Sri Angala Parameswari Amman Temple, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

12^th January 2020.

The Visit to this temple was a part of the Goddess of Mylapore Heritage Walk, curated by Mrs Padmapriya Baskaran on 12^th January 2020, in Connection with Mylapore festival. Mylapore is a part of Chennai, one of the oldest and has the most historic places. The Historical places include Saptha sthana Shiva temples, Vishnu, and Village Deities. Greco-Roman, a famous geographer of the 2^nd Century CE, mentions Mylapore as Mylarphan.  From ancient times Mylapore was called Mayilarpil, Mayilai, Tirumayilai, Mahilup, Mirapolis, Mirapor, and Malepur. During the Chozha period, Mylapore was under Jayankonda Chozha Mandalathu Puliyur Kottam. During the Pallava period, Nandhivarman-III assumed the title of “Mayilai Kavalan” ie guardian or protector of Mylapore.

Mylapore is also known for many Village deities and this  Sri Angala Parameswari Amman Temple is on Mundakanni Amman Koil Street, Mylapore.

The presiding Deity: Sri Angala Parameswari Amman

The temple faces east with an entrance arch next to Draupadi Amman & Dharmaraja Temple. In Sanctum Angala Parameswari is in sitting Posture with a calm face. On both sides are Vinayagar and Murugan. Behind Lord Murugan is Anjaneyar. Chitraguptar, Nagar, Naga Subramanian. This is a rare place where Chitragupta is installed in an Amman Temple. Also, Muneeswarar and Pavadai Rayan, who are the guarding deities are in the sanctum. On the opposite are the Simha vahana and a Trisoolam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

From the British records, the temple has existed for more than 100 years. This place was once with fishermen's huts and the seashore is about 1 km. An epidemic broke out and many people died. When the fishermen prayed, Sri Angala Parameswari came in a devotee’s dream and asked to construct a temple for her. Soon, the temple was built and people too got rid of the disease.

LEGENDS 

As per the Legend Lord Shiva and Brahma has 5 heads and most of the time Parvati gets confused to identify Lord Shiva. To end the confusion, Lord Shiva cuts one head of Brahma. Brahma’s wife Saraswati got angry and Cursed Lord Shiva to roam with the head to stuck with his right hand. Lord Shiva also got the Brahmahathi dosha.  As per the advice of Vishnu, Parvati made rice balls mixed with agathi keerai (hummingbird tree leaves ) & Blood and sprayed them on the floor. The Brahma’s 5^th head stuck to Lord Shiva’s right hand detached and fell down to eat the rice balls. Immediately Lord Shiva took a bath in the temple tank and rid of the dosha/ curse. Parvati took the form of Angara Rubam ( Angala Parameswari ) crushed and destroyed the Brahma’s 5^th head.

To mark this event, during Mayana Kollai Thiruvizha, the devotees dressed fiercely to look like Goddess Angala Parameswari with protruding tongues, carried a trident, and went to a Graveyard where a mud Statue was made ( Vegetables and sometimes meat also hidden inside the statue ). The devotees offer cattle, goats, cock, etc, and the rice will be mixed with blood and thrown into the crowd.

    

POOJAS AND FESTIVALS

Mayanakollai Thiruvizha is a special festival conducted every year on Tamil Month Masi's new moon day ie the next day of Maha Shivaratri. The Utsava Deity will be taken to Mylapore cemetery where Mayana Kollai Thiruvizha will be celebrated from 19.00 hrs to Midnight. After the Mayana Kollai pooja, Oonjal Vizha will be performed followed by annadhanam will be served to all the devotees. The special poojas will also be conducted in the temple. The 100^th annual Mayana Kollai Thiruvizha was celebrated on 6^th March 2019.

Navarathri will be celebrated in a grand manner. Different decorations are done on all the 9 days. During the month of Aadi. Palkudam ( Milk Pot ) will be taken in procession and abhishekam will be done. During Aadi Pooram, Valaikappu Vizha for Amman will take place. During Masi Maham, the processional deity will be carried to the sea for theerthavari.

A Sample Picture PC: DC

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept open between 6.30 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Since those who are doing Pooja for Draupadi Amman Temple are doing Pooja for this temple also, Poojari Suresh Kumar may be contacted on his mobile at +91 8754544856, for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is on Mundakanni Amman Koil Street Mylapore, Chennai.

The temple is 500 meters from Mundaka Kanni Amman Koil MRTS Railway Station, 1 km from Thirumayilai MRTS Railway Station, and 8 km from Chennai Central Railway Station.

Nearest Railway Junction is Chennai Central Railway Station.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---