Bodyguard Muniswaran Temple, Park Town, Chennai
Bodyguard
Muniswaran Temple is a Hindu Temple
dedicated to Lord Muneeswarar located in Park Town area of Chennai, the capital of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This is a small temple located in the main
area of Chennai
Metropolitan Area.
Etymology
Pallavan Salai was originally
called as Body Guards Lines Road. The body guards of the British Governor used
to live here. Probably, due to this reason, the people started referring this
deity as Body Guard Muneeswarar.
Legends
In 1919 CE, labourers
from North Arcot district brought the idol
of Lord Muneeswarar to Madras city (present
Chennai). They placed it under a neem tree adjoining the military barracks
of the Britishers. One of the British Commander showed his objection. Same day
he met with an accident. He started believing that the idol has some powers so he
allowed it to be there. From the day many devotees around Chennai worships this
Lord and constructed a temple around the idol. They believe that the main deity
of the temple Lord Muneeswarar will save them from accidents. So, the deity got
the name of Bodyguard Muneeswarar. This temple is now visited by thousands of
devotees each day.
The
Temple
Muneeswarar is a popular
village deity of Tamil Nadu. This is a small road side temple on Pallavan Salai
near Central Railway Station, which has a peculiar name. It is called as Body
Guard Muneeswarar. This temple is very small, but it is always crowded. Whoever
owns a vehicle in Chennai, would have visited this temple or at least heard
about this for sure. It is believed that the temple protects the vehicles from
road accidents. Pallavan Salai is always crowded with the vehicles mainly due
to this temple.
Prayers
People who buy New Vehicles
will come to this place for worship. Many believe that Muneeswaran, apart from
ensuring well-being, specifically protects against road accidents. Some patrons
believe the deity guards you — they feel that is how it got the name
‘bodyguard’. But, it might have derived its name from what the place was
earlier called — the Bodyguard Lines Road. Right next to the temple is a bus
depot, from which vehicles regularly exit. Just as the buses make their way
atop the bridge, they stop for a brief moment in front of Muneeswaran and you
can spot the drivers and passengers whisper a quiet prayer — for a smooth
journey. Mostly devotees offering drinks, hen, goats and cigar to the god. In
the temple premises they offer red and black color rope, if we tie the knot it
will keep away us from all the evil things.
Connectivity
This Temple is situated in Pallavan Salai in Park Town
Area. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Pallavan Salai Bus Depot, 350
meters from Park Town Railway Station, 850 meters from Chennai Central Railway
Station, 1 Km from Government Estate Metro Station, 3 Kms from Egmore Railway
Station, 12 Kms from Koyambedu Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and 18 Kms from
Chennai Airport. The Temple is located very close to Chennai Central Railway
Station. You can proceed on foot to this Temple from the station. From other
parts of the city, you can take a Cabs, Auto Rickshaw, Bus, Local Trains and
Metro Trains to reach the Temple.
Location