Madhava Perumal Temple, Mylapore, Chennai Tamil Nadu.

12^th January 2020.

The Visit to this temple was a part of 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 most historic places. The Historical places includes, Saptha Sthana Shiva temples, Vishnu  and Village Deity Temple. Greco-Roman, a famous geographer of the 2^nd Century CE, mentions Mylapore as Mylarphan.  From ancient times Mylapore was called as Mayilarpil, Mayilai, Thirumayilai, Mahilup, Mirapolis, Mirapor and Malepur. During Chozha period Mylapore was under Jayankonda Chozha mandalathu Puliyur Kottam. During Pallava period Nandhivarman-III,  assumed the title of “Mayilai Kavalan” ie guardian or protector of Mylapore. This is the birth Place of Peyalwar also called as Mudal Alwar.  Thirumazhisai Alwar and Thirumangai Alwar referred Mylapore in their pasurams.

Moolavar : Sri Madhava Perumal

Thayar    : Sri Amirthavalli

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

The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. A 4 Pillar mandapa is in-front of Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Garudan are after the Rajagopuram. Moolavar Sri Madhava Perumal is with Sridevi and Bhudevi in sitting posture. The procession deity Niranjana Madhavan ( Chinna Madhavan ) is with Sridevi and Bhudevi. Peyalwar sannadhi is in the maha mandapam facing south. Stucco images of Vishnu’s avatars along with Vishnu as Madhava Perumal with his consorts are at the entrance of artha mandapam.

 

In the prakaram, a 4 Pillar mandapam, Santhana pushkarani / temple tank ( it is believed that on Tamil month Masi Maham all the sacred rivers Joins in this tank ), Amirthavalli Thayar, Bhu Varaha ( Bhu Devi is on his left lap, popularly known as Kannapiran..? ) Sannadhi, Andal, Ramar with Sita & Lakshmanan, Alwars Periyalwar, Thondaradippodi Alvar, Thirupanalwar, Madhurakavi Alwar, Nammalwar, Thirumangai Alwar, Thirumazhisai Alwar and Kulasekara Alwar, Thulasi madam Paramapatha vassal with wooden doors carved with alwars, Glass / Mirror Room, Urchavas / Procession deities.

ARCHITECTURE

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam, maha mandapam and a Mukha mandapam. The 24 pillared  open mukha mandapa is in front of maha mandapam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The earlier records mentions this place as Madhava Perumalpuram. As per the latter period temple inscription records that this temple belongs to Pallava period, as Thazhvarai Koil type of construction. Also the inscription mentions that the temple is more than 800 years old. A Chozha period inscription is laid as a stepping stone of Thayar sannidhi. If this belongs to this temple, this temple might have been built in  10^th to 11^th Century during Chozha period or might have been brought from elsewhere. Vijayanagara period inscription is also found in this temple. Parthasarathy, the deity of Thiruvallikeni visited this temple after 35 years in 2008.

A 12th to 13th Century Rajaraja-II /III, period a fragment inscription of the Maha mandapam stepping stone records the endowment of burning a sandhi lamp by one Vedavana Perumal. In that the words like Puliyur Kottam, Konda Chozha mandalam, etc,. 

The mukha mandapa was built during Vijayanagara period. A Two tier Vimana is on the sanctum sanctorum. The Rajagopuram was constructed in 1962. In January 2007 samprokshanam of this temple was performed. The Temple tank Santhana Pushkarani was reconstructed in 2010. Kumbhabhishekam was performed in 1997 and 2007.

In 1956 CE, Kanchi Maha Periyava during his 2 months stay at Sanskrit College, Mylapore used to worship Sri Madhava Perumal of this temple, daily. He also initiated  for printing of Sthala purana from Palm leaf manuscript.

 A Chozha period inscription used as a step stone in-front of Thayar sannidhi 

LEGENDS

As per the legend  This place was referred as Madhavapuram in Mayurapuri Mahatmyam of Brahmanda Purana. Vishnu mentions Brighu Maharishi’s ashram at Madhavapuram is the best place to do penance to Veda Vyasa’s question.  Vishnu sent Mahalakshmi to Brighu Maharishi’s ashram at Mayapuri, who was praying for a Child boon. Mahalakshmi was brought up by Bhrigu Maharishi as Amirthavalli. Vishnu as Madhava Perumal married Amirthavalli on Panguni Uthiram day. It is believed that the present temple is situated on the place where Brighu Maharishi’s ashram existed.

Since Madhava Perumal married Amirthavalli Thayar, those desirous of marriage call him as “Prarthanai Niraivera Perumal”.

    

POOJAS & FESTIVALS

Apart from regular poojas, Brahmotsavam ( Chithirai, Vasanthotsavam, Pavithrotsavam, Tirukkoyilur Vaibhavam, Pagal Pathu & ra pathu Utsavam, Vaikunda yegathasi,  Ratha Saptami, Teppa Utsavam and Panguni Uthiram Thirukalyana Utsavam are celebrated in a grand manner.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 11.30 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 21.00 hrs. During Margazhi month the temple will be opened at 05.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The temple’s office may be contacted on the land line +91 44 24985112 for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is on the junction of  Mundakanni Amman Koil 4^th lane and Thyagarajapuram, 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: CLICK HERE

 Bhu Varahar sannidhi

 Thayar Sannidhi

 Santhana pushkarani - temple tank

 Paramapatha Vasal

 Entrance arch on the Mundakanni Amman Temple

A Model of the temple

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Veerabhadra Swami Temple, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

12^th January 2020.

The Visit to this temple was a part of 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 most historic places. The Historical places which includes, 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 as Mayilarpil, Mayilai, Tirumayilai, Mahilup, Mirapolis, Mirapor and Malepur. During Chozha period Mylapore was under Jayankonda Chozha mandalathu Puliyur Kottam. During 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 Veerabhadra Swami Temple is on the Madhava Perumal Koil Road, Mylapore.

Moolavar : Sri Veerabhadra Swami

Consort   : Sri Abhayambika

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

The temple is facing North  with an entrance arch. Stucco image of Veerabhadra is on the arch. Veerabhadra is with 4 hands holding weapons. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy  is facing south.

In the front mandapam Vinayagar,  Adhi Sankarar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Sarabeswarar,  Vishnu / Perumal, Virpakshiswarar with Visalakshi, Thirupura Sundari.

In prakaram, Saneeswara, Navagrahas, Dhiyana Anjaneyar, Bala Vinayagar, Balasubramaniar,Vinayagar, Vilvanathar, Kala Bhairavar, Dhandayuthapani, Viruksha Ganapathy, Shiva Durga and Vishnu Durga.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS.

It was told that the moolavar was unearthed in this where the present temple exists. As per the historians that this Veerabhadra is one of the Ashtadikpalakas of Mylapore. The temple may be 100 to 200 years old and moolavar may belongs to Pallava / Chozha period.

LEGENDS

Ambal is called as Abhayambika. Since Ambal gave protection to Mayil- Peacock, hence called as Abhayambika. The Mayavaram or Mayiladuthurai also has the same story. “It’s said that soorasamharam- where Lord Muruga kills the demon Soora ) happens here where Lord Muruga gets his vel/ spear from Sri Abayambigai”  Also Abayambigai hold weapons instead of lotus flowers like Veerabhadra.

As per the another legend, Ma Parvati’s father Daksha performed the Yaga with out giving the share / Avirpakam and not even invited Lord Shiva. Parvati got angry and argued with his father. When, Daksha didn’t budged Parvati’s demand, Parvati entered in the Yaga gundam after cursing everybody who participated in the Yaga. Lord Shiva got angry  and plugged his hair, created Veerabhadra to destroy the Yaga. Veerabhadra destroyed the Yaga and chopped Daksha’s head. To the request, Veerabhadra cuts a goat’s head and fitted to Daksha.

   

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 10.30 Hrs and 16.30 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Bala Gurukkal may be contacted on his mobile 7401140355 for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is on the on the Madhava Perumal Koil Road, 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: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

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

12^th January 2020.

The Visit to this temple was a part of 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 most historic places. The Historical places which includes, 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 as Mayilarpil, Mayilai, Tirumayilai, Mahilup, Mirapolis, Mirapor and Malepur. During Chozha period Mylapore was under Jayankonda Chozha mandalathu Puliyur Kottam. During 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 is facing 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 also in the sanctum. On the opposite are the Simha vahana and a Trisoolam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

From the British records, the temple exists  more than 100 years. This place was once with fishermen huts and the sea shore 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 were 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 ( humming bird tree leaves ) & Blood and sprayed on the floor. The Brahma’s 5^th head that stuck Lord Shiva’s right hand detached and fallen down to eat the rice balls. Immediately Lord Shiva took bath in 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 themselves as fierce look like Goddess Angala Parameswari  with protruding tongue, carries a trident and go to Grave yard where a mud Statue was made ( Vegetables and some times meat also hid in side the statue ). The devotees offer cattle, goat, cock, etc, and the rice will be mixed with blood and throw in to the crowd.

    

POOJAS AND FESTIVALS

Mayanakollai Thiruvizha is a special festival conducted every year on Tamil Month Masi new moon day ie next day of Maha Shivaratri. The urchava deity will be taken to Mylapore cemetery where Mayana kollai Thiruvizha will be celebrated from 19.00 hrs to Mid night. After the Mayana Kollai pooja, oonjal Vizha will be performed followed by annadhanam will be distributed to all the devotees. The special poojas will also be conducted in the temple also. 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 Aadi. Palkudam ( Milk Pot ) will be taken in procession and abhishekam will be done. During Aadi Pooram, valaikappu vizha for Amman will takes 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 opened 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 is doing Pooja for this temple also, Poojari Suresh Kumar may be contacted on his mobile +91 8754544856, for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is on the on the 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: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Sri Mundakanni Amman Temple / Mundaka Kanni Amman Temple / Arulmigu Mundaga kanni Amman Temple and Nagathamman Temple Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

12^th January 2020.

The Visit to this temple was a part of 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 most historic places, then so called, Madras. The Historical places which includes, 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 as Mayilarpil, Mayilai, Tirumayilai, Mahilup, Mirapolis, Mirapor and Malepur. During Chozha period Mylapore was under Jayankonda Chozha mandalathu Puliyur Kottam. During Pallava period Nandhivarman-III,  assumed the title of “Mayilai Kavalan” ie guardian or protector of Mylapore.

Presiding deity : Sri Mundaka Kanni  Amman

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

The temple is facing east with a 3 tier Rajagopuram and a small entrance  arch. The sanctum is surrounded by the mandpa also acts as a prakara. Deity Amman is in the form of Conical shape  or Lotus bud shaped over which Amman shaped kavasam is provided. A Trishul/ Trident is on her back. A Simha vahana is in front of sanctum.  Dwarapalakis are at the entrance of the sanctum.

In the prakaram Vinayagar, Iyappan, Sri Valli Devasena Muthukumaraswamy, Dakshinamurthy, Ramalinga Swamigal, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, Annapoorani, Veera Anjaneyar, Naga kanni, Saptamatrikas  Samundeeswari, Vaishnavi, Maheswari, Brahmi, Varahi, Nagendri and Kaumari (  in the form of brick like stones ) and Urchavar is in a separate sannadhi.

 Thatched roof of sanctum

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS

The temple exists before British period  and called as Pagoda. The temple was one of the guarding deity of this village Mylapore.

The Rajagopuram and side entrance with arch was constructed  in 1979 through the donation received from Palani Achari and Chokkammal and prakaram stone pavement was done in the same year. Stone pavement was provided in 1982. Pongal mandapam was constructed in 1985. Marble flooring was done 1997.  Dwarapalakis are installed in 2001.  Golden Chariot was inaugurated in 2007. Kumbhabhishekam was performed in 1992 and 2015.

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS:

The temple may be contacted on the land line +91 44 24981893 may be contacted for further details.

Temple Web site: http://www.mundagakanniamman.tnhrce.in/

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is on the on the 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: CLICK HERE

 Saptamatrikas

 Urchavam Amman sannadhi

ARULMIGU NAGATHAMMAN THIRUKOVIL.

This temple is dedicated to Nagathamman, a female deity / Village deity / Grama Devatha, on the MundaKanni Amman Koil Street, on the back side of Sri Madhava Perumal Temple.  The worship of Nature and creatures like snakes as gods and Goddess followed since ancient times. The reason may  be due to fear, but it is also considered as fertility.

This is a small temple on the road side facing east. A Trident with Simha vahana is in front. Vinayagar and Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar are at the entrance of the sanctum. The presiding deity Amman is a Head size image with a snake hood on the top. Decorated with fierce look. This temple may be 100 year old.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Arulmigu Draupadi Amman Temple, Dharmaraja Temple and Nagathamman Temple, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

12^th January 2020.

The Visit to this temple was a part of 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 most historic places. The Historical places includes, Saptha Sthana Shiva temples, Vishnu  and Village Deities.  Mylapore was called in different names. Greco-Roman, a famous geographer of the 2^nd Century CE, mentions Mylapore as Mylarphan. From ancient times Mylapore was called as Mayilarpil, Mayilai, Tirumayilai, Mahilup, Mirapolis, Mirapor and Malepur. During Chozha period Mylapore was under Jayankonda Chozha mandalathu Puliyur Kottam. During 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 Arulmigu Draupadi Amman – Dharmaraja Temple is one such village temple on MundaKanni Amman Koil Street, Mylapore. The worshiping of Draupadi Amman is followed in many cults. In this  temple, the Epic Mahabharata heroine Draupadi is worshiped as presiding deity. There is also a Draupadi Amman Temple, similar to this is on the Dharmaraja Koil Street, Saidapet, a few KM away from this temple.

   

Presiding Deity : Sri Draupadi Amman

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

The temple is facing east about 3 steps below the out side ground level. Bothuraja / Pothuraja in the form of bas relief is in front of the temple. The presiding deity Draupadi is in sitting posture. In sanctum Dharmaraja, Arjuna, Bheema, Nakulan, Sahadevan and Krishna with Bhama & Rukmani. Nagars are in the prakaram.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of sanctum sanctorum, Antarala, artha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. There are two bas relief sculptures worshiped as Chandra and Surya in the mukha mandapa. A Stucco vimana is over the sanctum. Devotees used to pray Draupadi for marriage and child boon. The bangles offered  are tied on the Neem tree.

SPECIALITIES 

On the left of the entrance is the Sati Stone /hero stone with inscription and the right is the memorial stone in worshiping posture. These Nadukarkal / Hero Stones belongs to 16th to 17th Century.

 

 Sati stone with inscription as தலை பலி

 A Donor memorial stone

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple was built with bricks and may be of 100 to 200 years old.

POOJAS AND FESTIVALS

Apart from regular poojas a annual festival is also celebrated with Therukoothu. The Mahabharata story will be the theme of the therukoothu, in which males will act in the female characters.      

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 7.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Since those who are doing Pooja for Angala Parameswari Amman Temple, which is adjacent to this temple is doing Pooja for this temple also. Poojari Suresh Kumar may be contacted on his mobile +91 8754544856, for further details.

HOW TO REACH:

This temple is on the on the 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: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---