple (new). Lord Srinivasar (Balaji) gives beautiful dharshan in a separate shrine at
the entrance itself. The temple faces the new highway laid recently for connecting
Velacheri with the GST road at the Thillaiganganagar point.

SRI SATYA SAI BABA TEMPLE

This temple is just at the end of the road of Raghavendra temple and the temple is
developed by local devotees who join to sing Baba bhajans and spread the message of
Dharma. Thursdays 7 pm is the best time one can really enjoy the fullness of this temple

VISA ANJANEYAR
This is the small Anjaneyar temple very close to Modern school in Nanganallur,
where people believe that prayers at this temple brings them opportunties abroad :-)
Sounds funny, but its again, believes and thats turn true I guess...so try your luck.

SRI SARVAMANGALAMBIKAI SAMETHA SRI

DHARMALINGESWARAR (DHANMEESAR) TEMPLE
This temple is located in south Nanganallur and is said to be the oldest temple in
the area. Build during Pallava dynasty, more than 1000 years old, this temple is an
indication of an established civilization during good olden days as well in Nanganallur.
This Semponkoil Dhanmeesar (Dharmalingeswar temple) temple was unearthed during
the digging up for a house construction. The temple was later renovated. The principal
deity is Lord Shiva in the form of Dhanmeesar and there is a separate shrine for Goddess
Sarvamangalambikai. The Navagrahas, Bairvar and Anjaneyar are seen in the inner
prakaram and Vinayagar is enshrined in the outer prakaram.

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SRI ARDHANAREESWARAR AND SRI ASHTABHUJA
DURGAI TEMPLES
It is located near the Pazhavanthangal railway station in the 4th Main Road in a
very busy market area. In the 1960s, the Paramacharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
discovered this ancient temple when he was performing a morning puja at the abandoned
temple tank here. He spotted an ancient Lingam in the tank as “Ardhanareeswarar”. Since
then the temple was functioning in thatched sheds and the Kumbaabhezam took place in
March 2004. This temple is also a “Kethu sthalam”.

A life-size idol of Sri Ashtabhuja Shanthi Durga, said to be bigger than that of
ancient Patteeswaram temple near Kumbakonam is installed in a separate shrine just at
the rear of the Ardhanareeswarar temple. The well sculpted durga is a please to the eyes
of the devotees and is well known as sarvabhishta pala nayaki.

A beautiful and not-to-be-missed temple.

VEMBULI AMMAN TEMPLE

This is a three hundred years old temple located at Pazhavanthangal near the
subway. This goddess was found in a field while ploughing. She is a village deity.
There are seven such grama devathais in and around the area. The seven virgin mothers
in the temple are Brahmini, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Vaaraahi, Indraani and
Chamundi. They represent the seven chakras in the human body. The sthala vriksham is
a neem tree.

Saidapet
SRI KARANEESWARAR TEMPLE
This temple is located next to the railway station. This temple has a 7-storied
Rajagopuram with two prakarams. The main deity is Lord Karaneeswara and Goddess
Swarnaambikai. This temple has a beautiful tank.

SRI PRASANNA VENKATA NARASIMHA PERUMAL

TEMPLE
This is a 12th Century temple by the Viyayanagar empire near the railway station.
It is said that initially Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal alone was incarnated in the
sanctum sanctorum with SriDevi and BooDevi and Narasimha Perumal was incarnated
later and hence Perumal was named as Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal. Sri
Parthasarthy Swamy of Triplicane visits this temple yearly once. There is Adhisesha near

48
the Azhwar shrine to eliminate the ‘Sarpa Dosham’ of the worshippers. Alarmelu Mangai
Thayar shrine is present facing east. There is an Anjaneyar temple just opposite the
Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal temple

SUBRAMANYA SWAMY TEMPLE, SAIDAPET

This 400 years old temple is present near the Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal
Temple. This temple is situated in the center of Saidapet. Its main deity is Lord
Subramanya Swamy (Muruga) and has a 5 storied gopuram. Annual brahmotsavam takes
place in the month of Masi and the deity is taken in procession for 10 days.

SRI THRIPURASUNDARI UDANNURAI

SRI SOUNDREESWARAR TEMPLE
(VADATHIRUNARAIYUR)
One of the oldest temples of Saidapet. Its old name is “VadaThiruNaraiyur”. Here
the Goddess Parvathi worshiped God Shiva in the form of stork (narai) and hence the
name.

Sthala virksham: Vanni tree (Indian Mesquit).

The main deity is Lord Soundareswarar and Lord Thirupurasundari. Lord

Varasithi Vinayar facing West is a famous one. The Stala Virutcham is Vanni Maram.
The temple is also known as Vada Thirunaraiyur. Vanni, Vilvam and Konrai, the three
trees are known for Shiva's worship, are available in this temple. Leaves of Vanni maram
is used for the archana for Saneesvaran. Annual brahmotsavam take place in the month of
Ani and the deity is taken in processing for 10 days. This Temples comes under HR&CE
control

West Mambalam
SRI KOTHANDARAMAR TEMPLE AT
WEST MAMBALAM
This Temple is located to the left of the Madley Road subway while going from
T.Nagar bus stand. This 150 years old temple has the main deity as Pattabiramar with
Seetha devi at his left lap in Pattibhisheka kolam. Kothandaramar is also installed later
just behind the Pattibesheha Ramar. So, just in one shrine, you can worship both
Pattibesheha Ramar and the Kothanda Ramar. Also Ranganathar, Thayar Ranganayaki,
Yoha Narasimhar, Sanjeeva Paravatha Anjaneyar are having separate shrines. Anjaneyar

49
is having Sanjeeva Parvatha hill in his right hand and his facing north (Gubera corner) is
considered very special.

A clean temple tank is also present within the temple campus.

SRI KASI VISWANATHAR AND KASI VISALAKSHI

TEMPLE AT WEST MAMBALAM
The temple is located at the end of the Madley road bridge on the right side while
going from T.Nagar bus stand. This is a 400 years old beautiful temple and has been
renovated recently. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kasi Viswanathar and his
consort Kasi Visalakshi. Sankara Mutt is present next to the Kasi Viswananathar temple

MURUGASHRAMAM
This is near Ayodhya mandapam at West Mambalam. No Hundi collection, no
individual archanas – only Muruga bakthi here. This ashram is under the able blessings of
Sri Swami Sankaranandha for the past 40 years. Muruga devotees will definitely get
some pleasing experience here.

MAMBALAM SATHYANARAYANA TEMPLE

Sathya Narayanam Devam Vanthyeham

Kamadham Prabum Leelaya Vidhadham Vishnum
Yena Thasmai Namo Namaha.
Worshipping any deity on Pournami ( full moon ) is auspicious but if one
worships Lord Sathyanarayana who is identified with Pournami on that day , it is
believed that the Lord will bless us with the bountiful health and wealth.

Lord Sathyanaraya who is one of the divine forms of Mahavishnu is consecrated

in a separate temple in West Mambalam in Chennai. The temple is the only one of its
kind in Tamil Nadu. Situated in the Srinivasa Street near Ayodhya Mandapam, West
Mambalam, the main deity of the temple is Sri Mahalakshmi Sametha Sri Sathya
Narayana Perumal. The other deities present in this temple are: Prasanna Venkatesa
Perumal, Thaayaar, Lakshmi Narasimhar, Anjaneyar, Sudharsana Azhwar, Ramar,
Lakshmanar and Seetha.

This temple is very famous and is often referred to as “Maabila Kshetram”. Every
Pournami, Sathya Narayana Poojai is being performed. Whenever the Jeeyar Swamigal
or Srimad Andavan Swamigal comes to Mambalam, they pay a visit to this Kshetram.

SRINIVASAR TEMPLE

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 In this temple, the main deity is Lord Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal

PERIYANJANAEYAR TEMPLE
This temple which is located in Mambalam is dedicated to Ram Bhaktha
Hanuman. The Temple is popularly known as Periyanjanaeyar Temple.

MADI SRINIVASAR TEMPLE

This Temple is dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal.

VALLABAGANAPATHY TEMPLE
Vallabha Ganapathi is a rare form of Ganapathi who has eleven arms and is the
protector of the universe. There are a few temples dedicated to this form of
Ganapathi and one of them is in Mambalam, Chennai.

KALI BARI TEMPLE

The Kali Bari Temple is located in the Umapathy Street Extension, West
Mambalam, Chennai. The temple is around 3 km from the T. Nagar bus terminus. The
temple can also be approached from the Ashok Nagar side. The Kali Bari Temple is
dedicated to Divine Mother Shakti as Bhavatarini Kali. This temple is a miniature
replica of the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple near Kolkata.

Thyagaraya Nagar (T.Nagar)

MUPPATHAMMAN KOIL
Muppathamman temple is a popular amman temple located in Maharajapuram
Santhanam Salai, T.Nagar, Chennai.

SHIVA VISHNU TEMPLE

The Shiva Vishnu Temple is located near the T. Nagar bus terminus. (Between
T.Nagar bus stand and Ranganathan street). The Shiva Vishnu Temple is dedicated to Sri
Shiva as Kedareswarar with Divine Mother Shakti as Parvati Ambal and Sri Vishnu as
Srinivasa Perumal with Divine Mother Shakti as Devi Mahalakshmi. The striking feature
is the presence of both Shiva and Vishnu sannadhis in the same temple complex.
Devotees can perform pooja to Kasi Vishwanathar themselves like in the temples of
North India.

THIRUMALA THIRUPATHI DEVASTHANAM

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 Thirupathy dharshan / lodging bookings are done here. The Tirupati Tirumala
Devasthanam Temple is dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal and Divine
Mother Shakti as Padmavathi Thayar. Lord Venketeshwara has a beautiful crown
adorning his head embedded with precious stones and he has a smiling face. Devotees
can stand close to the lord and see the omnipresent lord looking divine and powerful.
Goddess Lakshmi is also adorned with jewels and a beautiful silk saree. Devotees can get
a close glimpse of the goddess and pray for prosperity and wealth

AGASTHIAR TEMPLE NEAR PONDY BAZAAR

A very ancient temple and the lingam is well below the ground level. Here Sage
Agasthiar is present with his wife Lopamudra. Agastya (pronounced as Agasthiar in
South India) was one of the most famous mythological saints of Hinduism. The stories
related to this great saint could be found in North India as well as South India. Due to his
connection with a lot of mythological events in South India, you can find the idol of
Agastya in many South Indian temples. This temple in T Nagar area of Chennai city,
which is named as Agastyar temple or Agastyar ashram. is located very near to Pondy
Bazaar. Although the temple is called as Agasthiar temple, the main deity of the temple is
Lord Shiva. It is not known who built this temple and how many years old. However, this
temple remains as a popular one in this region for many years and it is evident that the
current structure of the temple and expansion are done in the modern days. The unique
feature of this temple is that all the Navagraha idols (nine planets) are found along with
their respective vaahans. As mentioned earlier, the main deity of the temple is Lord
Shiva. He is found in the form of a Shiv Linga and named as Vanibeshwarar. The Shiv
Linga is found in the underground and behind Shiv Linga the idols of Shiva and Parvati
are found. It is very rare to find Shiv-Parvati figures behind the Shiv Linga
in South Indian temples. There is a separate shrine for the Goddess
Vadivambigai. As per the name, the idol of the Goddess is extremely beautiful.

SRINGERI SARADHAMBAL TEMPLE

A beautiful temple and horoscope registration / exchange are taking place on
Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings.

Ashok Nagar
SRI ANJANEYAR TEMPLE
The temple is very popular and the deity is about 20 feet high and is seen either in
Vennai (butter) kappu or Sandhana (sandal) kappu almost on all the days. I am not sure
whether he is seen on any day without any of these. The Anjaneyar Temple is located
in Anjaneyar Koil Street, Ashok Nagar, Chennai. The temple is around one km away
from the Ashok Pillar. The Anjaneyar Temple is dedicated to Ram Bhakta Sri

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Anjaneyar. Ram Bhakta Sri Anjaneyar and Sri Ganesha are the main deities in this
temple

SWARNAPURISWAR TEMPLE
In Ashok Nagar area, the temple of Swarna Pureeswarar is located in a small
street (45th street corner) at 8th Avenue . The temple is around 40 years old and well
maintained. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form a big Shiv Linga
named as Swarna Pureeswarar in this temple. The goddess Swarnambigai is located in a
separate shrine and the goddess is found with two hands in the standing posture. This
small temple also houses other shrines for Nava Siddhi Vinayak, Anjaneya, Ayyappa,
Vallaba Ganapati (Ganesh with his consort and with 10 hands), Lakshmi, Bala Muruga,
Navagraha, and Kalyana Muruga (Subramanya with his consorts Valli and Devasena).
The wall surrounding the shrine of Swarna Pureeswarar has the idols of Nardhana
Ganapati (the dancing Ganesh), Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbava, Brahma, Durga, and
Chandikeswara. The wall surrounding the shrine of Swarnambika has the idols of Icha
Sakthi, Kriya Sakthi, and Gnana Sakthi

KARUMARI THRIPURASUNDARI
(VARAPRASADHI) TEMPLE WITH
2 SRINIVASARS AND 2 DURGAS.
Karumari Thripurasundari (Varaprasadhi) Amman temple. It is a most powerful
Amman temple with2 Srinivasars and 2 Durgas.

ANJANEYA (HANUMAN) TEMPLE

The Anjaneyar Temple is located in Anjaneyar Koil Street, Ashok Nagar,
Chennai. The temple is around one km away from the Ashok Pillar. The Anjaneyar
Temple is dedicated to Ram Bhakta Sri Anjaneyar. The Anjaneya once had one lakh
Vadamala. The deity is about 20 feet high and is seen either in Vennai kappu or
Sandhana kappu almost on all the days.

KASI VISWANATHAR WITH GOTHANDARAMAR AND

SATHYA NARAYANA PERUMAL TEMPLE
This Lord shiva temple located near Ashok Pillar. Here Lord shiva as Kasi
Viswanathar is blessing the devotees. Kothandaramar and Sathya Narayana Perumal
Sannathis are also present in this Temple.

SARVAPRIYA GANAPATHY TEMPLE

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 This Temple is located at 7th Avenue Ashok Nagar. Lord Ganesh as Sarvapriya
Ganapathy is the main deity.

MALLIKESHWARAR TEMPLE NEAR ASHOK PILLAR

This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here the Lord is called as
Mallikeshwarar. This Temple is located near Ashok Pillar.

AYYAPPAN TEMPLE
This Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. During Mandala season, Devotees
throng the Ayyappa Temple.

Koyambedu
TWIN TEMPLES OF KOYAMBEDU
SRI KURUNGALEESWARAR TEMPLE AND
SRI VAIKUNDAVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE
A perfect example of Shiva-Vaishnav unison, both these temples are located
adjacent to each other and very near to the Koyampedu Bus Terminus. Both have
legendary connection to the Ramayan.

Sri Kurungaleeswarar Temple:

This is also called Kusalavapuriswarar temple. The legend has it that Rama’s twin
sons Lava and Kucha were brought up in Valmiki’s Ashram here. They fought with
Lakshman and won over him without knowing the identity, over the Ashwametha horse
sent by Ramar. They got the Gothrahathi dhosha due to this and the Sage advises them to
do Pradhosha pooja for Shiva. The moolavar in this temple is a Swaymbu lingam of palm
size, as formed by the kids. Pradhosha dharshan here is considered equivalent to 1000
pradhosha dharshans. There is also a Sarabeswarar shrine and the Rahuhala (4:30 PM to
6:00PM) Puja every Sunday is very special. Due to this, the Sunday Pradhosham sees
heavy crowd.

Sri Vaikundavasa Perumal Temple:

Lava and Kusha worshipped the Perumal here. Generally Vaikundavasar will be
seen in a sitting pose but here He is seen in a standing pose with his consorts Sridevi and
Boodevi. The main deity is being decorated differently on every Saturday.

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 Mogappair
SRI SANTHANA SRINIVASAR TEMPLE AT MOGAPPAIR
This 650 years old temple is very powerful to give the boon of a child
(santhanam) which is called ‘Mahapperu’ in tamil and that’s how the place became
Mugappair. The main deity Santhana Srinivasar is 9.5 feet high. Couples praying for
child take the Santhana Srinivasar vigraham in their lap as part of their prayer.
Thulabharam is also being done.

In this temple, poojas are taking place throughout the day till the Ekantha Seva in
the night as in Thirumala

KANAKA DURGA TEMPLE

The Kanaka Durga Temple is located in Kalamegam Salai, Mogappair West,
Chennai. The temple is around 2 km away from the Mogappair West bus terminus. The
Kanaka Durga Temple is dedicated to Divine Mother Shakti as Kanaka Durga.

Main Shrines:

· Devi as Kanaka Durga

· Sri Vishnu:
· Sri (Lakshmi samet) Satyanarayan Perumal
· Sri Thirupathi Venkatachalapathy
· Sri Guruvayurappan
· Sri Veera Sarabeswarar
· Sri Dakshinamurthy
· Sri Bhairavar
· Sri Kameswara - (Kameswari)
· Sri Shiva - (Parvati)
· Sri Lakshmi (samet Satyanarayan Perumal)
· Sri Atharvana Kali Ugra Pratyangira Devi
· Devi Bhuvaneswari
· Devi Mahalakshmi
· Sri (Kameswara) - Kameswari
· Sri Maha Lakshmi
· Sri Kanaka Durga
· Sri Saraswati
· Sri (Shiva) - Parvati
· Sri Valampuri Jyoti Vinayagar

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 Anna Nagar
SRI CHANDRAMOULISHWARAR TEMPLE
This temple is dedicated to Sri Chandramoulishwarar (Lord Shiva ). This Temple
at Anna Nagar Chennai (15th Main Road, Anna Nagar) is a nice temple to visit. The
temple conducts Annadanam regularly

PIDARI AMMAN TEMPLE

Peedari MaaKali Amman Sidhi Vinayagar Temple is situated on third main road
near Nalli silks in ANNA NAGAR, Chennai.The main deity here is known as
Mahalingeshwarar and his consort Goddess Kamakshi.The other deities inside the temple
are Lord Ganesh,Lord Muruga with consorts,Peedari Maakali,Adi Peedari Maakali and
Lord Hanuman.Initially this temple contained Goddess Adi Peedaari Maakali,later a
sprawling temple was constructed in the year 1990 and the Kumbabisekham
performed in 1992.

KALIKAMBAL TEMPLE
The Kalikambal Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalikambal (Kamakshi) and
Lord Kamateswarar

SHIVA VISHNU TEMPLE

The Shiva Vishnu temple is an important Hindu religious place. Shaivaism and
vaishnavism (two important paths of theology in practicing Hinduism) converge at the
Shiva Vishnu Temple. The temple is unique in the sense that Lord Shiva and Lord
Vishnu are worshipped under one roof.

BALAMURUGAN TEMPLE
This temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga in the form of Balamurugan. This
temple is located at No 3, Thendral Colony, 3rd Street, Anna Nagar West, Chennai
600040 ( Landmark : Near Sun Star Music School )

VARASIDDHI VINAYAKAR TEMPLE

This Temple, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Elephant God Vinayaka
(Ganapathi). Here Lord Ganesha is giving blessings to devotees as Varasidhi Vinayakar.

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 Nungambakkam
SRI AGASTHEESWARAR – SRI ASALATHAMMAN
TEMPLES
King Bommarajan who ruled this place once, got Sula disease and prayed to
Perumal. He guided him to take bath in the Agastheeswarar temple tank and worship
Shiva here. He did the same and got his disease cured. Goddess Akilandeswari has a
separate shrine here next only to Thiruvanaikkaval.

At one corner of the temple tank is present the Swayambu amman Asalathamman.

SRI PRASANNA VENKATESA PERUMAL TEMPLE

Nearby Shiva temple, the Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple is also present. The
Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple is dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Prasanna Venkatesa
Perumal and Divine Mother Shakti as Padmavathy Thayar.

Anajaneyar, present in a separate shrine is considered very powerful.

Kodambakkam
BHARTHUKESAVAR TEMPLE
One of the oldest temples in Kodambakkam is the Bharthukesavar temple which
is over 500 years old.

SRI BHARADWAJESWARAR TEMPLE

About 700 years old temple. Vali worshipped Easwaran here and later Sage
Bharadwajar worshipped.Goddess: Swarnambihai

Vadapalani
SRI MURUGAN TEMPLE AT VADAPALANI
Located centrally between Vyakrapureeswarar Temple and Bharadwajeswarar
Temple, this temple is about 100 years old and is a very popular one. Built about

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125 years back, this much-hallowed and regularly frequented Muruga sannidhi has
emerged from a thatched shed, an unostentatious one enshrining a Murugan picture only,
and established for itself a name on par with ancient places of worship. Around 7,000
couples are married here each year.

According to the sthalapurana, one Muruga devotee by name Annaswami

Tambiran with his limited means built a small thatched hut and kept a Murugan painting
for his personal worship primarily. During his meditation 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, solemnising marriages, etc.

Once he fell ill suddenly. At the instance of a sadhu, he visited Tiruttani and
prayed to Muruga offering a part of his tongue cut with a knife at Balipeeta. On his
return, the disease took to flight.

He paid a visit to Palani by foot and had some strange experiences there. He
continued his worship in the hut he built, and when he felt his end was nearing he
requested a close friend by name Ratnaswami to continue the devotional activities to the
painting he was worshipping. Strangely enough, this Ratnaswami too started giving
arulvak after building a small shrine and worshipping as promised to his friend.

The money that public gave was put to building purpose. But Ratnaswami also
passed away before completing it. Another like mind took the building project with the
money he was getting from arulvak just like his predecessors. Unluckily, he too passed
away.

Then entered into the arena some humanist philanthropists who metamorphosed
that simple hut into a superb spiritual abode. Among the builders, the renowned Saiva
Pravakta Kripananda Variyar's name takes first place. Thus emerged this great Muruga
kshetra, and now a great temple drawing a steady streams of pilgrims throughout the
year.

There are very many sannidhis in the vast courtyards, like Varasiddhi Vinayaka,
Chokkanāthar, Mother Parvati, Kāli, Bhairava, Shanmuga with Valli and Devasenā, et al.

The moolavar in standing posture resembles the Palani Muruga in every respect.
In the inner prakara, there are many niches housing Dakshina Murti, 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.

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SRI VENGEESWARAR TEMPLE AT VADAPALANI
A small ancient temple just opposite Vadaplani Murugan temple (i.e. across the
Arcot street). One can’t miss the Rajagopuram built by Cholas from the 100 feet road as
you enter Vadaplani signal junction. In this ancient Shiva temple, it is believed that the
saints Patanjali and Vyagrapathar worshiped Lord Shiva. The Vengeeswarar Temple is
dedicated to Sri Shiva as Vengeeswarar and Divine Mother Shakti as Santha Nayaki
Amman.

Mahalingapuram
SRI AYYAPPAN – GURUVAYURAPPAN TEMPLE AT
MAHALINGAPURAM
Built in 1974, this is the 2nd of the Ayyappa temples built in the city. Lord
Ayyappa temple in the Mahalingapuram area near the famous Kodambakkam bridge, is
one of the three popular Ayyappa temples in Chennai. The temples is very popular that a
lot of devotees keep visiting this temple daily. Especially during the months of November
and December, you can find more number of devotees visiting this temple. The main
deity of the temple is Lord Ayyappa. There is another shrine having equal importance in
this temple, which is dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappa. There are also small shrines in
the temple, dedicated to Manjanamatha, Ganesha, and Subramanya with his two consorts.
There is also an idol of Lord Ranganath (Lord Vishnu in sleeping posture) located in this
temple. The temple looks beautiful in the evening as it is lit by natural light majorly.

In March 1974 the idol of Lord Ayyappa was installed in the shrine by the head
priest of Sabarimala temple. The elders of this area say that at the time of installing the
idol a Garuda (eagle) flew over the shrine thrice which is believed to be a good omen.

Valasaravakkam
SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHANSWAMY TEMPLE
This is a small but ancient temple. This 1000 year old temple is dedicated to Lord
Vishnu. The main diety here is, as the name suggests, Narasimhaswamy along with
Lakshmi Devi.

SRIVELVEESWARAR TEMPLE OR
SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE
This is a 12th Century Chola temple. The temple is called as Velveeswarar temple
or Agastheeswarar temple. It is believed that this temple belongs to the period of

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Kulothungan Chola and around 800 years old. The main shrine of the temple has
Velveeswarar in the form of a big Shiv Ling facing the east direction with a Nandi idol in
front. There is no rajagopuram (tower) or flag staff found in this ancient temple. Adjacent
to the shrine of Velveeswarar, there is another shrine with big Shiv Ling named
Agastheeswarar. This shrine also faces the east direction. The temple is named after these
two Shiv Lingas.The Goddess of the temple Tripura Sundari is found in a separate shrine
facing the south direction.

Alappakkam
VALLISERAPALEESHWARAR TEMPLE AT ALAPPAKKAM
This Shiva temple is related with Vali in Ramayanam. It is said that Vali got the
secret powers from Lord Shiva by doing tapas here only and so the name of the deity
as Vali-sera-paleeshwarar which is now called as Valliserapaleeshwarar. In olden days
native people of alapakkam call this temple as otta-pulla-kovil as a type of grass in tamil
called otta pull has grown surrounding the temple

Vaanagaram
SRINIVASAR TEMPLE
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This Srinivasar temple has a beautiful
Lakshmi Narasimha statue.

This temple is just opposite to TVS-CVAT school on the main road.

OUSHATHAMBAL SAMETHA AGNEESWARAR

TEMPLE
This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here Lord Shiva is called Agneeswarar.
Along with his consort Oushathambal, this temple has a beautiful and big Shiva Lingam.

Chinthadripet
SHIVA AND VISHNU TWIN TEMPLE
One of the oldest temples, considered belongs to 7th Century this is a twin temple
of Lord Shiva and Vishnu in adjacent complexes. The names of the deities confirm the

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puranic nature of the temple. Lord Shiva is Aadhipureeswarar with Goddess
Thirupurasundari. Lord Vishnu is Aadhikesava Perumal with Goddess Aadhilakshmi.
Vinayagar is Aadhi Vinayahar.

Egmore
ARTHANARISWARAR TEMPLE
It will be difficult to find out this temple in the midst of bustling Egmore. It is in a
narrow lane behind Dasaprakash. The main deity is a beautiful and big lingam.

Thirunavukkarasar has sung on this temple and it is supposed to be 1300 years old
going by that. He has mentioned Egmore as ‘Elum oor’, a place of awakening.

Kilpauk
SRINIVASAR PERUMAL TEMPLE
This Srinivasa Perumal temple is located at temple street. The main diety in this
temple is Srinivasa Perumal.

VARADARAJAR TEMPLE
There is another temple in the Kilpauk area which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Here the Perumal is known as Varadarajar.

Purasaiwakkam
SRI GANGADESWARAR TEMPLE
The temple is about 2000 years old. Once King Baheeradhan ridiculed Sage
Naradhar and got his curse. To get off from the curse he worshipped 1008 Shivalingams.
When he searched a proper place for his 1008th Shivalinga pooja, a holy voice pointed to
this place. The place where he kept the Ganga water kamandalam is the temple well.
Even if the whole Chennai becomes water starved, this well serves water. Within the
temple tank there were 7 wells but all but this specific one had been already covered up
since they went dry.

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 When the temple tank dried up, as is the case with many city temples, the
authorities, instead of taking effort to refill the tank through proper rain water harvesting,
got the brilliant idea (as usual) to completely close the tank and make it as a park. When
they were pumping out water from the tank, they were unable to control the water inflow
from one particular well (thank God). They thought it was the underground drainage
water but on tests it was found to be pure water that came from the side of the sanctum
sanctorum. In the Southeast corner of the temple, there is a rare Kurundai tree which can
not be seen in any other temple. It is said that Manicka Vasagar preached under this tree.

Sage Bageeratha sage is believed to have done penance and brought Ganga to the
earth at this place. Hence Lord shiva is known as Gangadeeswarar and Goddess is known
as Pankajakshi. This temple is mentioned in Thevaram by Sundarar. He has not visited
Purasai but has sung on the lord as vaipu thalam (singing without visiting the temple).

SRI SRINIVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE

This is located at Vellala street off Purasawalkam High Road. Originally there
was a Bhajan Temple here with a small stone idol which can be seen even today in the
main shrine. The Bhajan Temple was built more than 300 years ago and the present
temple came into existence in 1850.

PONNIAMMAN KOIL
Ponniamman is believed to be something like a “kaaval deivam” of
Purasai. Legend says that in those days, the place around Millers road and
Flowers road etc used to be full of fields. Goddess graces everyone with her
beautiful smile. Ponniamman Koil is located at Millers Road / Flowers road junction
at Purasawalkam.

Ayanavaram
SRI PARASURAMALINGESWARAR TEMPLE AT
AYANAVARAM
This is a 1000 years old temple. Prasuramar, a form of Mahavishnu, killed his
mother at the behest of his father. In order to clear off his sin due to this, he worshipped
Shiva here. Brahma, called Ayan, took bath in this temple tank and worshipped Shiva and
that’s why the place is called Ayanpuram and later Ayyanavaram.

SRI KASI VISWANATHAR TEMPLE AT AYANAVARAM

Built in 1804, this temple was built as per the dream of two Gujarathi women who
brought a lingam from Kasi. There is a Kasi Viswanathar Temple tank.

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 Guindy
PADAHACHERI SWAMY SHIVA TEMPLE
Very ancient shiva temple near Guindy railway station; to the side of Anna salai
bridge; Renovated by Kumbakonam Padahacheri Swamigal.

SHIRADI SAIBABA TEMPLE

Shiradi Saibaba temple is located at hardly a 50 feet away from Padahacheri
Shiva Temple.

SRI KASI VISWANATHAR TEMPLE

This temple is very near to St.Thomas Mound Railway Station.
Sri Kasi Viswanathar with Kasi Visalakshi worshipped by Sage Bringi – this was on top
of the hill once. Sage Bringi did tapas at the hill nearby and so it was called Bringumalai
and now as Parankimalai. British took over the hill during their period, named it as St
Thomas Mount and built many churches around, completely wiping out the traces of the
ancient places of Sage Bringu. Today it is completely hijacked by Christians. Just
opposite the Kasi Viswanathar temple, there is a big well with Gopuram; with steps to go
to the bottom of the well to fetch water. The well is now in a ruined state.

Pallavaram
THIRUMANEESWARAR TEMPLE AT PALLAVARAM
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Shiva temple has a pretty big
lingam. Devotees throng this temple during Pradosham days which is considered
a holy day for Shaivaites.

Thiruneermalai
PERUMAL TEMPLE, THIRUNEERMALAI
Special: One of 108 Divya desams; considered as mukthi sthala

Location: In the Guindy-Tambaram GST Road, take the road opposite Pond’s factory
(towards West) at Pallavaram and go further for about 3-4 kms to reach the temple.

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Main deity: Vishnu in 4 different forms together in one divya desam

Legend: Sage Valmiki, after completing the Ramayana, visited the hillock top temple
and came down and prayed Rama. Ranganathar and Ranganayaki, whom he saw gave
dharshan at the base temple as Rama and Seetha; Adhisesha as Lakshman; Sanku, Chakra
as Bharatha, Sathrugna; Garuda as Hanuman and Viswakarma as Sugreeva

Temple: This place is a small hill surrounded by green fields all around and there are two
temples one at the hillock top with 108 steps and the other at the base. When
Thirumangai Azhwar visited the place, this hill was surrounded by water and so is the
name of the place ‘Thiruneermalai’. The hillock top temple has Ranganatha swamy and
Ranganayaki thayar ‘Kidantha’ (lying) posture in the front shrine and as we go around we
see Thiruvikrama perumal in ‘Nadantha’ (walking) posture known as ‘Ulagalandha
Perumal’, and third deity Santha Narasimhar in ‘Iruntha’ (sitting) posture. The base
temple has Kalyana Ramar as the main deity in the name of Neervannan in ‘Ninra’
(standing) posture.

Theertham: Ksheera, Karunya, Siddha & Swarna pushkarani together as big pond,
known as Manikarnika.

Trisulam
THRISULANADHAR TEMPLE AT TRISULAM
Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Thrisulanadhar with Goddess Thripura
Sundari in separate shrines

Location: In the GST Road towards Tambaram, after the Trisulam railway station,
take the road to the left immediately after it, just opposite the Airport. At about 1.5 km
from the GST road, this ancient Shiva temple can be located.

Legend: Brahma, after affected by the curse of Shiva, worshipped Shiva at various
places and this is one such place. It is believed that Brahma’s four faces are present as
four hills around chanting the four Vedas.

Temple: This place is one of the Chathurvethi Mangalams and was called Vanavan
Madhevi Chathurvethi Mangalam. The temple was built by Klothunga Cholan I. The
name Tirisoolam came from Thiruchuram, churam meaning a place of hills and forests.
The ambal shrine was damaged during the invasion by the muslims and foreigners and so
a new Ambal idol was installed. While thinking of dumping the old idol, it was instructed
in the dream of an archahar to install the old idol along with the main deity and so was
done.

Theertham: Brahma teertham

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 Chrompet
SRI KUMARAN KUNDRAM TEMPLE AT CHROMPET
This is a Murugan temple on a small hill with about 100 steps and is located
within the Chrompet town. From city, while going towards Tambaram take the left side
(East) of the Chrompet road over bridge and take the first left at the end of the bridge and
go further for about half a km to reach the temple.

Way back in 1956, when Paramacharya visited Chromepet, looking at the hill, he
said a temple for Murugan would come up there. It happened 20 years later. The temple
for Siddhi Vinayakar was the first to be built in 1956. While clearing the hill side for a
path, a lance (Vael) was found and this inspired the devotees to speed up work. The
Swaminathaswamy temple took shape and consecration was performed in 1979.
Gradually the hill acquired more shrines and the temple has been expanded and
consecration conducted at regular intervals.

This temple is a replica of the original in Thanjavur. Thanks to its location

between the southern district and Delhi that has a temple for the deity, it is referred to as
Dakshina Swamimalai.

Tambaram
SRI RAMA ANJANEYA AND SRI VAIDYANATHA SWAMY
TWIN TEMPLE
This twin temple of Shaiva Sri Vaidyanatha Swamy temple and Vaishnav Sri
Rama Anjaneyar temple is on the GST Road itself at Tambaram sanatorium. While going
from Guindy, it is on the right side of the GST road, just before National Sidhdha
Unit.and in the Ramanjeya Premise. A private trust temple and so very cleanly and
beautifully maintained. A wonderful serene atmosphere.

Vinayakar,Murugar, Vishnu Durgai, Thaiyal Nayagi,Dakshina Murthy,

Navagrahas are in the Vaidyanatha swamy premises

Anjaneyar, Mahalakshmi Thayar, Sri Chakrathalwar,Sri Narasimar, Sri Andal

are in the Sri Rama anjaneyar premises. Anjaneyar is very powerful. devotees used to tie
dry coconuts praying for the fulfilment of prayers of marriage, examination, health etc.
Visited by all madathipathis.

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 Guindy – Poonamallee
Nandambakkam
SRI KOTHANDARAMAR TEMPLE AT
NANDAMBAKKAM
This temple for Lord Rama is one of the oldest in the city and is in the street just
opposite the Trade Centre. According to legend, Lord Rama on his way to Lanka, offered
homage to Sage Bhringi, who was doing penance on a hill named after him (Bhringimalai
is now called Parankimalai). Sage Bhringi requested Lord Rama to stay with him. A
garden was laid near the hill where Lord Rama spent his time, which came to be known
as Nandavanam and later Nandambakkam.

The descendants of Vijayanagara rulers constructed this temple for Rama, Sita
and Lakshmana, around 750 years ago, in the place where Lord Rama stayed. The
original idols that the sage worshipped were installed in this temple.

Shrines for Lord Srinivasa of Tirumala, Goddess Alarmelmangai Thayar,

Nandavana Kannan, Ananda Anjaneyar, Azhwars and Acharyas were later installed and
the temple became a big complex.

The special features of this temple are that it faces south and Sita is found sitting
on Rama’s lap. The temple is also called `Then Thirupathi of Thondai Mandalam’. An
eternal lamp burns in the Vasantha mandapam with 288 ghee lamps around it. The
Ananda Anjaneyar is 7 feet high and is beautiful.

Note: As an identification of Rama having stayed at Ramavaram, there are places in the
name of Ramavaram, Seethavaram and Devipuram around.

SRI RAMALINGESWARAR TEMPLE AT

NANDAMBAKKAM
This ancient Shiva temple is located very near to the Ramar temple. Sri Rama, the
hero of Ramayana worshipped this lingam during his stay here.

Nandambakkam is located at the south-west of Chennai on the

Mount-Poonamallee Road

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 Porur
SRI RAMANADESWARAR TEMPLE AT PORUR
(CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – GURU)
This is a being considered as a Guru (Jupiter) sthalam for Navagraha worship.
This temple is located in the Eswaran Koil Street near the Porur main junction. Ramar
worshipped Shiva here and the lingam present as Guru, is huge and beautiful. This is also
called as ‘Uthara Rameswaram’. The speciality of this temple is the offering of Sadari
and Theertham to devotees. This is usually done only in Vishnu temples. This practice is
followed here to honour Rama’s devotion to Siva Peruman.

The alternate to this Gurusthalam, is the Shiva Temple at Kundrathur.

Poonamallee
SRI VARADHARAJA PERUMAL / SRI THIRUKKACHCHI
NAMBIGAL TEMPLE AT POONAMALLEE
Poovirundavalli, more popularly known in its corrupted form as Poonamallee, the
birth place of Thirukatchi Nambi Azhwar, a staunch devotee of Varadaraja Perumal. The
name Poonamallee is attributed to the fact that the area around was full of jasmine
(jasmine means ‘ Malli” in Tamil). In Sanskrit, the place was called Pushpakavalli.
Pushpam’ means flower and Valli denotes Goddess. There is a legend that Goddess
Lakshmi rose from jasmine flower and gave darashan to Thirukatchi Nambi Azhwar. It is
also said the Azhwar worshipped God Varadaraja, deity at Kanchi with the jasmine
flowers plucked from here. This place was also called ‘Lakshmipuram’ and ‘Ulagu
Vuyya Konda Cholapuram’.

The main deity of this 10th century temple near the Poonamalle bus stand is Lord
Varadaraja Perumal with His Consort, Pushpakavalli Thayar. It is also known as
Arulaperumal. Moved by the prayers of Thirukatchi Nambi Azhwar, Sri
Varadarajaswami, Sri Venkatesaperumal and Sri Ranganathar gave dharshan to him
simultaneously at this place. There is also a shrine for Thirukatchi Nambi Azhwar. There
is a strong belief that the sun God and Mars (Angarga) worshipped the Lord of this
temple. Every year during February – March between the 21st and 25th at 6.00 AM, the
sun’s rays fall on the face of the Lord of this temple. Like His counterpart at the Kanchi
Varadaraja temple, the Perumal here also faces west.

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SRI THAIYAL NAYAGI UDANURAI VAITHEESWARAN
TEMPLE AT POONAMALLE
(CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – SEVVAI)
This is being considered as the Sevvai (Angaraka – Mars) sthalam for
the Navagraha worship. The temple is lavish, big and well maintained. Here the temple
has a separate Sevvai Padam (legs) and a statue of the Sthala Vruksha Thaazhi Palm tree
and also 3 Chakrams which were established by the Adi Shankara (Sri Chakram,
Subramania Chakram and Shanmuga Chakram) near the Subramania Swami shrine. The
front mandapam near the Shiva Shrine has beautiful carvings on the roof. The South
entrance has some interesting sculptures on either side. The main deity is known as
‘Theera Vinai Theertha Perumal’.

Noombal
NOOMBAL AGASTHEESWARA TEMPLE
Noombal Agastheeswara Temple is almost covered on all sides by high rise
buildings of companies and it is better to enquire at street corners to reach the Temple.
Noombal just before Karaiyanchavadi/Poondhamalli and the Temple is an ancient one.
Gaja Brishta vimanam is seen on Moolavar's garbagrugam and the Temple is said to
attract lot of devotees on festive days.

One may wind up the pilgrimage of Shiva Temples on the banks of Coovam at the last
destination at Poondhamalli Vaidhyanatha Swami Temple. Sculptures at the Main
entrance convey the message that the Historic Temple was under the care of many rulers.

Gerugambakkam
SRI NEELAKANDESWARAR TEMPLE AT
GERUGAMBAKKAM
(CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM - KETHU)
This is being considered as the Kethu sthalam for the Navagraha worship. It is
located in the Porur - Kundrathur Road.

At the left hand of the entrance we can see a separate Snake idol being
worshipped as the Kethu shrine. The Amman strikes your sight and attracts your attention
as it is facing the entrance. So, big, majestic and beautiful! is this Aadhi Kamakshi
Amman. Only those who see it can believe it!!

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 Recently, Tamilnadu Tourism has made arrangements to organize package tour to
all 9 Navagraha Sthalams around Chennai and hence the turnout of people is gradually
increasing here.

Pozhichalur
SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT POZHICHALLUR
(CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – SANI)
Pozhichalur Agastheeswarar Temple is also known as Vada Thirunallaaru.
Thirunallaru is famous for saneeswarar Temple. Pallavaram Railway station is the
nearest Railhead

This temple is about 800 years old and has a big pond on the western side of the
temple. This Tamil Nadu temple is called as Agastheeswarar temple as Agasthiyar is said
to have worshiped Shiva here on his return from Himalayas,the Amman is called as
Anandavalli.

The temple enshrines Agastheeswarar as the presiding deity along with his divine
consort Anandavalli. The sanctum of the Lord faces east and that of his consort faces
south. Though Agastheeswarar Temple doesn’t match to the grandeur of the ancient
Chola temples, the architecture style denotes that the temple belongs to 12th century. The
style of construction with the gaja-brashta-vimana (resembling the shape of an elephant's
behind) and the stone inscription stands as a testimony to this fact. Most noteworthy
feature of the shrine is that the temple has a shrine dedicated to Lord Sani; the shrine of
Sani is considered to be next to that of Thirunallar. Traditionally, all the temples visited
by Sage Agastya are known as Agastheeswaram. It is said that the temple was visited by
Sage Agastya; hence the name Agastheeswarar Temple. Mahashivaratri, Karthikai
Deepam, Sani Peyarchi and Guru Peyarchi are the major festivals celebrated amid much
pomp and splendor. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine every year.

It is said that the Shivalingam appeared when the native Mudaliars ploughed
the land.

Pammal
SRI AMIRTHAMBIHAI SAMETHA SRI ARKEESWARAR
TEMPLE AT PAMMAL (SURYA AMMAN TEMPLE)
This is a 11th century temple at Pammal. Recently some idols were found during
construction work inside the Surya Amman Temple. Officials of the Hindu Religious and

69
Charitable Endowments Department said they might belong to the 8th century Chola
period. The idols were recovered when preliminary work for building a ‘vasantha
mandapam’ at the Amirthambigai Samedha Sri Arkeeswarar Surya Amman temple began
on Thursday. One of the workers who had dug about two feet to raise pillars for a
mandapam realised that he had hit a piece of metal or stone, officials said. He informed
others at the temple, who came to the spot. On clearing the mud they found 11 idols one
below the other. They informed the temple trustees who called officials of the HR and CE
Department. A team of officials from the department came to the spot and measured and
weighed the idols, which they said were made from ‘panchaloha’ (a mix of five metals).
They identified the idols as that of Vinayagar, Somaskandar, Amman, three Amman
idols, Skandar, Manickavasagar, Gnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar and Sandikeswarar.
Of them, an Amman idol was the tallest, at 90 centimetres and weighed 56 kg, kilograms,
while the Skandar idol was only 19-cm centimetres high and weighed one kg. kilogram.

Kundrathur
SRI MURUGAN TEMPLE
This is a small hill temple located at Kundrathur which is in the middle of Porur,
Poonamalee and Pallavaram for Lord Subramaniar with His two consorts. This temple
was built by King Klothunga Chola – II. Legend has it that Lord Subramaniar stayed in
the hill on an auspicious day during His travel from Thirupporur to Thiruthani. This place
is also known as ‘South Thanigai’ since Lord Subramaniar is sitting in the direction of
north facing Thanigai and this is the only Murugan temple in Tamilnadu where the God
is facing north. The other specialty being that Lord Subramaniar can be seen with only
one Goddess at a time though He is present with both of His consorts.

The God cannot be seen with both the Goddess at the same time. If the God is
viewed from one side he can be seen along with Goddess Valli and viewed from the other
side, he can be seen along with Goddess Deivanai

SRI THIRU-URAGA PERUMAL TEMPLE

In the road towards the Murugan temple, this temple is located just about 100
meters before the Murugan temple. The main deity, Thiru-Uraga Perumal, is seven feet
tall and the thayar, Thiruvirundhavalli Thayar are usually very well decorated. The
deities’ decorations very clearly demonstrate the devotion of the Bhattacharyars towards
their Master. It is sure that anybody passing through the road will automatically be
attracted inside with the little and beautiful glimpse of the deity from the road. The
remains of a pillared mandapam spoke of a grand edifice built probably during Klothunga
or Karikala Chozhan’s period. The inscriptions found inside the temple indicate that this
was well patronized during the reign of the Vijayanagar dynasty also. A very recent
inscription was interesting. It recorded verses on the deity that had appeared in the
dreams of a local Tamil teacher which when recited gave the area copious rain!

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SRI KANDAZHEESWARAR NAGAIMUKAVALLI
ESWARAN TEMPLE
A chola period temple located very near the Thiru Uraga Perumal temple. Sri
Nagaimukavalli Sametha Kandazheeswarar Temple. Surya prayed to Lord Shiva to get
his power revived and hence the name. The Lord is seen as a huge Lingam and Goddess
is seen facing South with the left foot forward, indicating that this temple is a parihara
sthalam. Also the fact that the base of the shiva lingam is square in shape indicates the
same. The unique feature of the temple gopuram is that it looks like an elephant's back
which is seen in Kulothunga chozan architecture. The uniqueness of this temple is that
Lord Bhairavar is seen in all three forms Gnana Bhairavar, Aghora Bhairavar and Swarna
Akarshna Bhairavar.

SEEKIZHAR TEMPLE
Located just opposite the Kandazieswarar temple. Sezkhizhar who was the chief
minister of Kulothuga Chozha II alias Anabaya.wrote periyapuranam (tamil). He was
born in kundrathur. so this temple is dedicated for him.

SRI VEMBULIAMMAN TEMPLE

The Vembuli Amman Temple is dedicated to Divine Mother Shakti as Vembuli
Amman.

SRI BALAMBIKA SAMEDHA VALEESWARAR TEMPLE

ON NATHAM ROAD
This Temple is atleast 1000 years old. In this Temple, the main dieties are
Valeeswarar (Lord Shiva) and his consort Balambikai (Parvathi). A speciality in this
temple is the gajabrushta type stone sanctum sanctorum

ANGALA PAREMESHWARI TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakthi as Angala Parameshwari.

BOOPALA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

This temple is dedicated to Elephant God Ganapathi. Here Lord is called as
Boopala Vinayagar.

PRASANNA VENKATESA PERUMAL TEMPLE

In this Temple, the main diety is Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal (Lord Vishnu).

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DEVI MOOKAMBIGAI TEMPLE
The main diety of this temple is Devi Mookambigai.

SIDDHI BUDDHI SAMETHA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE

According to Bhargava Purana, when Vinayaka attained adolescence, Mother
Parvathi Devi, as all other mothers do, began to think about celebrating the marriage. At
that time, Naradha suggested that Siddhi and Buddhi, the two daughters of Brahma would
be the ideal brides for Ganesha. The former signifying Fulfilment and the latter Wisdom.
In this temple, Lord Ganesha is seen along with his consorts Sidhi and Budhi.

KATHYAYANI AMMAN TEMPLE

The Shiv Puran states that “Dakshprajapati", father of Goddess Sati who is the
consort of Lord Shiva, organized a big Yagna and he did not invite Lord Shiva. When
Sati came to know that here father had insulted Lord Shiva, she jumped into the fire. Lord
Shiva took the burning body of Sati on his shoulders and performed the Tandav dance
(dance of destruction). According to the legend it is believed that when Lord Vishnu saw
mass destruction all around he tried to normalize Lord Shiva and cut the burning body of
Sati into pieces with his Chakra (Mace). It is said that the various spots where parts of
Devi Sati fell became Shakti Peeth Sthans all the around the country. There are supposed
to be 108 such Sthans, out of which only 51 are known today. It is stated that the hair of
Goddess Sati fell in Brij and the spot is known as Katyayani Peeth. This Amman temple
located in Kundrathur is dedicated to Kathyayani Amman.

BALAMBIGAI SAMETHA SADAIYANDEESWARAR

TEMPLE
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here the Lord is seen along with his
consort Balambigai

SRI KAMAKSHI SAMETHA NAGESWARAR TEMPLE

(CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – RAAHU)
This is considered as the Raagu sthalam for the Navagraha worship and was built
by the descendents of Sekkizhaar (who wrote Periya Puranam). Here the Nagabharanam
around the linga is supposed to be the Rahu for worship. This place is also called as Vada
Thirunageswaram. The temple and its tank are clean and well maintained. Sri Kamakshi
Sametha Nageshwarar is the presiding deity here. The temple also houses Kasi
Viswanathar, Arunachaleshwarar in the inner praharam and in the outer praharam there is
a temple for Lord Saneeswaran. This temple is also considered as one of Navakailasam's
in Tamil Nadu.

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SREE PONNIAMMAN TEMPLE
This temple is situated about 600 mtrs. to the North of Thirunageswaram Sivan
Temple. The main deity is Chandi called Ponniamman a goddess with a 'Soolam' - 3
forked spear. This goddess is worshiped as family deity (Kula Deivam - each family in
Hindus has one) by many families in and around Kundrathur. Adjacent to the temple
there is pond belonging to Ponniamman Temple of about 1 acre area fenced with grills.
Every year 'Theppothsavam' (Float Festival) is conducted. Paal Kudam - carrying milk in
silver or brass pots overhead around the village from Thirunageswaram Sivan Temple to
Sri Ponniamman Temple is also celebrated in grand manner every year.

Sirukalathur
SRI AMARATHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT SIRUKALATHUR
This is an ancient temple that was in a dilapidated condition and has been
renovated recently. This temple is at Sirukalathur village, just 3 km from Kunrathur,
closer to Chembarambakkam lake.The presiding deity is Lord Amaratheeswarar and the
goddess is Parvathavardhini.

This temple belongs to 13th Century built by Chola kings at the time of
Sekkizhar,(the great Siva baktha who wrote Periyapuranam) who lived in Kunrathur. The
temple also had sannidhis of Varasiddhi vinayagar, Arumuga peruman, Sukravara
Amman, Kala bairavar, Suryabaghavan and for Sekkizhar himself. Maha Periyaval had
visited this temple and prayed to the presiding deity. Now the main deity remains
covered, and a balalayam maintained awaiting repairs to temple and a kumbabishekam.
When will it be??? Mahaganapathi statue from outer wall had already been stolen, Luckly
the utsava vigrahams are for the last 15 years under custody of the Kovur Sundareswarar
temple. The Nandikeswarar in the dilapidated small shelter is very impressive and faces
the Lord ‘Sannidhi.
RAMANATHESWARAR TEMPLE AT SIRUKALATHUR
An ancient temple on a tiny hillock in a beautiful location that needs attention.
Mahalakshmi shrine is also present.

This ancient temple for Sri Ramanaadheswarar is located in Porur, very near to
Porur junction, off. Kunrathur Road. This ancient temple is connected to the Ramayana
period. According to the history, Sri Rama on His way to Sri Lanka rested here in this
place which was then a forest. While resting under an Amla tree (‘Nelli’ in Thamizh), He
realized that there was a Shiva Lingam under the ground and his feet had touched the
head of the Lingam unknowingly.

73
 Sri Rama acquired a Dhosham as He had touched the Lingam with His feet. So he
undertook a penance towards Lord Shiva for 48 days with just one Amla fruit as his food,
to recover from the Dhosham and to bring out the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva pleased with
Sri Rama’s penance came out from the earth and gave Viswaroopa Dharshan to Sri
Rama. Sri Rama overwhelmed by the Lord’s mercy named the Shiva Lingam as Sri
Ramanaadheswarar and worshipped Him. Goddess Parvathi too appeared and gave
Dharshan to Sri Rama as Sri Sivakaama Sundhari.

As Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva as His Guru, this place became a Guru Sthalam
among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam). Here Lord Shiva
Himself is worshipped as Sri Guru Bhagavan.

Also this place is called Uthara Raameswaram, as Sri Rama worshipped Lord
Shiva here, similar to Raameswaram. Also according to temple sources, it is said that
Porur was called as Uthara Raameswaram in ancient days. It is also said that, this temple
is equivalent to Raameswaram and those who are not able to go pilgrimage to
Raameswaram can visit this place and be blessed by the Lord.

The main deity Sri Ramanaadheswarar is too gigantic and beautifully decorated,
facing east. This huge deity is a Swayambhu Lingam (self evolved). Goddess Sivakaama
Sundhari has a separate shrine in the temple.

Mangadu
SRI TAPAS KAMAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE
Location: Near Poonamalle

Special: A highly popular Amman temple; Kamakshi amman penanced here and got
married to Shiva at Kanchipuram.

Legend: Once Parvathi Devi closed the eyes of Shiva for fun which resulted in total
darkness of the whole universe. Shiva was displeased by her act and she had to come
down to earth and do penance to join Shiva once again. Here She penanced standing on
tip of Her left leg on fire and so She is known as Tapas Kamakshi. Shiva while coming to
give dharshan to Her, met Sukracharyar on way and He asked Kamakshi to end her
penance and go to Kancheepuram (Kamakshi came to Kanchi, made a Shiva linga of mud
and started her pooja once again. She was then married to Shiva at Kanchipuram where
She is known as Kalyana kamakshi). While going in an anxiety, she did not put down the
Yagna fire and so all the living beings around were suffering due to the heat generated.
When Aadhi Shankarar was passing through, he installed a SriChakram called Arthameru
made of 8 herbs and reduced the heat. Still people feared with the Kamakshi idol in

74
penance and so the later Sankaracharyas shifted this idol to the side of the temple and
installed another Kamakshi in Santha roopam, called Aadhi Kamakshi, with Sugarcane
stick in one hand and Parrot in the other.

Temple: In front of the main deity, there is a tortoise shaped bottom with a 16 petal lotus
flower three steps above it, on which the highly powerful Sri Chakra Yantra is installed.
It has 43 corners representing 43 Devathas. The main deity takes the Abhisheham and
only Kumkum archanai is being done for the Artha meru Sri Chakram since it is made of
herbs.

SRI VELLEESWARAR TEMPLE

(CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – SUKRAN)
This is considered as the Sukra (Venus) Sthala for the Navagraha worship. It is
said that Sukra worshipped the lingam here and it is believed that those who have eye
ailments will get cured by worshipping this lord. The Shivalinga (Velleeswarar) is huge
in size and was worshipped by Sage Bargava and Goddess Parvathi in penance seen at
Maangadu Amman temple. Vishnu who solemnized the marriage of Shiva-Parvathi also
has a temple nearby. Vishnu carries the jewels for the marriage in his hands!.
Subramanya swamy, made of single stone, is seen with devayani and Ganesha is seen
with mango in his hand. As Sri Sukran (Velli in Thamizh) worshipped Lord Shiva here,
the Lord came to be known as Sri Velleeswarar and also called as Sri Bhaargaveswarar.

This temple is Sukran Sthalam among the Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or
Thondai Mandalam). Sri Sukran blesses people with wealth, prosperity, good family,
vehicles, fame and social status. The main deity Sri Velleeswarar is huge and looks very
grand, facing east. Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga are seen at either side of the entrance
of the sanctum. Lord Ganesha here is holding a Mango fruit in His hand and is called
‘Maangani Vinayagar’. The place Maangaadu itself had got its name as it was once a vast
Mango forest.

All the three temples (Velleeswarar, Maangadu Amman and Vishnu) are near to
each other.

SRI VAIKUNDA PERUMAL TEMPLE

This temple is situated near Sri Kamakshiamman Temple. Sri Vaikunda Perumal
here is in sitting pose with Sridevi and Boodevi. Lord Vishnu solemnized the marriage of
Shiva-Parvathi and He carries the jewels for the marriage in His hands! All these three
temples – Velleeswarar, Maangadu Amman and Lord Vishnu have legend connection and
also very near to each other.

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 Kovur
SRI SUNDARESWARAR / SRI THIRUMEYNEESWARAR
SHIVA TEMPLE AT KOVUR
(CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – BUDHAN)
The main deity is Sri Sundareswarar with Goddess Soundarambihai. This is being
considered as the Budhan (Mercury) Sthalam for the Navagraha worship. The entrance is
picturesque with an array of houses and tall Asoka Trees on either side. This temple has
the unique Maha Vilvam as its Sthala Vruksham which has bunch of 27 leaves in one
single stalk!!!. Saint Thyagaraja’s Pancha Rathna Keerthanas on Lord Rama is very
popular and he rarely sang in praise of other Gods. This is the place where he sang the
Panchartana keerthanas on Shiva and is called Kovur Pancharathnam.

Kolapakkam
SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE
AT KOZHAPAKKAM / KOLAPAKKAM
(CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – SURYAN)
The temple lies in the Manappakkam-Gerugambakkam (Kundrathur) road.

This is being considered as the Surya (sun) sthalam for the Navagraha worship.
The unique feature is that the three main deities – The Sun God, Bairava Idol and the
Shivalingam are to be seen through Salaram (window) all at the same time. The
landscape and garden around this temple is maintained excellently. A beautiful water
pond is in front of the temple.

Manapakkam
SRI VELLEESWARAR TEMPLE MANAPAKKAM
This temple is more than 300 years old. Prominent Daeities are Sri Velleeswarar
(Lord Shiva) and Sri Thripurambikai

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 Mudichur
SRI BHEEMESWARAR TEMPLE AT MUDICHUR
This is a 1000 year old temple. The Bheemeswarar Temple is a Shiva - Vishnu
temple dedicated to Sri Shiva as Bheemeswarar, Divine Mother Shakti as
Dharmanbigai and Sri Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal. The temple has a big temple tank.
On the periphery of the temple tank also lie the Seliamman Temple dedicated to Divine
Mother Shakti as Seliamman.

SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT MUDICHUR

This Shiva Temple is considered very powerful in getting marriage related wishes
granted.

SRI VIDHYAMBHIKA TEMPLE – MUDICHUR

Sri Vidhyambhika temple – Mudichur All of us are familiar with the portrayal of
the divine wedding of Lord Siva and Meenakshi. Lord Vishnu offers His sister
Meenakshi to Lord Siva in marriage. Goddess Meenakshi is seen in the middle with Lord
Siva on one side and Lord Vishnu on the other. The beauty of the idols of Lord Siva and
Goddess Meenakshi at the Mudichoor temple is beyond description. The scene is
portrayed with Lord Siva in the middle and Lord Vishnu and Goddess Parvathy each on
either of His sides. The idol was found on 20 – 6 – 1997 while digging the land for
cleaning the temple. And, it was installed on 26th. After this miraculous incident, the
number of women devotees with prayer requests for marriage has increased multifold.

Mudichur – reason for the name

Around 1,300 ago, the place was a barren land. Kameswaran, a devotee, was
worshipping a lingam here which he found on his way. Vasuki, the only daughter of a
person named Viswam, also was worshipping the lingam. Lord Siva wished to unite the
two in the sacred bond of wedding. But Viswam was not favorably inclined. Lord Siva
appeared before Viswam as Bheemeswara along with His consort Vidhyambhika. The
divine couple conducted the marriage in the place of the parents of Vasuki. The place got
the name ‘Manamudicha nalloor’ due to the reason that the Lord and the Goddess
conducted the marriage. In the year 1,800, Sreeman Appaariyar Swamigal brought out a
book in print compiling the 4,000 ‘Divya prabhandas’. He functioned from this place and
completed his spiritual service. The original name ‘Manamudicha nalloor’ became
Mudichur because of this fact, it is said.

Mudichur – how it became a ‘Thirumana sthala’

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 The Pallava king deputed one by name Haridas to handle the responsibility of
constructing the Mudichur temple. The work was carried out with utmost care and
perfection. At this juncture, an aged couple came to the spot after sunset. Haridas gave
them food and helped them sleep at the temple ‘mandap’. In the morning, he found the
couple wearing the ‘vastras’ that had been put on the Lord and the Goddess. Realizing
that they were no other than the divine couple, Haridas fell at their feet. The couple
disappeared after telling that the women who came and worshipped there would get a
good husband and an early marriage. Both the daughters of Haridas got married
immediately after their prayer requests, it is said. From that day onward, the shrine
became a ‘Thirumana sthala’.

Procedure for prayer request

The number of the yellow strings tied with wedding prayers for early marriage
has exceeded 7,000! On paying Rs. 11, they give a yellow ‘thaali’ and a turmeric piece at
the temple. After praying to Goddess Vidhyambhika, the woman has to tie the yellow
string to the pillar facing the ‘sannidhi’. And, the ‘mantra’ ‘Devi Devi Jaganmathaa,
Jagathanandhakaarani’ has to be chanted for 11 times for 11 days in the morning after
taking bath. And, the woman has to pray sincerely and intensely. The women who come
here with prayer request for marriage boon firmly believe that their prayer requests would
be granted without fail. The prayer commitment is completed when the couple performs
an ‘abhishek’ after the marriage is held.

Location : The temple is situated at 5 km distance from Tambaram on the Tambaram –

Kancheepuram route, to the south-west of Chennai.

Date of the temple

The ancient temple was built around 1,300 years ago. The architecture belongs to the
Pallava age. At the sanctum is installed the idol of Sri Bheemeswara along with His
consort Sri Vidhyambhika. The images of Selva Vinayaka, Dakshinamoorthy,
Lingothpava, Muruga with His consorts Valli and Devyani, Sri Durga, Chandikeswara,
‘Navagrahas’, Sri Damodara with His consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi and ‘Yoga’
Hanuman have also been installed as temple deities. The statues of Sivalaya moorthis,
Bhairavar, Sivasurya and Muruga are made of ‘Chandrakanta’ stones which are resonant.

Perungalathur
SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT PERUNGALATHUR
This is dedicated to Sri Shiva as Agastheeswarar and Divine Mother Shakti as
Ananda Valli Ambal.

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 New Perungalathur
SELVA VINAGAYAR / KAMKASHI AMMAN TEMPLE AT
NEW PERUNGALATHUR
This is a highly popular temple at New Perungalathur. This temple has a history
dating back to 63 years. Since then this temple is located in the New Perungalathur,
Kamarajar highways. Initially Sree Selva Vinayagar temple was consecrated here. After
that the strong penance of Sri Santha Kamatchi Ammaiyar and the efforts of the
terrestrialGod Kanchi sree maha swamigal paved way for the prathista of the Sree
Kamatchi Amman, saviour of the earth. Kamatchi Amman sanithi exists in this temple
for the past 25 years.The inmates of this area have tasted the all might of this mother
Kamatchi. Kamatchi Amman of this temple has always blessed abundantly those who
offer poojas with utmost fervour and sincerity.

Devotees throng this temple to get rid of Thirumana Dhosam, Puthira Dosham
and to get success in their business.

PERUMAL TEMPLE AT NEW PERUNGALATHUR

The Srinivasa Perumal Temple is located in Kamaraja High Road, Perungalathur,
Chennai suburb. The temple is around 1 km from the Perungalathur railway station. The
Srinivasa Perumal Temple is dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal and Divine
Mother Shakti as Padmavathi Thayar.

SRIMAT SADHANANDA SWAMIGAL

JEEVASAMADHI / ASHRAM AT
SADHANANDHAPURAM, NEW PERUNGULATHUR
This is a highly peaceful and pollution free place. Swami Sadhananda was born
in Thiruvidaimaruthur. He worked as railways stationmaster. He learned Navakanda Yogi
and practice from Thiruvidaimaruthur Avaduth Mouna Swamigal who take Sri Dattatreya
Bhagavan as guru. Srimath Sadhananda's him self preferred place and time for Jeeva
Samaathi , also order his disciples Narayana Swamy and Velusamy to do all his last
ritual . 1922 During 22nd of Tamil month Thai - Magam Nakshathra , Sadhananda
Swamigal prepared himself for his Jeeva Samathi (Spirit leaving the body while sitting in
Dhyana) and entered into the endless spiritual journey.This place also has samadhi's of
his disciples Narayana swamingal,Veluswami swamingal, Pichai swamingal, agandapuri
swamigal, Mayaa swamigal and gopal swamingal. People are coming to jeeva samadhi
and are receiving the blessings of Lord Siva-Sath-Gurunathar

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 Somangalam
SRI SOMANATHEESWARAR TEMPLE, SOMANGALAM
(CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA STHALAM – MOON)
Location: Somangalam is 6 kms from Kishkinta beyond Sairam Engineering College. It
can also be reached via the Kundrathur – Padappai road also.

Significance: This is considered as the Chandra (Moon) sthalam for the Navagraha
worship.

Legend: Once Moon God was cursed by King Dakshan and lost his beauty. Distressed by
this, Soman penanced here towards Lord Siva and regained his lost charm. Another
legend says that Nandhi was cursed to look the opposite side, as it got over-confident and
thought that he was better than the Lord Himself on winning a war against invaders!!
Sources say that a sage named Somanathar attained Jeeva Samadhi at the feet of Lord
Nandhikeswarar, who is believed to have guarded Lord Soman (Moon) against any
disturbances while doing penance.

Temple: This ancient tempe was built by the Chola king, Kulothunga, in 1073 A.D., This
has Somanatheeswarar as the main deity with the Chandra adorning Shiva. This temple
also has an unique statue of Brahma Subramaniar – Subramania who did the work of
Brahma when Brahma was put behind bars by Subrahmania himself!!.

Worship Benefits: It is a general belief that those who worship Lord Somanatheeswarar
are blessed with timely marriage, progeny, peaceful and healthy life.

Manimangalam
DHARMESHVARAR – VEDHAVALLI TEMPLE
This temple is more than 1400 years old. This is an Archeological Society of
India (ASI) maintained temple and so, like other ASI maintained temples, this is also
nicely fenced and landscaped. The temple is very beautiful and is present in a nice
environment with a mammoth Peepul tree in the huge open space in front. This ancient
temple was built by Klothunga Chola and so has the Gajaprashta Vimanam. One is
assured of immense satisfaction and peace with the serene atmosphere of the temple and
the village.

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VAIYAALESHWARA TEMPLE
This is an ancient temple in Manimangalam. Manimangalam is 20 km to the east
of Sriperumbudur, 10 kms to the west of Tambaram and about 32 km to the east of
Kanchipuram. Manimangalam is the gateway to Kancheepuram while travelling from
Mamallapuram. Manimangalam is an ancient pilgrimage center. It finds a place in the
history of Tamil Nadu as the place where Narasimha Varma Pallava defeated the
Chalukyas in the 7th century A.D. This fact is mentioned in the copper plates discovered
at Kooram. Kalki has written about the Manimangalam battle in his book ‘Sivagamiyin
Sabatham’. He describes how Mahendra Varma Pallava was injured in the battle at
Manimangalam, and how his son Narasimha Varma Pallava and his trusted lieutenant
Paranjoti vanquished Pulikesin’s army. It has been found from old records that this
village had borne this name 'Manimangalam' even in the 7th century Pallava period.
'Mani' means gem.

KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE
This temple is built by Rajendra Chola and is more than 1000 years. In
Kancheepuram alone we can see many Shiva and Vaishnavite temples built during
various periods of our great sages and kings who ruled the erstwhile area. One such
temple is Kailasanathar temple built in a d 950 by the then king Vijaya Balaya Cholan.
this temple was worshiped and then renovated by the then kings viz. 1st Raja Raja
Cholan during A D 985; king Rajendra Cholan in A.D.1014; king 1st Kulothungam in
A.D.1070.

This temple has the distinction of hosting one of the nayanmars of shaivite cult
viz.siru thonda nayanar. He was none other than the army general of the king of Pallava
by name Paranjothi who was engaged in the war between the king 2nd Pulikesi of west
Chalukyas vs Pallavas.

SRI RAJAGOPALAR TEMPLE

Manimangalam is the birthplace of Sri Ramanuja. The presiding deity at this
ancient temple is Sri Rajagopalar, who is seen in a standing posture facing east, with His
consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. There is a separate shrine for Senkamalavalli Thayar. A
peculiarity of the deity here is that He holds the conch in His right hand and the
Sudarsana Chakram in His left hand. The temple is said to 1000 year old
constructed during the chola era.

VAIKUNTANATHAR TEMPLE
This temple is as old as the Rajagopala temple. Here, the main diety is Lord
Vishnu in the form of Vaikuntanathar. The utsavamurthis of the Vaikuntanatha temple
are kept in the Rajagopala temple for safety reasons.

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 Mannivakkam
MANNEESWARAR TEMPLE AT MANNIVAKKAM
The Manneeswarar Temple is located in Manivakkam, Chennai suburb. The
temple is near the Manivakkam bus terminus and around 2 km from the Manivakkam
junction. Manivakkam comes on the Tambaram-Padappai route. The Manneeswarar
Temple is dedicated to Sri Shiva as Manneeswarar and Divine Mother Shakti as
Maragadambigai.

Adanoor
SIVA TEMPLE AT ADANOOR
This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is believed to be a more
than 2000 years old temple.

Karasangal
MALLEESWARER TEMPLE AT KARASANGAL
The Malleeswarar Temple is located in Karasangal. Karasangal is in the
Tambaram-Padappai route and comes after Manivakkam bus stop. The Malleeswarar
Temple is dedicated to Sri Shiva as Malleeswarar and Divine Mother Shakti as
Maragadambigai. Sri Brahma, Sri Mahavishnu, Sri Shiva, Sri Dakshinamurthy, Devi
Durgai, Sri Karpaga Vinayagar, Sri Valli Subramaniar Deivanai, Sri Chandikeswarar and
Navagrahas are the other shrines in this temple. Maragaathambigai sametha Malleeswarer
temple is famous for lighting 10,008 lamps on the occasion of Maha Sivarathri.

Padappai
SRINIVASA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT PADAPPAI
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The main diety of this temple is
Srinivasa Perumal.

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SRI VEERATTESWAR TEMPLE AT KEEZH PADAPPAI
Planet Moon appears in the front Mandap of the temple with flowers in his hand
showing his worship to Lord Shiva in the past. The idol is made of a single stone on a
pillar. The Navagraha shrine in the corridor-prakara is on a lotus designed peeta.
Thirunavukkarasar is believed to have visited this place

SRI KAMATCHI AMBAL SAMETHA SRI THAZHUVA

KOZHUNTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT MEL PADAPPAI
Legend:

Moon god got his curse cleared off; Sambandhar believed to have visited this place.

Temple:

Nandhivarma Pallavan constructed 108 Shiva temples around Kanchipurm and did
Kumbabhisheham on the same day. This is one of those temples. There is a Sarabeswarar
shrine and Sunday Rahuhala pooja is special here. Worship Benefits: Blessed with good
marriage

Peerkankaranai
AADHI KARANEESWARAR SHIVA TEMPLE AT
PEERKANKARANAI
In this Shiva temple situated at Peerkankaranai, Lord Shiva as Aadhi
Karaneeswarar is blessing the devotees.

Sadhanandhapuram
MURUGAN TEMPLE AT SADHANANDHAPURAM
This temple is located in Sadhanandhapuram. The temple is on a hillock. The
main diety of this temple is Lord Muruga.

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 Nedungundram
SHIVA TEMPLE AT NEDUNGUNDRAM
Nedungundram Sri Agasthishwaraswamy temple is situated at 3 kms from
perungalathur railway station. In this temple, the main diety is Lord Shiva.

Koyambedu – Poonamalle
Nerkundram
SHIVA TEMPLE
Nerkunram is a "Thevara Vaippu Sthalam" , located close to the highway leading
to Poonamalli. One must be lucky to have dharshan of the Deites here because the
Temple is mostly closed except during the Puja time in the morning. But the Temple is in
a good condition and the greenery around it presents an awesome picture.
Nerkunravaanar of this place had written Thiruppugalur andhadhi , a celebrated work in
Tamil Literature in praise of Lord Agneeswara of Thirupugalur.

Ayanambakkam
SRI YETTEESWARAR KARBAGAMBAL TEMPLE AT
AYANAMBAKKAM
The temple is located near Vanagaram / Thiruverkadu and there is an easy
approach from Vanagaram new bridge. Lord Brahma worshipped Shiva at this temple
with Goddess Saraswathi. Since the Yedu (palm leaf) was presented to Shiva, the deity is
known as Yetteeswarar (Thaleswar). Temple gives good education, wealth etc.

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SRI KARI VARADHARAJA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT
AYANAMBAKKAM
In this temple which is located at Ayanambakkam, the main diety is Lord Vishnu
blessing the devotees as Sri Kari Varadharaja Perumal.

Thiruverkadu
SRI KARUMARIAMMAN TEMPLE AT THIRUVERKADU
This is a very popular temple. Since there was a Velvalankadu (forest) in this
area, this is called Thiruverkadu. Also this is the place where Lord Muruga got his ‘Vel’
from Parasakthi to destroy Suran and so is called Velkadu or Thiruverkadu. Trimoorthies
worshipped Parasakthi here and she is known as Karumari. Ka represents Brahma, Ru
represents Rudhara (Shiva) and Ma represents Vishnu.

SRI BALAMBIHAI SAMETHA VEDAPUREESWARAR

TEMPLE AT THIRUVERKADU
Significance: One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; 2000 years
old ancient temple; birth place of Moorka Nayanar; Poison has no effect in Thiruverkadu.

Location: Thiruverkadu is 7kms from poondamalli and the temple is about 1 km from
the popular Karumariamman temple. The place is also known as Veda vedaranyam.

Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Vedapureeswarar with Goddess Balambikai

Legend: Agasthiar got the Shiva-Parvathi Thirukailaya marriage dharshan here. In the
sanctum sanctorum, behind the main deity, the marriage scene has been painted in the
wall. Lord Subramanyar acquired his Vel from Parasakthi to defeat Suran, hence the
name Verkadu (Vel Kadu became Verkadu). After the Soorasamharam, Murugar came
here and created the ‘Velayutha Theertham’ with his Vel. Arunagiri nadhar sang
Thirupugazh on Lord Muruga.

Theertham: Velayutha Theertham, Veda teertham.

Sthala vruksham: Velvela tree.

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 Villivakkam – Avadi
Villivakkam
SRI AGASTHEESWARAR TEMPLE AT VILLIVAKKAM
This is a 9th century temple spread over a 2 acre space. Sage Agasthiar got the
Brammaharthi dhosham after killing the demons Villavan and Vathabi. Since the demon
Villavan was killed here, this is called Villavanpakkam and later Villivakkam. Agasthiar
got his dhosham cleared off by worshipping Shiva here and Shiva gave dharshan to
Agasthiar on a Tuesday. One of the Navagrahas Angarahan (Mars – Tuesday) took bath
in the temple tank, now called Angaraha Theertham and worshipped Shiva to clear off his
dhosham. So taking a bath in the temple tank on a Tuesday is considered very sacred.

Lord Shiva, in the name Agastheeswarar is facing east and Ambal Swarnambikai
is facing south.

As Ambal and Guru are facing each other directly in this Kshetra, it is said that all
those girls who worship Ambal receive the grace of Guru and get married soon.

SRI SOWMYA DHAMODHRA PERUMAL TEMPLE AT

VILLIVAKKAM
This is a 10th century temple. There are very few temples dedicated to
Damodaran, another name of Lord Krishna and this is one among them. The temple
is near the Villivakkam bus terminus. The Sowmya Damodara Perumal Temple is
dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Sowmya Damodara Perumal and Divine Mother Shakti as
Amrithavalli Thayar

Padi
THIRUVALLESWAR TEMPLE, PADI
Tiruvaleeswarar temple is located at about 1/2 km inside from the Avadi main
road. A popular poet Thirungyana Sambandar has composed hymns at this temple. The
east tower has 3 tiers and acts as the main entrance to the temple. Inside the main
entrance, there is broad inner courtyard on all the four sides of the main shrine. A garden
along the walls of outer corridor decorates the temple. Entering the inner mandapam, the
main sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva is situated. The sanctum is semi-circular in shape

86
at the back. This type of architecture is called Gaja Brishta Vimana or Thoonganai
Maadam in Tamil as this resembles the back of a sleeping elephant. The main deity is
known as Tiruvalleeswarar. To the right of him is the shrine for the female deity
Jagathambikai. On the 4 walls of the inner corridor encircling the main sanctum
sanctorum, there are sculptured images of Sun God, Balasubramania, Vinayagar,
Dakshinamoorthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Durgai, etc.

There are separate shrines inside the temple for Somaskandar, Murugan with his
concerts Valli and Deivanai, Anjaneyar and Meenakshi Sundareswarar. There is also a
sivalingam supposed to have been worshipped by Sage Bharadwaj Maharishi.

The pillars in this temple have beautifully carved images of Hindu Gods,
Natarajar, Murugan, Kothandaramar, Machavathara Moorthy, Koormavadhara Moorthy
etc.

According to mythology, Lord Brahma's two daughters Kamali and Valli wished
to marry Lord Shiva. Knowing that their wish is very diffuclt to be fulfilled, Lord
Brahma sent them to worship Lord Shiva on the banks of river Paalaru. Shiva, being
pleased with their penance, appeared before them and told them that it is not possible for
them to marry him as he is already married to Parvathi and advised them to marry Lord
Ganapathy. Accordingly, they married Lord Ganapathy, who was returning after
conquering the demon king Gajamukasuran

SRI THIRUVALLIDHAYAR TEMPLE AT PADI

Significance: One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns

Location: Near Padi main junction, just opposite TVS group of factories, about 200
meters from the main road.

Main deity: Thiruvalinadhar and Jagandhambal also known as Thayammai in separate

shrines

Legend: The legend goes back to Mahabharatha days as Sage Bharadwaj (Dhrona’s
father) had visited this temple. The name Validhayam comes from Valiyan – the black
bird. Once Sage Bharadwaj took birth as a bird due to a curse and he worshipped Shiva
here to clear off his curse. Legend also holds that Vinayahar got married to Kamalai and
Vimalai daughter of Brahma in this place. Brahaspathi, Vishnu, Hanuman, Sugreeva,
Rama, Agasthiar, Vayu, Indhra, Agni, Sun God and Moon God worshipped Shiva here.

Temple: This is considered as one of the Guru Parihara sthalams and Guru
Bhagwan has a separate shrine here. A three tiered Rajagopuram and a Gajaprishta
vimanam adorn this temple which spans an area of over an acre.

Sthala vruksham: Padiri.

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Theertham: Baradwaja teertham.

Note: The legend of Sage Bhardwaj also connects to Kodambakkam.

Bharadwajeswarar temple, where he worshipped Lord Shiva and Thirukkazhukunram
where he got the dharshan of Lord Shiva as Vedagiri.

PADAVETTAMMAN TEMPLE AT PADI

Legend has it that this Padi was actually called as Padai Veedu (a strong room or
house for storing weapons). This area is one of the places used by the kings to station
their armies in times of war. The Mariamman temple (shakthi) located here near Lucas
TVS, is called as PADAVETTAMMAN (Both Padai Veetu Amman and Padai Veedu got
abridged to Padavattamman and Padi down the time).

Ayappakkam
GURU BHAGAVAN TEMPLE AT AYAPPAKKAM
NEAR AMBATHUR
This is a new temple with a 16 foot tall Guru Bhagvan

Ambathur
i) Shiva temple: Behind Ambathur corparation building. Very old temple.

ii) Vinnaraya perumal temple: In Ambathur Indutrial estate, near telephone exchange.

Melur
SRI THIRUVUDAI AMMAN SAMETHA
THIRUMANANGEESWARAR TEMPLE AT MELUR
The temple is located at Melur, before Ponneri/ Minjur and is more popular in the
name of Thiruvudai amman. The lingam is a Swayambu lingam of sand putru and is
being given a silver covering. The legend has it that a cow that was yielding milk didn’t
for some time and it was found to be going to a nearby forest and raining milk over a
bush regularly. On checking, a Swayambu lingam was found and this temple was built. It
is rare to see Lord Brahma as seen here with moustache and beard.

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 Thiruvotriyur
SRI THIAGARAJAR SWAMY SAMETHA
SRI VADIVUDAIAMMAN TEMPLE
Located at Thiruvotriyur, this 1500 years old temple is one of the 275 Thevara
padal petra sthalams. Since Easwaran blessed Brahma to create the world by making way
for the pralaya water to recede, this place is called Thiruvotriyur (votra or vatra means
receding water). Thiruvotriyur is the place of jeeva Samadhi for Pattinathar. At the behest
of Lord Shiva, Sundarar married Sangili Nachiar under the Mahizha tree here. It is
believed that just entering this place will remove all the hard diseases.

The main deity is a big Swayambu lingam in the form of a sand putru with Lord
Vishnu on the right side and Lord Brahma on the left side. On the two days after the
Karthihai full moon day, the covers for the lingams are removed and one can worship the
lingam as sand putru itself. There are 27 Shiva lingams one for each star. There are also
two more temples here – Pattinathar temple with a Swayambu lingam and a 600 years old
Nandhikeswarar temple. Apart from various sages, Kambar, Arunagirinathar,
Muthuswamy Dikshithar, Ramlingar and Maraimalai Adihal worshipped Shiva here.
Thyagaraja Swamihal, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama had never sung on any other
Gods especially Goddesses but here, mesmerized by the beauty of the Goddess, he had
sung a verse here.

There is also a separate Guru temple in the front.

Note: The Jeeva Samadhi of Siddhar Pattinathar is located in Thiruvotriyur near the sea.

Note also the Jeeva Samadhi of the Saint Padagachery Ramalinga Swamigal
(Don’t confuse with the Vadalur Ramalinga Swamigal) is located near the temple.

Full moon day Amman dharshan

It is considered very sacred to worship Vadiudai Amman at Thiruvotriyur,
Thiruvudai Amman at Melur and Kodiyudai Amman at Thirumullaivayal on a Friday
Full moon day. All the three ammans are considered sisters and forms of Parvathi devi
and they have been sculptured out form the same stone.

 From 6 AM to 12 PM one has to worship Melur Thiruvudai Amman, the form

of Icha chakthi, with an offering of Yellow cloth to be blessed with wealth,
fame, happiness, uprise, salvation and removal of all negativity and sorrow.
 From 12 noon to 6 PM, one has to worship Thiruvotriyur Vadivudai Amman,
the form of Gnana Sakthi, with an offering of Red cloth to be blessed with
Education, Knowledge and Talent.

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  From 6 PM to 12 midnight, one has to worship Thirumullaivayal Kodiyudai
Amman, the form of Kriya Sakthi, with an offering of Green cloth to be
blessed with courage, valour, activeness and success

North Chennai
Madhavaram
SRI KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE AT MADHAVARAM
This is a 7th century temple built by the Pallava King Nandhivarman II.
Madhavaram was once called Mahathavapuram due to the tapas by Shiva and Parvathi
separately and also by Sage Vyasar who wrote Mahabharatha. The main Shivalingam is
made of maragatha stone with about 4.5 feet high on a 16 feet circumference base. It is
very rare to see such a big lingam made of maragatha stone and it is beautiful to see the
lingam glittering through the milk poured on it during the abhishehams. It is also very
rare that the temple is present at the esana corner of the town. The 12 dwathasa Jyothir
lingams are present here and the Nandhi is big and beautiful.

Kolathur
AMUTHAMBIHAI SAMETHA SRI SOMANATHESWAR
TEMPLE AT KOLATHUR
Location:

The temple is around 1.5kms from the Kolathur junction towards Ganga theather /
Villivakkam Railway gate

Legend:

Moon god was once affected by a curse and lost all his 16 vital talents. He took bath in
this temple tank (called Chandra Theertham), got the dharshan of Shiva and got his curse
cleared off. Soman is the name of moon god and so the deity here is called
Somanatheswar. Demon Vilvalan and Vathapi were once troubling sages at a place called
Vilvatharanyam (now called Villivakkam). Sage Agasthiar ate demon Vathapi in the
form of a mango and killed him in his stomach itself. The place where Agasthiar killed
him is called Konnur (Konnur High road) and the place where he burnt the demon (such

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that he can not reappear) is called Koluthur (koluthu means ‘to burn’) and now called
Kolathur.

Temple:

Lingam made of maragatha stone. As an example of a Shiva-Vaishnav unison, Sridevi-

Boodevi sametha Amirtha raja Perumal is having a separate shrine in the outer praharam.

Worship Benefits:

Out of the Navagraha gods, Moon is related to mind and so this God is believed to cure
mind related diseases and problems. People not being able to come out of bad habits and
people who suffer due to none of their faults will be blessed by this God.

Kaladipet
SRI KALYANA VARADHARAJA PERUMAL TEMPLE
AT KALADIPET
This 200 years old temple is present in Thiruvotriyur Highroad Kaladipet market
street. It is hardly 500 meters from the main road connecting Chennai and Tiruvottriyur.
The temple was built in the 18th century AD, and it has an interesting story. Joseph
Collet was the Governor of Madras (the erstwhile Chennai) for the period 1717 - 1719.
Veeraraghava, a Brahmin, who was in a high post in the British Government, was very
good at work and he became close to Collet. However, Collet didn't like Veeraraghava's
habit of travelling to Kanchipuram city often to visit his favorite temple of Varadaraja
Perumal, as he used to report late to the office. He provided some fund and also allowed
him to collect some fund from the people to built a temple for Lord Varadaraja in his
area. Thus the temple of Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal came into existence in Kaladipet.
In fact, the area was named after the Governor as Colletpet, and it became Kaladipet
today.

Thandayarpet
SRI ARUNACHALESWARAR TEMPLE AT
THANDAYARPET
This temple was built in 1779. The main deity is Arunachaleswarar with Goddess
Abitha Gujambikai.

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 Vyasarpadi
SRI MARAHATHAMBAL SAMETHA SRI IRAVEESWARAR
TEMPLE AT VYASARPADI
Since Sage Vyasar worshipped Shiva here, the place is called Vyasarpadi.
Sun God stayed here for some time under the Vanni tree and worshipped Shiva after
taking bath at the temple tank called Surya Theertham.

Thirumullaivoyal
MASILAMANISWARA AND KODI IDAI AMBAL TEMPLE
Vada Tirumullaivayil or Masilamaniswara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located in the Chennai-Avadi road, India. The temple is incarnated by the
hymns of Thevaram and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is incarnated
by the hymns of Sundarar [1] Ramalinga Swamigal and Arunagirinathar.

Legend of the temple:

In ancient times, the forest surrounding Thirumullaivoyal was occupied by two

Kurumbars named Vanan and Onan. King Thondaiman who was the emperor there tried
to end the atrocities by waging a war against them. En route to the war-field, his
elephant's leg was surrounded by mullai creepers. The king, while cutting those
climbers,found blood oozing out of it and later found that it was the Siva linga from
which the blood was oozing. The king was deeply worried; but, according to the Temple
History, the Lord appeared before him and pacified the king saying, 'In spite of the blood
I am Pure' -- hence the name Masilamani. The king duly defeated the kurumbas and
brought with him the two white-erukku pillars from their palace and used them while
building the temple for Masilmaninathar. The pillars can be seen in the main sanctum.

It is believed that the Lord supported the king in destroying the Kurumbas by
sending the Nandi. The unique feature of the temple is the Nandi facing eastward away
from Lord Shiva. as he is being sent by the lord to battle to help the King Thondaiman.
This is one of the few temples where the positions of the Lord and Ambal are
interchanged. . Normally Ambal sannidhi is found to the left of the Sivan sannidhi
Kodiyidai amman is found on the right hand side of Sivan before the Sivan sannidhi.This
is believed to be because of the urgency in providing darshan to the king ambal and Sivan
as they stood at that time. The ambal Kodiyidai Nayagi is in standing posture facing east
and is a very tall Idol The main sanctum has a huge sivalingam Maasilamanishwarar
(means one who has no blemish) The lord is covered in sandalwood paste all year long
to prevent the pain of the sword lashing!. Abhishekams are for the avudiar only.

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 The Ambal has a special connection with Tiruvotriyur and Melur.

· Tiruvudai Amman, Melur: (near Minjur) - Iccha Shakthi (thought)

· Kodiyidai Amman, Tirumullaivoyil: - Kriya Shakthi (deed)
· Vadivudai Amman, Tiruvotriyur: - Gnana Shakthi (mind)

It is believed that you must visit the above three temples in a single day for
prosperity and answer of our prayers.

SRI VAISHNAVI TEMPLE

Nearby is the Vaishnavi Temple (near Annanur Rly. Stn.) next to Vaishnodevi.
Famous in the season of Navratri, In Thirumullaivoyal. Right on the National Highway
205 you can see the police station and next to this you can see the arch of the temple
leading into a serene temple situated in lush 50 acres of private land. The temple is run by
volunteers and you have the privilege of doing pooja archanai or abhishekam yourself all
under guidance by the volunteer devotees. The temple houses the idols of Ganesha and
Muruga. A small shrine for Ganesha near the tree and another for Dakshinamurthy are
also found. Navagraha idols are also installed in this temple. The temple entrance has two
small idols of Hayagreevar and Agastya. Sri Parthasarathy, the son of Srinivasa Iyengar,
a famous Indian national leader, got the idol of Vaishnavi Devi as a gift from some
unknown person maybe a siddhar. He built this temple of Vaishnavi Devi in 1954. The
main idol of the temple Vaishnavi Devi is extraordinarily beautiful.The samadhi of sri
Parthasarathy can be seen in the forefront here.

The temple is open on all days except first Monday of every month in the
mornings. The Vaishnavi Temple is located in Kulakkarai Street, Thirumullaivoyal,
Chennai suburb. The temple is located near the Vaishnavi Nagar bus stop in
Thirumullaivoyal.

PACHAIAMMAN TEMPLE
The Pachaiamman Temple is located in Kulakkarai Street, Thirumullaivoyal,
Chennai suburb, near the main road. The Pachaiamman Temple is dedicated to Divine
Mother Shakti as Pachaiamman. There is a shrine for Devi Katyayi Amman also.

SRI SAKTHI BHUVANESWARI AMMAN TEMPLE

The Sri Sakthi Bhuvaneswari Amman Temple is located in Sri Sakthi Nagar,
Thirukural Main Road, Avadi RCC Chennai 600 109 (near Annanur Railway Station).

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AYYA VAIKUNDA SWAMI TEMPLE
Ayya Vaikunda Swami Temple is located at Chozhambedu High Road in
Thirumulaivoyal. Ayya Vaikundar, according to Akilattirattu Ammanai (or Akilam), a
scripture of the Ayyavazhi, was a Manu (father, sovereign) Avatar of Narayana,
incarnated as Muthukutty or Mudisoodum Perumal (1810-1851). He is referred to as
Sampooranathevan, a deva (a deity). Ayya in Tamil means 'Father' and vazhi, 'the
pathway' The simple derivative in the sense is 'The Pathway of (or) towards Father'.

Ayya Vaikundar, who arose from the sea at Thiruchendur (As per
Akilathirattu Ammanai or Akilam - the religious book followed by the followers of Ayya
Vaikundar) on 20th of the Tamil Month of Masi, (March 4, 1833 3/4/1833) is considered
a unique Avatar by the followers of Ayyavazhi. Akilam, speaks about it in great detail, as
summarized below:

In each of the five yugas prior to the transformation of Ayya Vaikundar, as

each fragment of Kroni (evil or Devil) came into physical form, the Lord Vishnu
incarnated as well, destroying them. However, in this the sixth yuga, the evil was called
Kali, (not the Hindu deity) and having no physical form (see Pre-Incarnational Events for
this account) he occupied the mind of people of earth as the Mayai (illusion), causing
them to behave discourteously. Kaliyan claimed, it was impossible to destroy him in this
yuga as in the previous ones as he held the boon from gods, it was impossible for
Narayan, or any others, to incarnate in the world to destroy him. Since God could not
incarnate directly, He incarnated as Ayya Vaikundar in three stages.

The first stage of Avatar was the born dead child (birth of the Body).

Next, immediately the soul of Sampooranathevan was installed into the

body, along with the Spirit (not Soul) of Narayana kept in Parvatha Ucchi Malai (a
mythical mountain believed to be in this region) after the completion of the Krishna
Avatar. This was the second stage of the Avatar.

Then in the sea (during the 24th year), the soul of Sampooranathevan was
granted moksha (liberation from the cycle of death and birth, synonymous with heaven),
unified to the Ultimate Soul. Now, the Spirit of Narayana along with the Ultimate Soul
(Paramatma) incarnated in the body of a human being (Muthukutty). This is the third
stage of Avatar and from then he was called Ayya Vaikundar. Then Ayya Vaikundar was
given Vinchai by Narayanar.

The Hindu and Ayyavazhi ideologies are closely tied to each other. The
place where Ayyavazhi and Hinduism depart from each other is at the advent of Kali
Yuga. Akilam says that until Kali Yuga, the Vedas and all other Hindu scriptures remain
with divinity. Each of the gods referred to in scriptures (Hindu) also remain with all their

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powers. But from the beginning of Kali Yuga, they and all their virtues collapsed.
Kaliyan was a part of the mundane primordial manifestation who spread maya or illusion
upon the existing scriptures and Devas. In Kali Yuga, all true scriptures are bound to
maya and are unhelpful.

The reason, as stated in Akilam for the disintegration of the entire system is that,
towards the end of Dwapara Yuga there in Kailash, Siva believing the words of devas,
created Kaliyan without discussing to Vishnu, he who had the responsibility to destroy
the Kaliyan as per the previous deeds. So Vishnu refused to take birth in the world to
destroy Kaliyan. So Siva and Brahma surrendered all their powers to Vishnu. Until this
event, Siva was the supreme power as per Akilam. It is notable that this is a theological
idea something similar to Shaivism, where Siva is supreme to all. Now onwards,
however, Vishnu is the supreme power. Here the ideology changes similar to that of
Vaishnavism. This supremacy of Vishnu remains like this from the beginning of Kali
Yuga until the incarnation of Vaikundar, from where it changes further.

The 'Tri-Kumbas' over the Swamithope Palliyarai, symbolizing the presence of

Trinity within Ayya, revealing his supremacy.During the incarnation, Vishnu himself
cannot incarnate directly in the world to destroy Kaliyan, since he (Kaliyan) had bought
as boon the power of Devas, including Vishnu's, and spread it all over the world as maya.
So God needs to be incarnated with a new set of rules and with unique importance. A
total universal transformation of the power relation of god-heads, the rules of scriptures,
the dharma, etc., took place, and Vaikundar was given birth by taking in the power of
Ekam, by Lakshmi and Vishnu conjoining together inside the sea.

And from now onwards all the powers were handled over from Vishnu to
Vaikundar inside the sea. Siva, Vishnu and Brahma therefore form a part within
Vaikundar. This ideology about Trimurthi (three are equal in power) is similar to that of
Smartism. Vishnu alone forms a double role; one, within Vaikundar, and the other, as the
father of him, remain inside the sea and regulating Vaikundar through Vinchais. After
Vaikundar was given birth to, by assuming the Power of Ekam, Vaikundar was supreme
to Vishnu and all other God-heads, though Vishnu playing the role of Father to
Vaikundar. However, Vaikundar had to obey the order of Vishnu, since Vaikundar was
given birth to perform the duties of Vishnu, which he (Vishnu) could not do. Vaikundar
(and scriptures given by him) is the manifestation of the supreme Ekam so, in Ayyavazhi
spirituality, he is the only worshippable universal power.

Regarding scriptures, the first part of Akilam is summed-up events of the previous
yugas, which are present in Hindu scriptures. The second part says about the universal
transformation and the uniqueness of Vaikundar and his incarnational activities. So as a
summary, till the beginning of Kali yuga, what is Hinduism, that is Ayyavazhi. From then
onwards for a series of reasons, Akilam says that 'Hindu' scriptures and its ideology had
lost its purity and was destroyed, and so the Dharma was re-configured in the name of
Akilam and Vaikundar and the 'Hindu' ideas were re-formed.

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