Adhi Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple, West Mambalam, Chennai

Adhi Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple, West Mambalam, Chennai

Adhikesava Perumal Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in West Mambalam in Chennai City in Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Adhi Chenna Kesava Perumal and Mother is called as Senkamalavalli Thayar. It is said that Sri Ramanuja visited this temple and stayed here for some time. 

Etymology

Mambalam:

Mambalam is believed to have derived its name from the existence of Maha Vilvam trees in the locality, which in due course become Mavilam and then Mambalam.

Mylai Mel Ambalam:

In ancient times it was known as Mylai Mel Ambalam (place located on the west of Mylai). Then it changed to Mel-Ambalam. Then Mel (top) changed into west and Ambalam changed into Mambalam. Therefore, now it is known as West Mambalam.

Legends

According to legend, Madavachar, an ardent devotee of Lord Ranganathar constructed the temple here when he had a dream from Lord Vishnu. Madavachar, who stayed at Srirangam had no children. He ardently prayed to Lord Ranganathar. The Lord appeared in his dream and told him to go to Tiruvallikeni (Triplicane) and worship Lord Parthasarathy and also to Tirupati and worship Lord Venkateswara. Madavachar and his wife started the journey on foot and on the way, came to a forest. They were frightened and started chanting the Lord's name. The Lord appeared in the form of a 10-year-old boy, took them to a dilapidated mandapam and gave them food.

At night Lord Vishnu appeared before Madavachar in a vision and told him to dig that place and recover his idol. Next morning, Madavachar with the help of local people dug the place and got the idols of Lord Kesava and the Goddess. Madavachar constructed the temple there with the help of local people. Later Madavachar went to Tiruvallikeni and Tirupati and worshipped the Lord there. He was blessed with a son. Lord Venkateswara instructed him to go to Mabilam (West Mambalam) and continue to worship Lord Kesava there.

The Temple

Presiding Deity is called as Adhi Chenna Kesava Perumal and Mother is called as Senkamalavalli Thayar. It is said that Sri Ramanuja visited this temple and stayed here for some time. Ramanuja has a shrine in this Temple. Shrine of Bhaktha Hanuman on the right and Vishwaksenar Shrine on the left can be found after entering the Temple. There are shrines of Srinivasa Perumal, Ganesha, Andal, Chakrathazhwar, Manavala Mamunigal Garudazhwar and Azhwars in the Temple premises.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 11.30 AM and 04.30 PM to 08.30 PM.

Pooja Timings

Daily Two Kala Pooja's are conducted this temple.

·        Kalasanthi - 07.30 A.m.

·        Sayaratchai - 05.30 P.m.

Festivals

Ramanujar Urchavam during Chithirai Month, Vaikasi Visakam, Nammalvar Urchavam during Vaikasi Month, Thiruvaimozhi Edu Urchavam during Aani Month, Thiruvaadipooram Kalayana Urchavam & Gajendra Moksham during Aadi Month, Krishna Jayanthi, Purattasi Saturdays, Navarathri, Karthikai Deepam, Vaikunda Ekadesi and Panguni Uthram are the festivals celebrated in this Temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located in Govindan Street, West Mambalam, Chennai. The Temple is on the main road near Mettupalayam Bus Stop. The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Ayodhya Mandapam, 1 Km from Ashok Pillar, 1.5 Kms from Saidapet Railway Station, 1.5 Kms from Mambalam Railway Station, 1.5 Kms from Ashok Nagar Metro Station, 2 Kms from T Nagar Bus Terminus, 4 Kms from Guindy, 2.5 Kms from T Nagar, 13 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 8 Kms from Koyambedu Mofussil Bus Terminus, 9 Kms from Egmore Railway Station and 10 Kms from Chennai Airport.

West Mambalam is served by Mambalam Railway station (the busiest station after Chennai Central, Egmore and Tambaram), providing access to Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore and Tambaram. The nearest bus terminus is T. Nagar. The bus service connects the area to K.K. Nagar, Vadapalani, Iyappanthangal, Poonamallee, T. Nagar and Broadway (via Postal Colony), Mylapore and Vallalar Nagar (via Rangarajapuram) and Saligramam (via Brindavan Street), West Saidapet and Besant Nagar (via Mettupalayam). Other less frequent services connect the area to Taramani, Guindy Industrial Estate, Pattabiram, Tollgate and Kundrathur. Addition to that Small bus operated between Ashok Pillar to Liberty via 4th and 7th avenue of Ashok Nagar, Ayodhya Mandapam, Rangarajapuram. Nearest Metro Rail Station is Ashok Nagar.

Location

Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai

Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai

Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located in Besant Nagar in the City of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Temple is situated just opposite the Besant Nagar Bus Depot. The specialty of the temple is Ganapathy Homam is being conducted every day.

History

The first Kumbhabhishekam of the temple after extension activity was held in April 1979 before which the idol was being worshiped at a site opposite to the present site of the temple, within the CPWD Quarters compound. In fact, in the sanctum sanctorum, we see the idol of Valampuri Varasiddhi Vinayakar with Consort Siddhi held at his left. Over this idol, we see a small Ganesh Idol. This was the original idol that was being worshipped at the original site.

The Temple

Presiding Deity of the temple is Varasiddhi Vinayaka. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses the idol of Valampuri Varasiddhi Vinayakar along with his consort Siddhi on his left side. Another miniature idol of Ganesha that was originally worshipped is installed above the present main idol. Stucco images of 32 forms of Vinayaka can be seen in the Mahamandapam of the Temple.

There are also shrines of Krishna, Dakshinamoorthy, Murugan and Durga in the Temple premises. The temple has an auditorium at the back of the praharam located on the eastern side. Musical programs are conducted by the temple administration in the auditorium during the festival of Vinayaka Chathurthi. The auditorium is also rented out to other organizations for conducting musical and cultural programs.

Poojas

Several special poojas are organised by the Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple attracting steams of pilgrims residing in the locality. Special days are also ascribed for specific poojas such as the Raghu Kala Pooja for Ambal are conducted on Tuesdays; Sahasranamam held on Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for special archana to Navagrahas. Besides these, Satyanarayana Pooja is conducted on full moon days, pooja is organized at Dakshinamurthy Sannathi on Pradosham days and special offerings are given at Balasubramanya Sannathi on kiruthigai days.

Pooja Timings

Pooja Details	Timings
Viswaroopa Darshanam	06.00 A.M
Manthra Pushpam and Archanas	08.30 A.M
Evening Manthra Pushpam	07.00 P.M

Contact

Varasiddhi Vinayagar Temple

E-96/A, 3rd Avenue

Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600 090

Phone: +91 44 2446 4062

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Besant Nagar Bus Terminus, 1 Km from Besant Nagar Beach, 3 Kms from Indira Nagar Railway Station, 3.5 Kms from Thiruvanmiyur Railway Station, 7 Kms from Little Mount Metro Station, 14 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 14 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 17 Kms from Koyambedu Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and 16 Kms from Chennai Airport. Besant Nagar is well connected to all parts of Chennai by all means of Transport.

Location

References

http://www.besantnagarvinayagartemple.tnhrce.in/

Ratnagiriswarar Temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai

Ratnagiriswarar Temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai

Ratnagiriswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Besant Nagar in the Chennai City. Presiding Deity is called as Ratnagiriswarar and Mother is called as Aralakesi. This temple is located close to Besant Nagar Beach and Ashta Lakshmi Temple.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2019/04/ratnagiriswarar-temple-besant-nagar-history.html

The Temple

This is a west facing Temple with five tiered small Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Ratnagiriswarar and is facing west. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. It is said that the Lingam was found in the seashore of Thiruvanmiyur, a nearby locality. Nardana Vinayaga, Dhakshina Moorthi, Vishnu, Brahma and Durga are found as Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls, Lord Ratnagiriswarar faces West as similar to Mylapore Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Thiruvanmiyur Marundeeswarar Temple.

Another very special feature of this temple is that the Siva Linga is installed exactly opposite to the Rudra Bhoomi (the cremation ground in Besant Nagar). Mother is called as Aralakesi. She is housed in a separate shrine. There are shrines for Ratna Vinayaga (this Vinayaka Idol was originally worshipped by Ramana Maharishi at Thiruvannamalai), Adi Sankara, Ratna Subramanya with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Nalvar (Tirugnanasambandar, Appar, Sundarar and Manikkavacakar), Nataraja with his consort Shiva Kama Sundari, Kothanda Rama, Anjaneya, Chandikeswara and Navagraha in the Temple premises.

The Vimanams in this temple are unique in their appearance – the Swami Vimanam consists of five tiers, the Ambal Vimanam consists of 3 tiers, Sri Ramar Sannadhi Vimanam of 2 tiers, indicating the significance of manthra-thrishta vimanams – Panchakshara for Sri Ratnagiriswarar Vimanam, Arthabhala mantra of Sri Ambal and Dhvaya mantra for Vishnu (Sri Kothandaramar). Further, the Vimanam for Sri Subramaniar is in line with that of Tiruchendur, Sri Anjaneyar is in line with that of Maharashtra, Adi Sankara’s Vimanam similar to that of one in Kaladi and the Vimanam of Sri Kothanda Ramar similar to the one in Srirangam temple.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 5.00 PM to 9.00 PM.

Rituals & Poojas

The Rahukala Pooja in the temple conducted under the auspices of Durga Mandali (a ladies' wing of Bhaktha Mandali) attracts a very large number of women devotees every Tuesday during Rahukalam. Every day, the rituals in the temple are performed with Vedic recital by a band of over 25 dedicated and well-read Vedic scholars who had occupied distinguished positions in several walks of life. This is a special feature of this temple. The Abhishekams etc. are performed daily amidst chanting of Rudram, Chamaka etc.

Festivals

Maha Shivarathri, Sarada Navarathri, Rama Navami Mahotsavam, Aashada Mahotsavam, Arudra Darshanam, Annabishekam, Monthly Pradoshams etc. are celebrated here.

Contact

Ratnagiriswarar Temple

#1, 6th Cross Street,

Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600 090

Phone: +91 44 2491 0405

Email: bhakthamandali_regd@hotmail.com

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Besant Nagar Bus Terminus, 1 Km from Ashtalakshmi Temple, 1 Km from Besant Nagar Beach, 3 Kms from Indira Nagar Railway Station, 3 Kms from Thiruvanmiyur Railway Station, 7 Kms from Little Mount Metro Station, 14 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 14 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 17 Kms from Koyambedu Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and 16 Kms from Chennai Airport. Besant Nagar is well connected to all parts of Chennai by all means of Transport. In the main Besant Nagar M.G. Road, while traveling towards Elliot’s Beach, take a left turn immediately after the RBI Quarters to reach this Temple.

Location

References

http://www.rathnagiriswarar.org/

Ratnagiriswarar Temple, Besant Nagar – History

Ratnagiriswarar Temple, Besant Nagar – History

In 1969 the residents of Besant Nagar formed a Society and later registered it under the Societies Registration Act in 1972 under the name 'Bhaktha Mandali”. Residents of Besant Nagar approached Sri Paramacharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt to seek his blessings for constructing a small temple. He blessed the project and foretold that the devotees would find a Shivalinga in the seashore off Thiruvanmiyur coast. He directed that this idol could be installed and a temple can be constructed with this Linga. After a search for over three months, the devotees found the Siva Linga.

Sri Mahadeva Iyer (father of Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt in his poorvashrama) helped the devotees in retrieving the idol from the seashore and brought it to Besant Nagar. Sri Mahakalikudi Ramanatha Swamigal installed on the sacred day of Maha Shivarathri on the 7^th March 1970, the Shivalinga at the place where the temple stands now. Sri Paramacharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt named the Siva Linga as 'Sri Ratnagiriswarar' and asked the devotees to construct a temple with his consort 'Sri Aralakesi'.

Sri Paramacharya instructed that the temple should be constructed in line with the ancient temple at the Ayyarmalai in Kulitalai in Trichy District. The first Kumbabishekam for the temple was performed in 1975 by His Holiness Sri Shankaracharya Swamigal of Sakatapuram Mutt, who also performed the second Kumbabishekam in 1978. Ashtabandhana Maha Kumbabishekam was performed on 14-9-86 in the immediate presence of His Holiness Swami Paramarthananda (disciple of Swami Dayananda Saraswathi). On the last day of the Mandalabhishekam Jagadguru Bharathi Theertha Maha Swamigal, Sannidhanam of Sringeri Mutt, was present and blessed the devotees.

A new Rajagopurarn has now been constructed as per the directions and guidance of Sri Paramacharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt. It has five tiers and is 40 feet high. Padmasri M. Muthiah Sthapathy, a World-renowned Sthapathy, has constructed this Rajagopuram. The Maha Kumbabishekam for the newly constructed Rajagopuram was conducted on the 18^th June 1992, by Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt.

Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai

Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar, Chennai

Ashtalakshmi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, located in Besant Nagar in the City of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Temple lies on the Bay of Bengal shorelines near the Elliot's beach, in Chennai. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, and her eight primary forms – the Ashtalakshmi – the giver of all eight forms of wealth, namely, offspring, success, prosperity, wealth, courage, bravery, food, and knowledge. The sanctums are depicted on a multi-tier complex in such a way that visitors could visit all the shrines without stepping over any of the sanctums.

Ashta Lakshmis are always depicted and worshipped in a group in temples. The eight forms of the goddess are Aadhi Lakshmi (primary one), Dhanya Lakshmi (grains and agriculture), Dhana Lakshmi (for money and gold), Gaja Lakshmi (with elephants and giver of animal wealth and power), Santana Lakshmi (giver of progeny), Veera Lakshmi (valorous one), Dhairya Lakshmi (bestows courage and strength for overcoming difficulties in life), Vijaya Lakshmi (victorious one) and Vidya Lakshmi (bestows knowledge of arts and sciences). 

Legends

The Vedas and Puranas say that Goddess Lakshmi has emerged out of the ocean when the Devas and Asuras churned the Milky Ocean. Mahavishnu married her. Goddess Lakshmi is the deity who grants the eightfold achievements (Ashtama Siddhis) and eightfold wealth (Ashta Ishwaryams). As both Mahavishnu and Mahalakshmi (with her eight forms) reside in this temple it is known as the Ashtalakshmi Temple. It is befitting to have a temple constructed and consecrated on the shores facing the sea for Goddess Lakshmi whose birthplace is the sea.  

History

The temple was constructed on the wishes of Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal of Kanchi Mutt. The foundation was laid in January 1974 by public participation. The consecration of the temple took place on 5 April 1976 in the presence of the 44^th guru of the Ahobila Mutt Vedhantha Desika Yatheendhra Mahadhesikan Swami. In 2012, the temple was renovated at a cost of Rs 7 million. Another Rs 1.6 million was spent on conducting the Jeernotharana Ashtabandhana Mahakumbabishekam, a Hindu ceremony. A total of 32 kalasams were newly laid in the temple, including a gold-plated 5.5-foot-high kalasam atop the sanctum sanctorum.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2019/04/ashtalakshmi-temple-besant-nagar-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 6.30 a.m to 12 Noon and 4.00 p.m to 8.30 p.m. Morning Hours will be extended up to 12.30 p.m on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.

Pooja Timings

It is noteworthy that the Aarukala Puja system (six pujas a day) is strictly followed in the temple as per Vedic rules.  Only ghee is used for lighting lamps.

S. No	Pooja Details	Timings
1	Suprabhatham	6.30 a.m.
2	Vishwaroopa Dharshan	7.00 a.m
3	Kalasanthi	8.00 a.m
4	Uchikalam (Noon Pooja)	12 Noon
5	Sayaratchai (Evening)	6.00 p.m
6	Iravu Pooja (Night)	7.30 p.m
7	Arthajama Pooja	8.30 p.m

Festivals

Navaratri, Pavitra Utsavam, Dhanur Masa Pooja, Gokulastami, Deepavali, karthigai Deepam, English New Year, Pongal, Tamil New year are the festivals celebrated here. 10 days of Navaratri festival in Purattasi (September-October) is celebrated in a grand manner and draws huge crowds of devotees. The images of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are decorated with different Alankaras (adornments) on each day. Deepavali Lakshmi Puja (October-November) is an auspicious day for devotees to come to this temple and pray for prosperity. Lakshmi Puja is an important part of the Diwali celebrations, especially for North Indians and businessmen. Special pujas are performed on Thai Fridays (January-February) and Aadi Fridays (July-August) that are dedicated to goddesses and women.

Prayers

Mother Mahalakshmi ensures a happy and prosperous life to her devotees. Each Lakshmi has her own special blessings.  Mother Adi Lakshmi grants health, Dhanya Lakshmi freedom from hunger, Dhairya Lakshmi courage and self-confidence, Gajalakshmi all prosperities, Santhana Lakshmi Child boon, Vijaya Lakshmi victory in all endeavors, Vidya Lakshmi knowledge and wisdom and Dhanalakshmi wealth. Devotees perform abishek, offer vastras to Lord and Mother and distribute Nivedhanas to other devotees visiting the temple.

Contact

Mahalakshmi Temple,

Besant Nagar,

Chennai – 600 090

Phone: +91 44 2491 7777 / 2446 6777 / 2491 1763

Email: mahalakshmitemple015@gmail.com

Web: www.ashtalakshmitemple.tnhrce.in

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple, 700 meters from Besant Nagar Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Pamban Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi, 3 Kms from Indira Nagar Railway Station, 3.5 Kms from Thiruvanmiyur Railway Station, 7 Kms from Little Mount Metro Station, 14 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 14 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 17 Kms from Koyambedu Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and 16 Kms from Chennai Airport. Besant Nagar is well connected to all parts of Chennai by all means of Transport. While going from Besant Nagar Bus Stop to Kalakshetra Colony, turn left at the police booth and then turn left (the opposite right turn leads to Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple). Autos are available from bus terminus to reach this Temple.

Location | Photos

References

http://ashtalakshmitemple.tnhrce.in/

http://indiancolumbus.blogspot.com/2018/03/ashta-lakshmi.html

https://veludharan.blogspot.com/2017/10/ashta-lakshmi-temple-at-besant-nagar.html