Sakkarai Amma Temple,
Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai
Sakkarai Amma Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Sage
Sakkarai Amma located at Thiruvanmiyur, well-known locality of Chennai City in
Tamil Nadu. The Temple is situated at the spot where Kala Kshetra Road and
Kamaraj Road of Lakshmipuram locality more or less meet.
History
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
The temple was built on the Samadhi (resting
place) where Sri Sakkarai Amma was laid in 1901 at the initiative of her prime
disciple Dr. M.C. Nanjunda Rao. Sivasri Arunachala Sivachariyar, head of the
Komaleeswaranpet Mutt and the brother of Sri Sakkarai Amma performed Maha
Kumbabishekam of the temple when it was ready for functioning in 1901. He
was also conducting regular pooja in the Shrine. Since his
passing away, his descendants have taken up the responsibility of
performing pooja till date. They are in the order of descend: Siva
Sri Seshadri Sivachariyar, Siva Sri Thyagaraja Sivachariyar, and presently,
Siva Sri Balasubramania Sivachariyar and his sons.
Probably, Dr M C Nanjunda Rao desired to be with his
Guru Sri Sakkarai Amma forever. He was also laid to rest in the temple
premises. A bust size statue of Dr. Rao is installed over
his samadhi at the temple premises. After constructing the temple,
Dr. Rao left sufficient funds for its maintenance, clearly instructing his
descendants to administer the temple from the self-generating resources, not
accepting any contribution or donations from others. Before discarding her
physical frame, Sri Sakkarai Amma told Dr Nanjunda Rao that
her Samadhi would draw people from every nook and corner only after
the lapse of a century. Her saying came true, as the temple was renovated in
2001 and Maha Kumbabishekam (religious ceremony to signify the
competence for regular worship) was performed in the year 2002.
Since then, words spread about the spiritual
significance of the temple through the media and by mouth to mouth; devotees
started attending the temple regularly. Their number increased rapidly, as
many found their prayers heard and wishes fulfilled. The temple has also
become the chosen place for spiritually advanced persons, who experience the
bliss through the benevolence of Sri Sakkarai Amma. The late Dr. MCN Private
Religious Trust is maintaining the temple with Dr. Rao’s granddaughter Smt.
Sumana Suresh taking care of the management. In accordance with the wishes of
Dr. Rao, the Trust does not accept any contribution or donations from others.
However, devotees can arrange offerings of prasadam (flowers, fruits,
sweets, etc.) at the temple in person during poojas (ceremonial
worship).
The Temple is situated amidst residential area. After
the entrance, towards the left there is a small open corridor, where the statue
of Sakkarai Amma is situated and a small lamp is lit in front of the statue.
Photos of various saints are hanging in the wall beside the statue. On the
right of sanctum of Sakkarai Amma, there was a small passage, leading to a hall,
where the statue of Sai Baba was found. Photos of other saints, message by
Sakkarai Amma etc. were found. Adjacent to this sanctum, there is a small
passage leading to the meditation hall. Sakkarai Amma's statue is found in the
center along with statues of Lord Krishna, Lord Nataraja etc.
The temple has two halls, one for chanting various names
of Gods and Goddesses in praise and the other for discourses and concerts of
devotional songs. The salient feature of the temple is the spacious Meditation
Hall in the premises. Even mats are provided to those who want to sit there in
meditation. The still and aesthetically set atmosphere serves to easily
concentrate in the meditation. One of the halls is used to provide free medical
treatment in the morning on every Thursday by eminent physicians irrespective
of caste, creed, or faith.
The hall is also used to teach art and crafts, as well
as devotional songs for children. This hall is named “Dr MCN Memorial Hall,”
where activities of Bhagwan Sri
Satya Sai Samiti of Thiruvanmiyur are carried out. The
discourse hall is also used to teach spiritual scriptures such as Bhagavat Gita. Devotional
programmes by “Bhagwan Ramanar
Sat Sang” are conducted at the hall in the evening, on the third Sunday
of every month. Buddha and
Jesus are adorning the walls of the interior to encourage meditating devotees.
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 10.00 AM in the
mornings and from 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM in the evenings. Special offerings are
conducted on Sunday evenings and all auspicious days.
Festivals
Full moon and the day of the
star Thiruvadirai (Arudhra in Sanskrit) are the special days at
Sri Sakkarai Amma temple. Sunday evenings are for special offerings,
discourses and devotional songs.
Contact
Sakkarai Amma Temple,
# 75 Kala Kshetra Road,
Thiruvanmiyur Chennai – 600 041
Phone: +91 44 2452 1236
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
Location