Sri Angala Parameswari Amman Temple / Sri Saptakanni & Navagraha Temples / Tharani Amman Temple, Athur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.

The Visit to these Sri Angala Parameswari Amman Temple, Sri Saptakanni & Navagraha Temples and Tharani Amman Temple, Athur, near Chengalpattu was a part of “Shiva and Vishnu Temples Visit” on 16^th January 2024.

Sri Angala Parameswari Amman Temple, Athur.

This Sri Angala Parameswari Amman temple is on the banks of river Palar. The temple is facing North with a balipeedam, Simham and a soolam. Stucco image is on the top of mukha mandapam. Vinayagar and Bala Murugan are on both side of the entrance to the sanctum Sanctorum. Nagaras are under peepal tree on the back side of the temple.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It is believed that the original temple exists on the same place since ancient times. The present structure was constructed during recent years.

LEGENDS

It is believed that Amman is more powerful like Mel Malayanur Angalamman.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from oru kala poojas special poojas are conducted on Amavasya Days. The Masi month mayanakollai utsavam is very famous and celebrated in a grand manner.

Oonjal seva will be performed on Amavasya days.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Since oru kala pooja is conducted, opening and closing are unpredictable. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Sri Saptakanni & Navagraha Temple, Athur

This Saptakanni temple is facing east with Vinayagars and Nagars under peepal tree. Elephants and Simham are in front of sanctum sanctorum.

The original temple was completely damaged and the same was reconstructed. A Navagraha Sannidhi and 12 Rasi sannidhis are added on the right side of the Sapta Kannis Sannidhi. Navagrahas are with their consorts is the speciality of this temple.

Navagraha Sannidhi maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 14^th July 2013.

Apart from  oru kala pooja special poojas are done on Saturdays, sani peyarchi days, Guru peyarchi days, etc,.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Sri Tharani Amman Temple, Athur.

This Village deity Sri Tharani Amman temple is on the south side of the Village near Sri Muthapureeswarar Shiva Temple. The temple is facing east with Sanctum sanctorum and open mukha mandapam. An Eka tala Dravida Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. Amman’s various forms are in the Deva and Greeva Koshtams.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

 Preparing for the Mattu Pongal 

HOW TO REACH

This Village Athur is on the Chengalpattu to Kanchipuram.  The Athur is about 7 KM from Chengalpattu, 35 KM from Kanchipuram, 40 KM from Tambaram and 64 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station Reddipalayam / Palur and Junction is Chengalpattu.

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Padavettamman Temple / Renugambal Temple and Kailasanathar Temple, Zaminrayapet, Chromepet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

This visit to this Sri Padavettamman also called as Renukambal Temple at Zaminrayapet, a part of Chromepet was a part of Shiva and Amman Temples in Chromepet, Old Pallavaram and Madipakkam Visit, on 20^th November 2022. A Grama Devathai Temple of Chromepet and nobody knows the antiquity of the presiding deity..

 

Presiding Deity : Sri Padavettamman / Sri Renugambal

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Trishul, Balipeedam, Simham and Dwajasthamam are after the Rajagopuram. Also Amman’s stucco image is on the top of the mukha mandapam and written as “Padavettamman Alayam”. Stucco Dwarapalakis are at the entrance of ardha mandapam.

Amman is in sitting posture under a snake hood. Holding a knife in the right hand and a bowl / kapalam in the left hand. The upper hands are holding Damaru and trishul. A Jwalamakuda is on her head. Two Amman’s head idols are under the feet of presiding deity and 5 hooded Nagar is on one Amman's head. Amma’s various forms are in the koshtam.

Sri Kailasanathar with Sri Visalakshi – in the same sanctum sanctorum are in a separate temple with an entrance arch on the east side. Balipeedam, Rishabam are in front of Mukha mandapam. Rishabam is under a chariot style mandapam. Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai are in the koshtam. A Three thala stucco vimanam is over the sanctum sanctorum. 

In praharam Agni Devar with his consort, Kannimoola Ganapthy,  Nagar with Vinayagar, Sri Valampuri Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Suryan, Chandran, Kala Bairavar and Navagrahas.

ARCHITECTURE

The Amman temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, ardha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The complete temple was constructed with bricks and cement concrete. The sanctum sanctorum is on a upanam and adhistanam is of Pada bandha adhistanam. A two tier Dravida vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum.

Various forms of Amman’s stucco images are on the 5 tier Rajagopuram and Mukha mandapam pillars. Vanni Tree, Iluppai Tree and Bilva tree are the sthala vrukshas of this temple.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

This is one of the Grama Devatha temple of Zaminrayapet in Chromepet. This place was once a Iluppai tree forest. Since Amman is a Grama Devathai, the temple might have existed since ancient times and slowly the structures are added. As per the unconfirmed sources, Padavettamman is actually called as PadaiVeettamman ( படைவீட்டம்மன் - an Amman temple where worshipped before going to war or the army stayed in this place ) and the same was got corrupted as Padavettamman. Also Called as Renugambal Temple. Sambuvaraya Kings worshipped Sri Renugambal as their Kula Deivam. It was told that lot of Sambavaraya decedents called Sambu Kula peoples lives in this Zaminrayapet a part of present Chromepet.     

Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted to Rajagopuram and Sri Padavettamman temple on 10^th June 2005. Sri Kailasanathar with Sri Visalakshi Amman temple maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted after construction on 13^th June 2008.

Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted in 2017. A New Dwajasthambam / kodimaram covered with copper sheets was installed in the beginning of 2022. The Temple chariot measures 12.75 feet high, 5.5 feet wide and 7.75 feet depth made out of teak wood at a cost of 14 lakhs during 2019..

LEGENDS

It is believed that Sri Padavettamman as Renugambal stayed at this place with her army, hence this place was called as Padiveettu Amman, which has got corrupted to the present name of Padavettamman.

It is also believed that during Kings ruling, this place was used as staying place for armies. Hence this place was called as Padaiveedu ( Padai – army in  English ).

About 350 years before this place was controlled by Zamindars. Hence this place was called as Zamin Rayapettai. One night Amman came in one of the Zamindar’s dream and advised to construct a temple for her, who is in the midst of the iluppai tree forest. The Zamindar with the help of Villagers, took the Amman and installed under a thatched roof and worshiped as Padavettamman, a Grama Devathai. Same year the villagers celebrated the annual festival on 4^th week's Sunday of Aadi month. Nowadays the annual festival is celebrated for 5 days.

Devotees prays for removing marriage obstacles, Child boon etc. After their wishes are fulfilled, the devotees offer cradle, bangles, new vasthras, carryout Theemithi  etc,  at this temple. 

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Tuesdays, Fridays, Aadi Fridays, Navaratri.

Theemithi thiruvizha will be conducted in Aadi month every year.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 10.30 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The mobile number +919444459015, may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

The temple in Zaminrayapet, a part of Chromepet, is about 1 KM off on Thoraipakkam to Chromepet radial road from Police Check post, after crossing Kilkattalai Lake, turn left on Erikarai Road ( Nemilichery Eri ).

The temple is 2.9 KM from Chromepet Railway Station, 7.6 KM from Tambaram and 26 KM from Chennai Central.

Nearest railway station is Chromepet Sub Urban Railway Station. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Rajarajeswari Amman Temple / ஸ்ரீ ராஜராஜேஸ்வரி அம்மன் கோயில், Sankarasramam, Virugambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

The visit to this temple Sri Rajarajeswari Amman Temple, at Sankarasramam, Virugambakkam, Chennai was a part of “Lesser Known Amman Temples of Chennai visit” on  06^th November 2022. Even though, some of the these temples are reconstructed during recent years, they have long and rich history..

The presiding Deity        : Sri Rajarajeswari

Some of the salient features of this temple are…..

The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram. Vinayagar, The presiding deity Sannidhi and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar sannidhis are built side by side in a line facing east. A stucco image of Sri Rajarajeswari with chowry bearers are  on the top of the entrance. Dwarapalakis are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. The Amman in the sanctum sanctorum is in sitting posture, folding the right leg and left leg is hanging. She is holing pasa angusam in the upper hands and flower and a sugarcane in the lower hands.

Ayyappan, Navagrahas, Anjaneyar and Dakshinamurthy are in the Mandapam. Sri Sankara Sathirigal’s easy chair with his photo is in the centre of the mandapam. Sri Sankara Sasthirigal’s image and two Amman’s sannidhis are on the right side immediately after the Rajagopuram entrance.

The easy Chair of Sri Sankara Sasthirigal, the founder of Sankarasramam and this temple.

ARCHITECTURE

Vinayagar, Sri Rajarajeswari Amman and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar sannidhis are built in a line under a big mandapam. Eka tala nagara Vimanas are on the sanctum sanctorum.  

Stucco image of Vinayagar, Shiva with Rajarajeswari, Ayyappan and Arumugar are in the first tala of Rajagopuram. Stucco images of Adi Sankarar with his disciples are on the left side and Sankara Sasthirigal and Sri Rajarajeswari are on the right side of the Rajagopuram. These images are in compartments and front is covered with glass.

 

 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

This temple comes under Sankarasramam, which was established by Sri Sankara Sasthirikal in on 25^th March 1974.

The 4^th Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 06^th April 2022.

 

Sri Sankarasasthirugal's image

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Fridays, Adi Fridays, Pournami, Amavasya days, Maha Shivaratri, Sankatahara Chathurti, etc,.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 10.30 Hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs

CONTACT DETAILS

 

HOW TO REACH

On Arcot road, from Vadapalani, take right on Reddy street  ( After Mata Amirtanandamayi Math ), after  50 meters turn right to Kamarajar Salai and the temple is about a KM.

The temple is about 2.7 KM from Koyambedu bus terminus and 11.3 KM from Chennai Central Station.

Nearest Railway Stations are Koyambedu metro, CMBT Metro and Vadapalani Metro ( All are same distance )

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

Navagrahas

Ayyappan Sannidhi

Main Shrine 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Gangai Amman Temple / Kankai Amman Temple / ஸ்ரீ கங்கை அம்மன் கோயில், Kaikankuppam, Valasaravakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this temple Sri Gangai Amman Temple at Kaikankuppam, a part of Valasaravakkam, Chennai was a part of “Lesser Known Amman Temples of Chennai visit” on  06^th November 2022. Even though, some of the these temples are reconstructed during recent years, they have long and rich history..

During my visit to Pidari Selliamman Temple, Mr Ashok directed me to this Grama Devathai temple of Kaikankuppam Village. This temple is closely associated with Pidari Selliamman and Ellai kaval deivam.

The Presiding Deity               : Sri Gangai Amman

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple is facing north with a metal entrance arch. Vinayagar is on the left side of the entrance. A Trishul, balipeedam and Simha vaharan are in front of sanctum sanctorum. Gangai Amman in the sanctum sanctorum is sitting on a pedestal. She  is holding a pasa angusam in the upper hands and lower hands are holding a knife and a bowl.

Navagrahas, Chandi and Durgai Amman are in front of the temple.

 

ARCHITECTURE

The sanctum sanctorum was built in village style not following architecture style without any Kostas. There is no Vimanam on the sanctum sanctorum. Total temple is under a meta colour sheet mandapam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It was told that this Grama Devathai temple exists along with Pdari Selliamman Temple of Kaikankuppam. It is believed that the original temple existed on the same spot more than 1000 years. The present structure may be 100 years old.

During my interaction with Mr Prabhu one of the Trustees, told that, it is proposed to reconstruct the temple in a large scale.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from Regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Fridays with annadhanam, Chithra Pournami, 3 days annual festival in the month Adi. During Palkudam abhishekam, palkudam will be brought from Sri Pidari Selliamman Temple, the ellai kaval Deivam with melathalam. Also the people of this Village used to do pongal at Pidari Selliamman temple also along with this temple.

POOJA TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 10.30 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 19.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Trustees of this temple E Ramachandran +91 98411 54861, D Prabhu +91 9840234476 and V Murugan +91 790968261 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

On Arcot road from Vadapalani take left before Megamart on Thiruvalluvar Street and it is about 650 meters off Arcot Road.

The temple is about 3.7 KM from Vadapalani Metro station, 5.1 KM from Koyambedu bus terminus and 12.6 KM from Chennai Central Railway Station

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Selliamman Temple / Sri Pidari Selliamman / பிடாரி ஸ்ரீ செல்லிஅம்மன் கோயில், near Lamech School, Fathima Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Selliamman Temple, at Fathima Nagar Valasaravakkam was a part of “Lesser known Vishnu, Shiva, Amman Temples of Chennai Visit”, on 30^th October 2022. On the way to a Murugan Temple on the banks of Cooum River, found this temple on the north side of Arcot Road near Lamech School. All these temples have long history of Pallavas, Chozhas and Vijayanagars..

The presiding Deity  : Sri Selliamman / Sri Pidari Selliamman

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple facing North with an entrance passage on Arcot road near Lamech School. Two balipeedams with Trishul are in front of the temple. Amman is in sitting posture with left leg folded and right leg hanging position. She is holding a Trishul. Amman's image is not an idol but it is in the form of bas-relief. 

In the praharan Muneeswaran and a recently installed Vinayagar.

PC. Mr Ashok, brother of Kai Palani

Muneeswarar

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum and ardha mandapam. The total temple was constructed with bricks. The temple was constructed in Village style. There is no Vimanam over the sanctum sanctorum. Erotic images are in the kapotam, mainly ladies. Stucco  images of two persons are on the top of the entrance, probably they may be the donors. 

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Sri Pidari Selliamman is a Nattar deivam, Grama devathai and a Kaval deivam  of  Kaikan Kuppam. This Kaikan Kuppam might have been spread in a large area during the construction of this temple. But now this has shrunk to a smaller area and become part of Nesapakkam. 

The presiding deity, if faces North direction will absorb positive energy. Hence, most of the Grama Devathai temples in Tamil Nadu will face north directions. Another version is, usually the enemies will enter to Tamil Nadu from north side. Hence the Amman will face the North direction to safe guard the Villages. It is told that lot of miracles happened due to the grace of Sri Pidari Selliamman  and Amman is very powerful.

Nobody knows, from when this temple exists on this place. I ts claimed that this temple may belongs to Pallava period, but experts of the opinion that Selliamman on the flat stone may belongs to Chozha Period.  During recent years, temple’s land was encroached and there was no way to approach the temple. A case was filed in the court. With great effort of some devotees like Mr Kai Palani and K N Natarajan, this temple was retrieved and judgement was given in favour of This Sri Pidari Selliamman.

  

LEGENDS

Lot of miracles happened due to the grace of Sri Selliamman. It is believed that without a call from this Amman, nobody can come to this temple. When I was passing through this way, the temple attracts me. I went around the place looking after the way to enter the temple. Luckily Mr Natarajan, who was standing near the gate, and expecting for some one. When I inquired about the way to enter in to the temple, immediately asked me “whether the temple / Goddess attracts you”, I said Yes. He voluntarily helped me to go in to the temple premises after getting permission from the watchman of Lamech School. I felt some calmness when I circumambulation of the Sanctum Sanctorum.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular oru kala poojas, no other special poojas are done. On Purnami, Amavasya and Aadi month poojas are done for a longer period. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 08.00 hrs and 18.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Mr Kai Palani  +91 94441 81426 or his brother Mr. Ashok +91 89396 24251 and K N Natarajan +919884240855 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is on Arcot Road close to Lamech School, in Fathima Nagar Valasaravakkam. 

The temple is about 500 Meters from Kesavardhini on Arcot Road, 700 meters from Agastheeswarar Velviswarar Temple on Arcot Road, 5.5 KM from Vijaya Hospital, Valasaravakkam, 5.8 KM from Vadapalani bus depot, 7.0 KM from Koyambedu bus terminus and 15.6 KM from Chennai central Railway Station. 

Nearest Railway station is Vadapalani Metro station ( 5.5 KM ).

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

View from Road side

Erotic images

Erotic images

Erotic images

Erotic images

This Vinayagar was installed during recent years

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---