Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Hayagriva Temple),
Chettipunnyam, Kanchipuram
Varadaraja
Perumal Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu located at Chettipunnyam
Village near Chengalpet Town in Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu. This Temple
is also called as Hayagriva Temple and Devanatha Swamy Temple. However the
temple is more popularly known as Yoga Hayagrivar Temple who blesses the
devotees with education and knowledge. The Moolavar is Sri Varadaraja perumal
while the Utsavar is known as Devanatha perumal. So the temple is called by all
three names.
The
Thayar here is known as Hemabuja Nayagi. There is a separate shrine for
Rama, Lakshmanan, Sita and Hanuman. Just as Goddess Saraswathi is worshiped
before commencing education or the study of any scripture, in the Vaishnava
tradition, Hayagriva’s blessings are sought when beginning the study of both
sacred and secular subjects. Chettipunnyam village is located about 30 kms from
Tambaram on west of GST Road, after Singapperumal Koil.
Legends
The
incarnation of Lord Vishnu called Hayagriva is not one of the Dashavatarams
(ten primary incarnations). Hayagriva is a horse-faced figure of Vishnu
(Sanskrit: haya-horse; griva-neck) and is symbolic of the primary Guru or
teacher and the giver of knowledge and learning. He is also hailed as Hayasirsa
(Sanskrit: haya-Horse; śira-head).
When two
demons (asuras) Madhu and Kaidaba stole Vedas from Lord Brahma (the creator of
the world as per Hinduism), Lord Vishnu took the form of Hayagriva (horse face
and human body), killed the demons, and handed over the Vedas to Lord Brahma.
Hence, Lord Hayagriva is considered as the God of Knowledge.
Hayagriva
is the Supreme God of Learning, according to Vaishnavite scriptures. Sri
Vedanta Desikar meditated on the Lord at Oushathadri (Thiruvahindirapuram) and
was blessed with all knowledge. He prays to the Lord in his Hayagriva Sthothram, the
first lyrical work of the great Acharya. The idol of Hayagriva worshipped by
him is in the Parakala Math at Mysore.
History
For
brief details, please refer below link;
The
Temple
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Temple
Opening Time
The
Temple is open from 7.30 AM to 12 Noon and, 4 PM to 7.30 PM (open all days of
the week).
Festivals
Festivals
are conducted for Lord Devanatha during Vaikasi Makam, the day when he was
first brought to the temple. Parivettai on a Sunday in the month of Thai,
Adhyayana Utsavam, Adi Pooram, Panguni Uthiram, Sri Ramanavami and Sattrumurai
for Nammazhwar, Ramanuja and Desikar are the other festivals held here.
Hayagriva Jayanthi, celebrated on Avani Thiruvonam day, draws thousands of
devotees from far and near.
Religious
Practices
The
temple rituals are conducted according to the Vaikhanasa Agama. The priests,
who accompanied the Lord from Thiruvahindirapuram when he was brought here,
stayed on and their descendants conduct the poojas now. There is a practice of
lighting deepam and praying their wish. You may buy the lamp inside the temple
for Rs 2 per lamp. Few temple cows and calves were seen and people offer them
bananas etc. and worship them by touching them. Some people even offer
cash/coins on top of the cattle, which the temple caretakers collects it.
Prayers
Many
students visit this temple praying for their good scores in examinations. One
can see students coming here with their pens, pencils, hall tickets etc. keep
them at the Lord’s feet before taking their exams. Many of these students write
their exam roll numbers and wishes to perform well all along the walls. Also we
can see students writing their target scores on the exam with their roll number
all over the walls of the temple. Though the temple administration has
announced on the walls, not to scribble on them, no one seems to respect that.
People
who suffer from speaking disorder may do honey neivedyam and consuming it daily
will help them curing from the disorder. Praying Yoga Hayagrivar will lift one
from studies, improves memory, clear hurdles on marriage proposals. Azhinjal
tree is found on the prakaram, where students tie pieces of cloth and arranges
stones in decks and pray.
Contact
Sri Yoga
Hayagrivar Temple,
Chettipunnyam
Village,
Kanchipuram
District,
Phone: +91 – 44 –
27400863 / 274631731 / 28173263
Mobile: +91 – 8675127999
Connectivity
Chettipunnyam
village is located about 50 Kms from Chennai and 30 kms from Tambaram on west
of GST Road, after Singapperumal Koil. The temple situated 5 Kms from Singapperumal
Koil and 3 Kms from the Mahindra World City (take road right opposite to the
Mahendra World City entrance). It is 3 km from GST road and there are
autos easily available that would take you to the temple arena. There is also
60C Bus available.
Travelling
on the GST from Chennai, take the right just opposite Mahindra City gate after Singapperumal
koil. Cross the railway gate and continue straight on the road for about 3
kms. Once you reach the village you need the take a left and the temple is on a
small lane in the right side. The nearest Railway Station is located on Singapperumal
koil on the Chennai Beach – Chengalpet route.
References