Temples In Chennai

Chennai tourism

Chennai promises to entice tourists from all over the world with its beauty and culture. The
significance of Chennai tourism is that one could see in Chennai, a phenomenal example of the
peaceful coexistence of modernity and tradition, each complementing one another in a fine
balance. Chennai tours help you explore this metropolis of Chennai in its different manifestations.

Tourists traveling to Chennai can revel in the variety of tourist destinations here. There is a fine
array of temples and churches which besides being known for their religious significance are also
great examples of architecture and craftsmanship. The Parthasarathy Temple, Kaapaleshwar
temple and Ashtalakshmi temple are significant among the temples and the Santhome Cathedral
Basilica and the Velankanni church are the important churches that should not be missed.

The beaches of Chennai are perhaps one of the main highlights of the Chennai tours. The Marina
beach which is the second longest beach in the world is perennially crowded with visitors. The
various amusement parks and the popular nearby getaways like Mamallapuram, Vedanthangal
bird sanctuary, make your Chennai tour, one that can be cherished.

Chennai tourism is also characterized with shopping destinations, where you could buy anything
from silk saris, silver jewellery to pieces of art. Chennai is known to be the connoisseur of art and
hence there are several art festivals held showcasing the talent of great personalities.

1. Kapaleashwarar Temple

Kapaleashwarar Temple is an abode of Shiva(சிவா Tamil), located in Mylapore, Chennai,Tamil

Nadu. The Pallava Nayanamars built this temple around the 7th century CE. Nayanmarssing
hymns in this temple. According to the Puranas, Shakthi worshipped Shiva, in the form of
the peacock, which is why the name Mylai was given to the area that developed around the
temple, as 'Mayil' means Peacock in Tamil.

The presiding God of this temple is a form of Shiva called Kapaleashwarar. The form of Shiva's
wife Parvati at this temple is called Karpagambal(from the Tamil for "goddess of the wish-yielding
tree"). Puranas have it that Lord Shiva was once telling Lord Brahma, the Hindu god of creation,
about the creation of the three lokas but Lord Brahma did not agree with what Shiva said. Shiva
got angry and plucked out one of Brahma's four heads. Brahma begged for forgiveness and was
asked to perform penance at Mayilai (Mylapore) and then he asked Lord Shiva to take the name
of Kapaleashwarar as Lord Shiva (eswarar) was wearing a necklace of skulls (kapala).

he age of the temple is the source of much debate. The commonly held view is that the temple
was built in the 7th century CE by the ruling Pallavas, based on references to the temple in the
hymns of the Nayanmars (which however place it at the shore). It is an example of the beautiful
architecture ofPallavas. Further, the architecture of the temple appears to be 300–400 years old.
The scholarly view that accounts for the discrepancies is that the original temple was built on the
shore at the location of the current Santhome Church but was destroyed by the Portuguese, and
the current temple (which is 1-1.5 km from the shore) was built more recently. A small minority of
people believe that the original temple was indeed on the beach, but that the sea has receded
over centuries.

The Vijayanagar Kings rebuilt the temple during the 16th century. The original temple was
destroyed by the Portuguese

2.The Parthasarathy Temple (Tamil:பார்த்தசாரதி ோகாயில்) is an 8th

centuryHindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located at Triplicane, Chennai, India.
It is one among the 108 divyadesams or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. The name 'Parthasarathy',
in Sanskrit, means the 'charioteer of Arjuna', and Lord Krishna is worshipped in that role in this
temple.

It was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8thcentury by king Narasimhavarman I. One of the
distinguishing features of is that it has four of the incarnations or avatars of
Vishnu: Narasimha,Rama, Varaha and Krishna.[1]

The temple is one of the oldest structures inChennai[citation needed]. There are shrines for Sri
Vedhavalli Thayaar, Sri Ranganatha, Sri Rama, Sri Gajendra Varadharaja Swamy, Narasimha,
Sri Andal, Sri Anjaneya, Alwars, Ramanuja, Swami Manavala Mamunigal andVedanthachariar.
There are separate entrances for Lord Parthasarathy and Lord Narasimha. Thegopuram (towers)
and mandaps (pillars) are decorated with elaborate carvings[citation needed], a standard feature
of South Indian Temple Architecture.
Or

Parthasarthy temple is a famous Vishnu temple located in the Triplicane area of the city. It is an
extremely famous temple with devotees pouring in from the entire state for worship. Sri
Venkatakrishna Swamy is the presiding deity of the temple.

The temple has a famous tank called Pagal Pathu. A bath here is supposed to give a lot of
prosperity. There are a lot of legends and mythologies attached to this temple It is believed that
King Sumati prayed to Lord Vengadu to give him Darshan in the form of a Charioteer to Arjuna
as in the Bhagavad Gita. This is Parthasarathy. He was asked to go to Vrindaranya, which is the
present Triplicane and get the darshan. It is believed that Atreya mahirshi also chose this place for
worship. The temple is supposed to have been renovated by the Pallava dynasty. The idol is made
of black granite. The other images present with the deity include that of Rukmini and Satyaki,
Balarama, Pradhyumna and Aniruddha are also seen here. Monthly panchaparva festivals are
conducted for Sri Parthasarathy.The Brahma utsava is conducted annually. The other important
shrines that are worshipped include that of Sri Ranganatha on Adi Sesha, Sri Telli singa Perumal,
Sri Chakravarty Tirumangan and Andal. The temple has many assets in the form of rare jewels,
property and government bonds.

This is one of the oldest temples in Chennai and is revered by everyone.

Thiru Vellikeni - Sri Parthasarathy Temple

Temple Location :

About the Temple :

This sthalam is situated in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This Kshetram is considered to be more divine in Thondai
Naadu Temples.

Specials :

• The great seven Munis (Saptha Rishis) - Brighu, Atthiri, Mareeshi, Markandeyar,
Sumathi, Jaabali and Saptharomar performed Tapas (thavam) here and as a
result of this, the sthalam is also called as "Brindaranyasthalam". This sthalam is also known as
"Panja Veerathalam".

• Lord Vishnu appeared here as "Sri Parthasarathy" for Thondaimaan.

• The Lord is installed by Vyasar and Devoted by Aathreyar.

• Thirumazhisai Alwar met first Three Alwars (Poigai, Pei and Bhutham) in this
sthalam.

The Deities :

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

The Thayaar of this Allikeni sthalam is Vedavalli Thayaar.

Sannadhis :

1. Sri Ramar Sannadhi.

2. Aranga Nathan Sannadhi.
3. Moolavar Sannadhi.
4. Thaayar Sannadhi.
5. Sri Varadharajan Sannadhi.
 6. Azhagiyasingar( Narasimhar).
7. Sri Andal Sannadhi.

Mangalasasanam :

1. Thirumangai Alwar – 10 Paasurams.

2. Pei Alwar - 1
3. Thirumazhisai Alwar – 1

- Total 12.

Sri Ramanujar, Sri Manavala Mamunigal has also done mangalasasanam here.

Pushkarani :
The Main pushkarani of this Sthalam is Kairavini Saras. Some other theerthams like Agni theertham, Soma
theertham, Meena theertham, Indra theertham, Vishnu theertham are also found in this Sthalam. Due to lots
of Alli (LILLY) flowers in the pond, this Kshetram is so-called as "Alli keni".

Vimanam :

The Vimaanam is said to be found of Five Nillays with Seven Kalasams on it. The Five Nillays are :

• Ananda
• Pranava
• Pushpaka
• Sesha and
• Thaivagai vimanam.

Temple Location :

About the Temple:

This sthalam is found near Railway station and is close towards Sri Kamakshi Amman temple in Big
Kanchipuram.

It is said that both the Pacchai and Pavala Vannan perumal has to be worshipped, without leaving any one
of them. Opposite to Pavala Vannar Sannadhi, is the Pacchai Vannar Sannadhi found. Inspite of the
Mangalasasanam not done in Pacchai Vannar sannadhi, both these two temples are considerded to be the
single and has to be worshipped as a single Divya desam.
Pacchai vannar, who is also called as "Maragatha vannar" explains in this sthalam that he is the hamsam of
Lord Shiva and Pavala Vannar as the hamsam of Para sakthi. So it is said that by worshipping these two
sthalams at the same time, we worship both Lord Shivan and Parashakti.

Moolavar and Thaayar:

The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Pavala Vannar. Also called as "Paramapatha Nathan" - Moolavar in
Irundha Thirukkolam on Aadhiseshan facing his thirumugham towards West Direction.

Prakthayaksham : For Brighu Maharishi, Aswini Devathai and for Parvathi.

Thaayar : Sri Pavala Valli. Seperate sannathi for Thaayar.

Mangalasasanam:

• Thirumangai Alwar - 1 Paasurams.

Total - 1Paasurams.

Vimanam:
Pavala Vimaanam.

History of Kapaleashwar temple

The age of the temple is the source of much debate. The commonly held view is that the temple
was built in the 7th century CE by the ruling Pallavas, based on references to the temple in the
hymns of the Nayanmars (which however place it at the shore). It is an example of the beautiful
architecture ofPallavas. Further, the architecture of the temple appears to be 300–400 years old.
The scholarly view that accounts for the discrepancies is that the original temple was built on the
shore at the location of the current Santhome Church but was destroyed by the Portuguese, and
the current temple (which is 1-1.5 km from the shore) was built more recently. A small minority of
people believe that the original temple was indeed on the beach, but that the sea has receded
over centuries.

The Vijayanagar Kings rebuilt the temple during the 16th century. The original temple was
destroyed by the Portuguese[1].

Architecturally, this temple is an ultimate testimonial for the vishwakarmas sthapathis and this
temple is of typical Dravidian style with the gopuram overpowering the street on which the temple
sits. There are two entrances to the temple marked by the gopuram on either side. The east
gopuram is about 40m high, while the smaller western gopuram faces the sacred tank.[citation needed]
[edit]Shrines

Goddess Karpagambal with Lord Kapaleashwarar

[edit]Vahanas

The vahanas at the temple include

the bull, elephant,bandicoot, peacock, goat and parrotadhikaranandi among others, while a
golden chariot is a recent addition. The God and the Goddess is seated on the vahana and
brought around the temple with the temple band playing music throughout this occasion.
Devotees gather around the vahanas and consider it a privilege to lift the God and the Goddess
on the vahana.

[edit]Traditions

During Friday worship, Goddess Karpagambal will be decorated with "kaasu maala" (Garland
with Gold Coins). This was contributed by a group of devotees. It is a boon to worship during this
seva. Many Scholars have raised songs on Goddess Karpagambal. "Karunai Deivame
Karpagame" and "Karpagavalli Nin Porpadhangal Pidithen" were famous Tamil Songs written by
poets praising Goddess Karpagambal. There is a small peacock and peahen cage inside the
temple, in order to remember that Goddess had come in the form of peahen to plead to the Lord.

During the Tamil month of 'Aadi' all the nearby Amman temples like Mundakanni Amman and
Kolavizhi Amman celebrate 'Pongal' and 'Paal Kudam' (Milk Pots) for Abhisheka. It is done
traditionally by the women.

During Navarathri, big idols of Poompavai, Sambandar (Thirugnanasambandar), history is kept in

display. Lot of cultural events take place. During summer, a small water tank with a Mandapam in
the center is decorated with flowers are kept inside the temple.

[edit]Festivals

There are four daily pujas: the early morning puja, the day puja, the pradosha kaala puja and the
night puja.
During the Tamil month of Panguni, the traditional Arupathimoovar festival takes place when the
entire neighborhood comes alive with a mela-like atmosphere. In the month of Panguni in the
Tamil calendar, corresponding with mid-March to mid-April, the Kapaleashwarar temple
celebrates the nine day-longPanguni Peruvizha (Spring festival). This festival involves
a therotsavam (Tamil: "ther" - "car/chariot" and "utsavam" - "festival"). Lord
KapaleashwararSwamy will be holding a bow, seated in a throne along with his wife
Karpagambal. Lord Brahma would be riding the Ther. The Chariot will be decorated with flowers
and statues. Huge gathering will be there to pull the Ther.

In this festival also called the Brahmotsavam, the idols of Kapaleashwarar and Karpagambal are
decorated with clothes and jewels, mounted on a vahanam (Sanskrit for "vehicle"), and then
taken around the temple and its water tank in a pradakshinam (a clockwise orbit when seen from
above). This is repeated with different vahanams over the next nine days.

In all the ten days of festival "Panchamurthis" go grand procession in all four mada streets called
car street or trietheru with drums and other traditional musical instruments playing before them.
"Panchamurthis" refer to Sri Vinayagar who always leads the procession followed by Sri
Kapaleashwarar the Lord, Sri Karpagaambal the Goddess, Lord Subramanyar with his consorts
and finally Sri Chandikeswarar who represents all the devotees. The procession is followed by
vedins who chant four vedas and othuvaars who sings Tamil thirumurais.

The more important of the individual pradakshinams are the Athigara Nandhi on the third day, the
"Rishaba Vahanam" on the midnight of the fifth day, the real ther itself (about 13 meters in height,
pulled by people) on the seventh morning, and the Arupathimoovar festival on the eighth day. The
latter is the most important procession. It is named after the 63 Nayanmars, and all 63 Nayanmar
idols follow the Kapaleashwarar idol on this procession.

The car festival of 1968 is documented in the documentary film Phantom India by Louis Malle.

[edit]Arupathimoovar Festival
This festival is being celebrated in order to honour the Saivaite Devotees namely Nayanmars who
are 63 in numbers. The procession is celebrated by taking Nayanmars in a "Pallaq" which is
highly decorated with ornaments and flowers, facing Lord Shiva and Parvati and proceeding
further. The Moovar "Appar", "Sundarar", "ThirugyanaSambandar" will be carried a unique Pallaq.
Goddess Karpagambal and Lord KapaleashwarSwamy will be dressed in beautiful saree
decorated with colourful fragance flowers. Lord Ganesha is taken first in the festival followed by
Kolavizhi Amman. Kolavizhi Amman will lead the festival because this temple is supposed to be
ancient than Kapaleashwar Temple. SingaraVelar Swamy will accompany Lord
KapaleashwararSwamy and Karpagambal. Mundakanni Amman will be beautifully decorated with
lot of colours and ornaments. People used to keep their kids on the pallaq in order to get blessing
from the Goddess. Vairaswamy and Thiruvalluvar will also be participating in this festival.

Huge gathering takes place at Mylapore. Lot of sweets, savouries, juices, buttermilk are served to
the pilgrims. At each stage, there is Aarti and offering flowers to the God and Goddess by a small
angel flying from top of the decorated shed. Its nice to see the ancient tradition being followed.
People from nearby villages will also attend this function.

Kandaswamy temple

Due to political reasons the Temple was shifted from place to place in Nallur. area. Although it is
believed that the first Temple was originally built in 948 A.D. at the land called 'Kurukkal Valavu',
due to foreign invasion the Temple had to be re-constructed number of times in different places.

The third temple was established by Chempaka Perumal a ruler in the services of the
southernKotte kingdom when he defeated the local Jaffna Kingdom ruler. The third temple was
destroyed by the Portuguese catholic colonials after their arrival in 1505 A.D. in Sri Lanka.

[edit]Current temple
The fourth and the present Temple was constructed in 1749 A.D. during the
benign Dutch colonial era by one Krishna Suba Iyer and Ragunatha Maapaana Mudaliyar in the
'Kurukkal Valavu', which is the original temple premises.

Initially the Temple was built using bricks and stones, and had a cadjaned roof. The original
shrine had only two main halls and didn't have any clock tower, or any surrounding courtyard and
an enclosing wall, or any ornately carved towers or gopuram.

The first clock tower was erected in 1899, and the main hall where the vel or lance of the deity
resides was re-furbished using rocks in 1902. The first enclosing wall was erected in 1909.
Likewise, the temple has been gradually renovated from time to time with contributions from the
general public. In 1964, the 'Vasantha Mandapam' or grand hall was renovated to have the
present grand look and feel.

The temple has the main entrance facing the east. It has an ornately carved five-storied tower
orgopuram in the Dravidian architecture style at the main entrance.
In the surrounding inner-yard, It has shrines for Lords Ganesh, Vairavar, Sun and Sandana
Gopala. In the southern part of this Temple, the holy pond and Thandayudhapaani shrine
dedicated to another aspect of Lord Muruga can be seen. In the northern side big holy garden is
located.

[edit]Social Significance
The temple is a socially important institution for the Sri Lankan Tamils Hindu identity of north Sri
Lanka. In the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora, many temples have been built in Europe and North
America using the same name as a cultural memory.

There was a shrine dedicated to an Islamic sufi saint located within the temple complex from
1734 to 1749 when the temple was built. The dargah was relocated in 1749 when the temple
structure was built.[1]

[edit]Festivals

The temple hosts the annual Temple car festival.

Thaipusam is an annual religious event celebrated by Hindus to commemorate the victory of Lord
Murugan over the demon, Tarakasuran. Devotees and penitents can seen bearing kavadis, and
piercing their bodies with hooks and spears without seeming to cause any pain or harm as an act
of faith and atonement.

ASHTALAKSHMI TEMPLE
Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamilnadu

The Chennai Ashtalakshmi temple is situated in Besant Nagar, on the shores of

the Bay of Bengal. That stretch of beach is known as the Elliot's beach. The
temple was constructed on the express wishes of Sri Mahaa Periyavaal of Kanchi
Mutt, Sri Chandrasekara Saraswati Swamigal.

The temple's architecture is unique, with the deities installed in four levels. The
shrine of Mahaalakshmi & Mahaavishnu (the principal deities) is in level two.
Here one can see the imposing, bigger than life vigrahams facing the eastern
horizon overlooking the sea.

Walking up the stairs to the third tier, the path leads to the shrine of Santaana
Lakshmi (bestower of offspring) facing south. Next we get the darshan of
Vijayalakshmi (bestower of success in all ventures, vijaya - success), on the
western side on the 3rd tier. Vidyaalakshmi (associated with learning & wisdom)
sits facing the northern side & the shrine of Gajalaskhmi (bestower of all round
prosperity) is located facing the eastern side on the 3rd tier. A flight of few
steps above leads one to the 4th tier, where the Dhanalakshmi (Goddess of
wealth) shrine is located facing eastward. Her's is the only shrine on the 4th
level.

Exiting the main shrine - the principal deities, at the ground level on the
southern flank of the gopuram is the shrine for Aadhi Lakshmi. One the western
flank is the shrine for Dhaanya Lakshmi (Goddess of food grains). Dhairiya
Lakshmi's (the Goddess of courage & strength) shrine is situated on the northern
flank.

There is a huge hundi for Venkataachalapathi within the complex. There is a

sannadhi for the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, to the left of which is the
Madapalli (the kitchen for preparing naivedhiyam for the Gods). There are
shrines for Tumbikai Aazhwar (Ganesha), Guruvaayurappan, Chakrathaazhwar &
Narasimhar (on either side of the same idol), Aanjaneyar & Dhanvantri.